New Westminster residents will soon be able to safely commute near the Queensborough bridge by foot, bicycle or other modes of active transportation.
The B.C. government recently granted the city $500,000 to construct a multi-use pathway along Boyd Street, set to provide a "vital" east-west connection for cyclists and pedestrians.
The 1.5 km path will also be an extension of TransLink's Major Bikeway Network, which will result in another key avenue between New West and neighbouring Richmond.
Richmond-Queensborough MLA Aman Singh called the multi-use pathway "a significant step toward enhancing active transportation" in the region.
"By prioritizing sustainable modes of travel, we are not only improving mobility but also contributing to a healthier and more environmentally friendly community," he said in a news release last Monday, March 25.
The six-figure investment, from a pot of $24 million, comes from the province's Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program. The half-million was also the maximum funding a project could receive.
New West's Boyd Street pathway was one of 59 projects approved across B.C. aiming to create safer transportation networks for residents that choose active transit.
"The grants will make it easier and safer for people to choose active transportation to get to work, school, shopping, or other destinations in their communities," the province's statement added.
"The Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program supports the Province’s CleanBC commitment to increase shares of trips by walking, cycling and transit."