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VICTORIA
– Canada’s longest wooden trestle,
the historic Kinsol wooden railway structure, will be replaced by a new
structure that is safe for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy, as a result of
more than $1.6 million in provincial LocalMotion funding, Premier Gordon
Campbell announced.
“By replacing this structure, we’re completing a vital
link in a trail that will stretch from Victoria to Lake Cowichan and beyond,”
said Campbell. “It’s been more than a quarter century since trains have used
this track but through the LocalMotion program we are breathing new life into
this trail, providing an important tourist attraction and recreational route
linking major population centres on southern Vancouver Island through to the
Cowichan Valley.”
Assessments
have concluded that the 38-metre-high Kinsol Trestle has fallen into a state of
disrepair and presents a liability risk to the public and the environment. The
funding announced today supplements the $1.5 million the Ministry of
Transportation has already committed to dismantle the trestle, the first step
in building the new structure. The new structure will be constructed from wood
and reflect the heritage of the original Kinsol Trestle.
“We’ve been looking at getting this project
on track for a number of years and this LocalMotion funding will now kick-start
the replacement process,” said Jack Peake, chair of the Cowichan Valley
Regional District. “The trestle is a key element in our regional trail system
and this provincial funding will help with the
rebuilding of the trestle for the
enjoyment and use of locals and visitors alike.”
The
Kinsol trestle is one of 27 projects announced to date from the LocalMotion
program, which will provide $40 million over the coming four years for capital
projects that provide alternative transportation options to improve physical
fitness and safety, reduce air pollution and conserve energy. Applications
continue to be accepted for the cost-share program under which the Province is
providing local governments with up to 50 per cent of the funding for approved
projects.
LocalMotion is one of four new Green Cities programs announced 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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For more information on the
LocalMotion program visit http://www.localmotion.gov.bc.ca/
online.
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contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218 |
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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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