Active Transportation Network Groundbreaking

Construction Begins on Active Transportation Route

Just in time for GoByBike week, MLA Nicholas Simons, Mayor Henderson and students from West Sechelt Elementary dug golden shovels into the ground to kick off construction of Sechelt’s newest active transportation route and expansion. Active transportation is human-powered transportation such as walking, running, cycling and rolling.

"When we make it safe and easy for people to walk or cycle, we create more accessible, better connected, and more liveable communities. I’m pleased to see the next stretch of construction on this project get underway to complete the route around Sechelt and provide people with more options to get around. The Government of Canada is committed to investing in active transportation projects like this, which reduce congestion, encourage healthier modes of travel, and move us closer to reaching our emissions goals." - Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country

The paths can be used for people walking, running, cycling, as well as mobility scooters, strollers and more. Once complete, this network will easily connect West Sechelt Elementary and Kinnikinnick Elementary schools. 

“We know students, families and people of all ages will choose to get around by active transportation when there are safe sidewalks, crosswalks and paths in their neighbourhoods,” says Nicholas Simon, MLA Powell River-Sunshine Coast. “This is a great example of how shared planning and vision can connect schools, people and communities.”

Local contractor, Maycon Construction Management will conduct the following project work:

• Raised sidewalk and bike path on Mason Road from Highway 101 to Norwest Bay Road;
• Raised crosswalk with pedestrian-controlled flashing lights at Norvan Road and Mason Road;
• Multi-use path on Mason Road between Norwest Bay Road and Reeves Road;
• Path improvements on Reeves Road from Mason Road to Crowston Trail;
• Path improvements on Crowston Trail, including a section of trail on Ripple Way;
• Active Transportation path on Ripple Way from Kinnikinnick Elementary School to Kinnikinnick Park;
• Installation of drainage and culverts as required;
• Design and engineering of Burnett Road multi-use pathway, from the ocean to Sechelt Inlet Road to prepare for future construction; and,
• Design and engineering for an active transportation corridor on Sechelt Inlet Road from Burnett Road to the provincial park boundary to prepare for future construction.

“As a leader for green initiatives, improving our roads and trails to create safe, healthy and accessible ways for people to get around our community makes perfect sense for Sechelt,” says John Henderson, Mayor of Sechelt. “This network will benefit people of all ages, from babies in strollers to seniors on mobility aids, along with kids and families walking to and from school every day.”

The total project cost of $4.38 million comes from all three levels of government as follows:

• $3.24 million from the provincial and federal Covid 19 Resilient Communities Grant
• $900,000 from BC’s Growing Communities Grant
• $135,000 from the District of Sechelt
• $110,000 from BC’s Climate Action Program

 Find out more about this exciting project at yoursaysechelt.ca/active-transportation-network.