Ontario Helping to Expand Cycling Infrastructure and Improve Safety

Ontario to Help Improve Existing or Expand Cycling Infrastructure

– Cambridge, Ontario

Ontario is providing $975,000 to the Region of Waterloo over the next two years to help build new, or improve existing, cycling infrastructure through the Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program.

The City of Cambridge will receive $325,000 to construct a 2.2 kilometre cycling and walking path alongside Conestoga Boulevard, providing a dedicated, separated and safe cycling environment along a key transportation corridor.

The City of Waterloo will receive $325,000 to upgrade nearly 1 kilometre of a cycling and walking path through Waterloo Park. The new path will offer a safer and more accessible connection between the City’s two universities and destinations in Uptown Waterloo and will connect with the future Laurier-Waterloo Park light rail transit station under construction at the north end of the park.

And the City of Kitchener will receive $325,000 to improve about 1 kilometre of a cycling and walking path along Courtland Avenue. The path will be widened to provide enough space to accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians. The project will also eliminate an obstacle for cyclists by providing a safe route to travel underneath a bridge.

Last year, Ontario announced $10 million to help municipalities across the province improve cycling safety in their communities and invest in cycling infrastructure. Ontario is providing 50 per cent of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $325,000 and municipalities awarded funding under the Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program will begin receiving funds in April 2016.Eligible projects for funding included the installation or improvement of on-road cycling lanes, off-road cycling and walking paths, cycling-specific traffic signals and signs, active transportation bridges and bike racks.

The Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program is helping implement #CycleON: Ontario’s Cycling Strategy, the government’s 20-year vision to encourage the growth of cycling and improve safety for cyclists across the province.

Investing in cycling infrastructure is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

“This is great news for the Region of Waterloo. Investing in our local cycling infrastructure will help keep our cyclists safe and encourage more people to ride a bike. Cycling helps reduce congestion in our cities and is good for our environment and our health.” Kathryn McGarry, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation

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