Funding from the provincial government announced today will provide healthier options for getting around in Sooke.

Dan Coulter, Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit, joined Langford-Juan de Fuca MLA Ravi Parmar and Sooke Mayor Maja Tait at 脡cole Edward Poirier on Monday (March 25) to announce a $500,000 Active Transportation infrastructure grant for a multi-use trail and pathway that will provide a vital link between Sun River and Ravens Ridge Park that will connect with SookeB次元官网网址檚 downtown core.

The link will turn what was a four-kilometre commute along the highway through Sooke into a one-kilometre walk surrounded by nature.

Another grant in the same amount will provide improvements such as extended sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and bike lanes along Charters Road.

B次元官网网址淚 am thrilled and grateful to see the Active Transporation Infrastructure Grants program bolstering our communityB次元官网网址檚 efforts towards a more sustainable and active future,B次元官网网址� Tait said

The two projects will improve safety and foster a healthier, more connected and resilient community, Tait noted.

Parmar said people across the province are seeing tangible enhancements in their neighbourhoods through these grants.

B次元官网网址淧romoting active transportation isnB次元官网网址檛 just about roads and paths, itB次元官网网址檚 about fostering safer, healthier and more convenient lifestyles for everyone,B次元官网网址� Parmar said. B次元官网网址淏y investing in bike lanes, sidewalks and safe routes to schools and trail networks now, weB次元官网网址檙e laying the foundation for a safer, more interconnected future that benefits everyone.B次元官网网址�

Coulter said the grants enable communities to plan on a larger scale to address transportation challenges and provide more options for people to get around.

B次元官网网址淢ore people are choosing to walk, run and cycle each year,B次元官网网址� he noted.

Jen Temple, president of the 脡cole Edward Poirier Parents Advisory Council, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the projects.

The Little River multi-use trail connector will provide parents with a safe and healthy option for parents to get their kids to and from school, she added.

The funding is part of $24 million allotted to support active transportation infrastructure projects such as pathways, pedestrian bridges, and safety improvements for Indigenous, local, and regional governments across the province.