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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VICTORIA – Twenty-six communities across British Columbia are receiving $17.3 million in provincial funding, through the first round of the LocalMotion program, to build bicycle paths, trails and walkways, support community playgrounds and improve accessibility for people with disabilities, announced Community Services Minister Ida Chong. LocalMotion is part of the Province’s Green Cities project, aimed at making B.C. communities greener and healthier places to live, with reduced greenhouse gases, improved air quality and increased energy conservation.
“Today we give our green cities a
jump-start by making a major investment in walking and cycling infrastructure,”
said Chong. “By getting British Columbians out of their cars and moving on
their own steam, LocalMotion supports our goal of reducing greenhouse gas
emissions by 33 per cent by 2020 and is part of our strategy to challenge local
governments to create compact, pedestrian-friendly communities that better meet
the needs of seniors, young families and all of us in British Columbia.”
LocalMotion is providing $40
million, over four years, for capital projects that provide alternate
transportation options, to improve physical fitness and safety, reduce air
pollution and conserve energy. Under the cost-share program, the Province is
providing local governments with up to 50 per cent of the funding for approved
projects.
“We are taking action on climate change by supporting viable forms of
transportation that reduce congestion on our roads and build a cleaner
environment,” said Kevin Falcon, Minister of Transportation. “This
supports our government’s Pacific Leadership Agenda, which includes tackling the
challenges of global warming and unplanned urban sprawl.”
LocalMotion is one of four new Green Cities programs announced by
Premier Gordon Campbell at the 2006 Union of B.C. Municipalities annual
conference. These include the Towns for Tomorrow program, providing
infrastructure funding for B.C.’s smaller communities, B.C. Spirit Squares,
aimed at creating or enhancing outdoor public celebration spaces and the Green
City Awards to recognize local
governments that are leading the way in British Columbia, providing for
greener, healthier communities for their citizens.
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Ministry of Community Services 250 356-6334 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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