Over one kilometre of sidewalk in Blind River has been upgraded after an investment of $300,000 from the federal government.
Mayor Sally Hagman says the investment provided through the Active Transportation Fund has allowed for a 1.3 kilometre stretch of sidewalk in Blind River to be brought to a safe and accessible standard that promotes Active Travel.
She adds the upgraded sidewalk is now connecting the community, providing an accessible route to local businesses and schools, and increasing pedestrian safety alongside Highway 17.
Hagman pointed out funding has allowed Blind River to consolidate over 10 years of sidewalk rehabilitation into one season.
The federal government invested $300,000 in the project through the Active Transportation Fund with the town investing just over $508,000.
Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity. It includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.
The National Active Transportation Strategy is the country’s first coast-to-coast-to-coast strategic approach for promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy’s aim is to make data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and expanded active transportation networks, while supporting equitable, healthy, active, and sustainable travel options.
Investing in active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits, such as creating good middle-class jobs, strengthening the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, ensuring everyone has access to the same services and opportunities, cutting air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
