Port Coquitlam is getting $498,000 from the provincial government to help construct a new multi-use path in an industrial part of the city.
The 1.5 km route along Kingsway Avenue, between the Coast Meridian overpass and Kebet Way, is part of more upgrades to the busy transportation corridor.
The work includes widening the road to include a shared centre turn lane, improvements to intersections and a new sidewalk on the south side of Kingsway, as well as the installation of streetlights, trees, transit shelters and benches.
The money is coming from the province’s active transportation infrastructure grants program that is spending $24 million on 80 projects like protected bike lanes, pedestrian bridges and safety improvements around B.C.
Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth said the multi-use path will help improve the city’s vibrancy and livability.
“Residents will be able to get around safely, whether they are out walking the dog or bicycling to work,” he said in a statement.
Laura Jane, the executive director of advocacy group HUB Cycling, said the provincial government’s increased commitment to spend money on active transportation projects is a step in the right direction and will help fill in some of the gaps along routes that prevent people from considering alternate ways to get around rather than driving their car.
“More and more local governments see the benefits of building bikeable, walkable communities,” she said.
“The return on investment will be significant because when more people bike for transportation, we see improved health outcomes, as well as reductions in air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, congestion and crashes.”
