Rotary Trail project connects Courtenay neighbourhoods
Courtenay, British Columbia, September 7, 2012 – A new section of pathway along the E & N Rail Corridor in Courtenay is now complete. This "Rail with Trail"
corridor between Cumberland Road and 17th Street provides a key route for pedestrians and cyclists in the Comox Valley.
"The Rotary Trail promotes healthy living in Courtenay and provides a safe, scenic and convenient pathway for cyclists and pedestrians,"
said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and MP for Vancouver Island North. "Our Government will continue to invest in local infrastructure as we focus on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in communities across Canada."
This extension builds on the first phase of the Rotary Trail, completed in 2011, bringing the total trail length to over one kilometre. The Courtenay Rotary Club provided funding for both phases of the project. The total cost of the first two phases of the pathway is $270,000, with the Government of Canada through the Gas Tax Fund, the City of Courtenay and the Rotary Club each contributing one-third of the cost.
"This project is going to be a huge benefit to our community,"
said Larry Jangula, Mayor of Courtenay. "This trail connects neighbourhoods, businesses and schools, and the longer we make it, the more convenient it becomes for people to use and really take advantage of it. We're very grateful that Gas Tax funding was available to help make it a reality."
The Island Corridor Foundation, the owner of the E & N Rail Corridor, has set a goal to expand multi-purpose use within the corridor, and is actively working with other local governments along the corridor to develop similar projects.
"This project has been an important part of Courtenay's vision for a healthier, greener and more family-friendly community for a number of years. The 'Rail with Trail' pathway will help keep cyclists and pedestrians safe, encourage people to leave their cars at home, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and connect many of Courtenay's amenities,"
said Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley. "As a result of the Gas Tax Fund and this partnership, the trail will become an important part of our community landscape and contribute to our legacy of sustainability and livability."
Canada's Gas Tax Fund provides stable, long-term funding to local governments to help them build and revitalize public infrastructure. In December 2011, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make the Gas Tax Fund a permanent annual investment of $2 billion per year. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC, in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.
"BC communities like Courtenay are expanding transportation options for local residents,"
said Heath Slee, President of UBCM. "We appreciate the support the Gas Tax Fund is providing to local government to build new roads, trails and pathways."
Investing in infrastructure is a key part of the Government of Canada's plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. To develop a new long-term infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is working with provinces, territories, municipalities through municipal associations and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as well as other key stakeholders in a series of roundtables. This plan will focus on investments that support job creation and economic growth, while building strong, prosperous communities across the country. Working together to develop this plan will provide new opportunities for all orders of government and the private sector to build partnerships to improve public infrastructure in Canada.
For additional information about investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with Web feeds, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
For further information about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
For additional information, please contact:
Geneviève Sicard
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Anne Guillo
Communications Coordinator
City of Courtenay
250-703-4858
Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250-953-3677
Paul Taylor
Relationships and Communications Advisor
UBCM
250-356-2938
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Or toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
