NIVERVILLE, MB, June 27,
2024 /CNW/ - Communities across Manitoba are upgrading their active
transportation networks and rural public transit options after
investment of more than $1 million
from the federal government.
The Town of Niverville is
building a new sidewalk and two new sections of asphalt bike path.
This project will allow residents to easily walk or bike between
the town's residential and commercial areas.
The Municipalities of Glenboro-South Cypress and Oakland
Wawanesa will purchase two new accessible buses. In addition, the
Municipalities of Teulon,
Argyle, and Piney, as well as Buffalo Point First Nation,
are getting new transit vans and accessible buses. The new
accessible vehicles will help those with limited mobility better
get around their communities. In the rural municipalities of West
Interlake, Grahamdale and
Coldwell, a new vehicle and garage will enhance the existing
transit services and expand the medical shuttle network.
Studies and transit plans are being funded in Berens River First Nation and for a group of
municipalities in southwestern Manitoba, including Piney and La
Broquerie, to explore new ways to improve transportation
networks and connect Manitobans safely to the essential services
and connections they need in the communities where they work, live,
and play.
Quotes
"By investing in transportation infrastructure and services in
rural communities in Manitoba,
we're broadening access to essential resources and helping
Manitobans get to where they need to go more quickly."
The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs,
PrairiesCan and CanNor, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser,
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
"The Town of Niverville is
grateful to be provided this funding by Housing, Infrastructure and
Communities Canada. Active transportation is very important to the
health and wellbeing of the residents of Niverville, and this funding will contribute
to that by helping the Town complete our commercial path and active
transportation network. It will connect our residential
developments together, help promote active living and community
connection, and encourage residents to get out and enjoy our
beautiful town."
His Worship Myron Dyck, Mayor of the Town of Niverville
"The Glenboro-South Cypress-Oakland-Wawanesa Handi-Transit
(GSCOW) is a not-for-profit organization, set up to provide
much-needed Handi-Transit services to seniors and others in the
area. The funding received from the RTSF makes it possible for us
to replace our worn-out buses and to continue to offer this vital
service.
With deepest gratitude and appreciation, we extend our sincerest
thanks for the RTSF grant supporting our Handi-Transit services for
residents in our small rural southwest Manitoba community. The grant fuels not just
transportation, but the very essence of connectivity, bridging
distances and bringing empowerment to those often overlooked.
Together, we pave the path for inclusivity and equality in every
mile traveled."
Bob McDonald, Chair of
Glenboro-South Cypress-Oakland-Wawanesa Handi-Transit
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $1,051,329 in these projects through the Active
Transportation Fund (ATF) and the Rural Transit Solutions Fund.
Municipal governments are contributing $159,496, while the Province of Manitoba is providing $7,500. Other sources are also providing
$160,064 in support of these
projects.
- Active Transportation Fund (ATF) :
-
- Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods
powered by human activity. It includes walking, cycling and the use
of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs,
scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and
more.
- The 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, while supporting
equitable, healthy, active, and sustainable travel options.
- 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.
- Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF) :
-
- The RTSF helps support public transit in rural and remote
communities.
- The RTSF's Capital Projects stream helps cover capital costs
like purchasing vehicles or digital platforms, as well as support
for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles.
- The RTSF's Planning and Design Projects continuous intake
remains open. Through this stream, eligible applicants can receive
a grant up to $50,000 in support of a
communities' projects to plan and design a new or expanded transit
solution for their communities. Some examples of eligible Planning
and Design Projects activities are assessment of routes and modes
of travel, feasibility studies, public and stakeholder engagement
and surveys.
- A minimum of 10% of RTSF's funding is allocated to projects
that benefit Indigenous populations and communities.
- The RTSF complements Canada's
strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy
Economy. Through the plan the federal government has committed to
providing federal funding for public transit in support of making
clean and affordable transportation available in every
community.
-
- As the world moves towards a net-zero economy, people living
and working on the Prairies are taking action and are leading to
take advantage of growing economic development opportunities.
- On December 18, 2023, the federal
government launched the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy,
which highlights the need for a collaborative, region-specific
approach to sustainability, focusing on strengthening the
coordination of federal programs, and initiatives with significant
investments. This Framework is a first step in a journey that will
bring together multiple stakeholders. PrairiesCan, the federal
department that diversifies the economy across the Canadian
prairies, has dedicated $100 million
over three years to support projects aligned with priority areas
identified by Prairie stakeholders to build a stronger, more
sustainable, and inclusive economy for the Prairie provinces and
Canada.
- Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada is supporting
the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy to encourage greater
collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional
funding, and attract new investments across the Prairies that
better meet their needs.
Associated Links
Active Transportation Fund
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/trans/index-eng.html
National Active Transportation Strategy
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/trans/active-strat-actif-eng.html
Rural Transit Solutions Fund
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/rural-trans-rural/index-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Manitoba
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-mb-eng.html
Building a Green Prairie Economy Act
https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/B-9.88/page-1.html
Building a Green Prairie Economy
Green Prairie economy - Canada.ca
Backgrounder
https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2024/06/backgrounder-federal-government-invests-in-active-transportation-and-rural-transit-across-manitoba.html
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