Walk, Run or Ride on Rails with Trails

News Release

Pathway opens for National Health and Fitness Day thanks to federal Gas Tax Fund and BikeBC

June 7, 2014 – Kelowna, British Columbia – Infrastructure Canada

Phase Two of the Rails with Trails pathway was opened today in Kelowna as part of the celebration for National Health and Fitness Day. This project completes a vital link in the existing network of active transportation corridors, helping residents get off the road for recreation or their daily commute.

The 4.5-metre wide pathway extends the existing pathway an extra 1.5 kilometres east, from Spall Road to Dilworth Drive, building on the success of the first phase of Rails with Trails, which runs from Gordon Drive to Spall Road.

The trail links employment hubs, such as downtown and the Landmark buildings, to where people live. It also connects neighbourhoods and town centres to many of the city's recreational amenities. Future phases of the project will include a pathway that connects Kelowna's downtown and cultural district to the University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna International Airport and beyond.

The Government of Canada is providing $1.46 million through the federal Gas Tax Fund, and the Government of British Columbia is providing $1.52 million through BikeBC toward this nearly $3 million infrastructure project.

Quick facts

The Government of Canada provides $253,276,892 in annual funding for municipal infrastructure in British Columbia through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC, in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.
Since 2006, the federal Gas Tax Fund has made over $33 million available to the City of Kelowna.
Cycling is a key component of the BC government's strategy for encouraging healthy living and addressing climate change, in conjunction with the Climate Action Plan and the Provincial Transit Plan.
BikeBC is a cost-sharing program between the Government of BC and local governments. Since 2001, the Government of British Columbia has committed over $150 million to cycling infrastructure, creating new cycling lanes and trails in over 90 communities.

Quotes

"This new section of Kelowna's Rails with Trails multi-use path is a great addition to the region's active transportation network, which residents and visitors will be able to enjoy for years to come. Today's official opening is an excellent example of our Government's commitment to investing in infrastructure projects that promote sustainable growth and build strong, liveable communities."

- The Honourable Nancy Greene Raine, Senator

"This ongoing project is a wonderful way to promote active transportation, such as cycling, and contribute to safer streets in the Kelowna region. Our Government is pleased to support this project, which promotes an active, healthy lifestyle for all citizens."

- Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna—Lake Country

"Our investment in cycling infrastructure is building healthier communities and environments throughout the province. The opening of Phase Two of the Rails with Trails bike path will not only help residents of the Central Okanagan embrace a healthier lifestyle, it provides a clean transportation option that promotes a healthier, greener future for all British Columbians."

- Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and MLA for Kelowna—Mission

"It seems appropriate to open the trail as part of National Health and Fitness Day. With this section of the pathway complete, there is a continuous 19.5 kilometre ring of off-road pathways in and around our city centre. Urban trails like these help get our community active by providing safe recreation and transportation routes for people of all ages and abilities."

- Walter Gray, Mayor, City of Kelowna

"Kelowna's Rails with Trails project is expanding commuting and recreational travel options within the City. I appreciate the support provided through the federal Gas Tax Fund for infrastructure that encourages active living for residents and visitors to Kelowna."

- Rhona Martin, UBCM President

Associated links

To learn more about the Rails with Trails project.
For more information about BikeBC.
See how the federal Gas Tax Fund provides long-term funding to help local governments build and revitalize their local infrastructure.
For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan.
Consult Canada's Economic Action Plan to learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy.

Contacts

Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838

Tom Wilson
Communications Supervisor
City of Kelowna
250-469-8663

Robert Adam
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250-356-8241

Paul Taylor
Director of Communications
UBCM
250-356-2938

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada

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Walk, Run or Ride on Rails with Trails

News Release

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