The City of Rossland will receive more than $233,000 from the province’s B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant.
The funds will go towards a new downtown covered bike parking structure with public washrooms, water bottle filling station and ebike charging outlets in Harry Lefevre Square.
“This is such exciting news for a much-needed public facility. Our residents, businesses and visitors alike will really appreciate the convenience of this multi-faceted structure readily accessible in the middle of our City core,” said Rossland Mayor Andy Morel. “Looking forward to seeing work begin this year.”
For several years, Rossland has been promoting their active transportation initiative, which includes developing the South Kootenay Green Links Trail, a bike/e-bike commuter friendly link between Rossland and Warfield, and ultimately Trail, Montrose and Fruitvale.
In 2021, the city received funds to upgrade the Wagon Road that connects Rossland to the Redstone community
“Thanks to city staff, previous and current Council members who have supported this project for some time now,” Morel added.
Projects approved to receive funding through the Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program include multi-use pathways, protected bike lanes, pedestrian bridges and regional connections, as well as lighting, sidewalks and other safety improvements.
For this intake period, $20 million in funding was budgeted, an increase of $8 million from the 2021-2022 funding cycle.
“Our government is committed to building livable communities and improving quality of life for people everywhere in this province,” said Dan Coulter, Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit. “These projects connect people and promote greater participation in society for people of all ages and abilities.”
The Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program supports the Province’s CleanBC commitment to increase shares of trips by walking, cycling and transit by 30 per cent by 2030.
“People in Rossland have asked for additional funding for green transportation in their community and our government is delivering,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West.
“This grant will provide more opportunities for residents to be active and connect with their community, all while reducing their carbon footprint.”