June 30, 2011
Province Invests $720,000 for New, Safe Trail in Southdale
– – –Province Receives Report on Active Transportation to Improve Safety of Families, Promote Healthy Living: Lemieux
The province is providing $720,000 for the construction of a new bike and walking path north of Shorehill Drive near Bishop Grandin Boulevard, to provide safe access through to Beaverhill Boulevard, Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux announced today.
“Having a dedicated trail for Southdale families along the greenway offers a safe route instead of using the nearby train tracks, which is a dangerous practice,” said Lemieux. “Because this project is a priority, the province is funding 100 per cent of the cost of this bike and walking path.”
The funding for the Shorehill trail is part of the $1.5 million the province committed for city bike paths in 2011. Overall, $6 million has been committed to city bike paths as part of the province’s five-year, $125-million investment in Winnipeg’s transportation infrastructure which includes roads, bridges and bike paths.
“There are several schools in this area and providing a path for these young people away from an active train line is vital,” said Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Erin Selby. “We teach recreation as a healthy lifestyle and encourage safe travel practices as people commute for fun or business purposes; now is the time for us to move forward with the infrastructure that will give access to both.”
Lemieux acknowledged and commended the province’s Active Transportation Advisory Committee for its thorough report, Greater Strides: Taking Action on Active Transportation. The report provides recommendations on expanding active transportation options for all Manitobans. He also thanked the committee for its work and noted the importance of investing in active transportation projects like the Shorehill trail.
“The province has made significant strides in raising the profile of active transportation in recent years and each step forward has a positive impact on the lives of Manitobans,” said Janice Lukes, chair of the Active Transportation Advisory Group. “The recommendations in this report provide a blueprint that will ensure Manitobans continue to realize the health and environmental benefits of active transportation."
In addition to the Shorehill trail, the province is funding various recreational and bike path renewal projects across the city in 2011 as well as consultation and design work for the St. Matthews to University of Winnipeg route, Riverside to Chevrier route and connections around the University of Manitoba.
It is expected the city will begin construction on the Shorehill trail this year.
A copy of Greater Strides: Taking Action on Active Transportation can be found at: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pdf/atag_report6.pdf.
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