Funding for Blue Route in Antigonish, Kentville and Port Hawkesbury
The Blue Route will be taking a big step forward in Nova Scotia towns in the next few years, with funding from the federal, provincial and municipal governments. For the past few years, Bicycle Nova Scotia has been working with municipalities across the province on the Blue Route Hubs project, to complete bike network plans that connect residents with the places they want to go, and link to the provincial Blue Route network. Bicycle Nova Scotia is excited to see funding for implementation of the Hubs network in both Antigonish and Port Hawkesbury and are looking forward to having infrastructure designed by cyclists, for cyclists.
$3.9 million for Antigonish
The Town of Antigonish is implementing a two kilometre active transportation spine connecting Highway 104 to Adam Street along West Street, St. Ninian Street, through Columbus Field and along Main Street. This design for this corridor in Antigonish was completed as part of Bicycle Nova Scotia’s Blue Route Hubs project. While this portion will not complete the Blue Route through Antigonish, it is a key connector to enable residents in Antigonish to travel by bike.
“The town’s municipal planning strategy and active living strategy highlight council’s long-term commitment to active transportation and making it a more attractive, safe, and accessible option for the most experienced cyclists, families traveling with strollers or young children on their bikes. This corridor project will connect the town and county’s active transportation networks and puts Antigonish on the provincial Blue Route map, giving people one more reason to visit our wonderful community.”
Her Worship Laurie Boucher, Mayor of Antigonish
$3 million for Port Hawkesbury
Bicycle Nova Scotia has been working with the Town of Port Hawkesbury on the Blue Route Hubs Project over the past year. With this funding the Town will be implementing some key connections to complete the Blue Route through Town, including 2.5km on Granville Street along the waterfront, and an off-road path to Tamarac Drive. In total, the network will consist of approximately seven kilometres of active transportation infrastructure.
“Increasing safe, accessible active transportation options helps to reduce emissions by encouraging people to keep their cars at home.”
The Honourable Lloyd Hines, Minister of Transportation and Active Transportation Minister, on behalf of Energy and Mines Minister, the Honourable Chuck Porter
$3.6 million for Kentville
The network in Kentville will consist of
approximately 21 active transportation (AT) lanes, pathways, and crossings, completing Kentville’s minimum grid for cyclists and pedestrians in the downtown core. It will also provide an important connection of the Harvest Moon Trail through downtown Kentville, which will complete the Blue Route, and facilitate access of Blue Route users to local amenities and attractions.
“Completing Kentville’s active transportation network will help the province achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and make clean transportation options the easy and healthy choice for residents.”
The Honourable Keith Irving, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MLA for Kings South, on behalf of Energy and Mines Minister Chuck Porter
BNS is excited to see this work move forward, thanks to leadership at all three levels of government.