Four active transportation research and planning projects are moving forward after an investment of $582,000 from the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia, and Vélo Canada Bikes.

“Taking the time to research and plan for active transportation will inform the success of future projects. These four projects will ensure future active transportation initiatives in Nova Scotia are cost-effective, safer and aligned with existing infrastructure.”

Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Active transportation is an important component of our work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make clean transportation options an easy choice for people. We are pleased to help fund projects which will help us achieve our climate change goals.”

The Honourable Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables

“Significant investments in cycling and walking infrastructure create more liveable and equitable communities. The challenge is that local decision makers don’t always have the tools they need to make informed investment decisions. This is why Vélo Canada Bikes is supporting the creation of a Shorthand Cost Benefit Analysis Tool for Active Transportation which will be made publicly available to communities across Canada.” 

Samuel Benoit, Executive Director, Vélo Canada Bikes

“The Saint Mary’s University community is ready to play our part and foster active transportation options that will benefit our campus and the wider Halifax Regional Municipality. We are very pleased to receive funding and participate in Canada’s Active Transportation Strategy. Through these partnerships we will build larger networks and safer environments for healthy, sustainable transportation options.”

Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University 

• The federal government is investing $200,000 through the Active Transportation Fund — Vélo Canada Bikes, Saint Mary’s University, the Halifax Regional Municipality, and Cycling Nova Scotia will each receive $50,000. 

• The Cycling Nova Scotia project is receiving $305,000 from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables and $72,000 from the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. 

• Vélo Canada Bikes is contributing $5,000 to their project.

• Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity. This includes walking, cycling, and using human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.

• In support of Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy, the Active Transportation Fund is providing $400 million over five years, starting in 2021, to make travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable.

• Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy is the country’s first coast-to-coast-to-coast strategic approach for promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy’s aim is to make data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and expanded active transportation networks and to create safe environments for more equitable, healthy, active and sustainable travel options to thrive.

• The funding announced today builds on the federal government's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying middle-class jobs, strengthen local economies, and build inclusive communities.

Related products

• The federal government invests in active transportation research and planning in the Halifax Regional Municipality

Associated links

• Active Transportation Fund
• National Active Transportation Strategy
• Strengthened Climate Plan
• Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia

For more information (media only), please contact:

Micaal Ahmed
Communications Manager
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
343-598-3920
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
Web: Infrastructure Canada

Patricia Jreige
Communications advisor
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
902-718-7866
patricia.jreige@novscotia.ca

Kimberly Nelson
Vélo Canada Bikes
403-889-8866
communications@velocanadabikes.org

Margaret Murphy
Associate VP External Affairs
Saint Mary’s University
902-229-2264 
Margaret.Murphy@smu.ca

Laura Wright
Public Affairs Advisor
Halifax Regional Municipality
902-943-1208
wrightl@halifax.ca

Ethan Malech
Active Transportation Planner/Designer
Cycling Nova Scotia
emalech@sportnovascotia.ca
403-601-9127