Underpass provides safe link to trail system in Quesnel

Quesnel, British Columbia, September 22, 2009 – A new cycling and pedestrian underpass will connect commuters in South Quesnel with the trail network leading to the downtown core. The underpass, located at the top of Dragon Lake Hill near Racing Road on Highway 97 South, received a total of $1.08 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund, the provincial LocalMotion Fund, and the provincial Public Transit Infrastructure Program. The funding covered 100 per cent of the construction costs for the project.

“Our Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper, understands the importance of supporting environmentally friendly infrastructure that creates jobs and stimulates our economy,” said Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George. “This new cycling and pedestrian underpass will improve community life and promote an active, healthy lifestyle for the citizens of Quesnel.”

“The Province is committed to helping communities minimize greenhouse gas emissions and promote healthier, more active lifestyles,” said Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett on behalf of Bill Bennett, B.C. Minister of Community and Rural Development. “Projects like this are a great example of what we can achieve by working together to meet the needs of British Columbians.”

“This new underpass will provide a safe link for cyclists and pedestrians between South Quesnel and the rest of the Riverfront Trail System,” said Mayor Mary Sjostrom. “I commend the provincial and federal governments for investing in this much-needed infrastructure in our community.”

Quesnel boasts a popular network of more than 12 kilometres of cycling and pedestrian trails that link West Quesnel, North Quesnel, the North Cariboo Community Campus, the Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre and now South Quesnel. The trail system has become a focal point for the community where visitors can learn about Quesnel's history, while residents pursue the goal of becoming 20 per cent more active by 2010.

The Gas Tax Fund is an agreement between the Government of Canada, British Columbia and UBCM to deliver infrastructure funding to local governments for capital projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Through this program, the Government of Canada is delivering $1.6 billion in funding for local infrastructure in British Columbia. UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.

LocalMotion invested $40 million in 122 capital projects building bike paths, walkways and greenways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase physical activity and improve accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities. The program provided local governments up to 50 per cent funding for approved projects up to a maximum provincial contribution of $1 million.

“We are very appreciative of the support provided to communities through programs like the Gas Tax Fund and LocalMotion,” said UBCM Executive Member Al Richmond. “Quesnel's new underpass will provide a new link between neighbourhoods and encourage active transportation throughout the city.”

For further information on the Government of Canada's infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

For more information:

Jeanne Clough
Executive Assistant
Office of Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George
250-564-7771

Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister
613-991-0700

Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Community and Rural Development
250-387-4089

Paul Taylor
Relationships and Communications Advisor
Union of BC Municipalities
250-356-2938

Mat Wood
Communications Supervisor
City of Quesnel
250-991-7475

Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148