Fernie residents and visitors will have better options for biking around with the rollout of a cost-sharing cycling infrastructure project through the BikeBC program. The City of Fernie has been approved to receive $70,540 for a paved pathway connecting Fairy Creek Bridge to the Fernie Visitor Centre.
“Cycling is great for your health, your wallet and the environment,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “It’s an excellent way to stay connected to your community. Our government will continue to work with regional, local and Indigenous governments to build safe infrastructure that supports active transportation.”
BikeBC grants provide communities with financial support to create new cycling infrastructure and make improvements to existing transportation networks – making local transportation safer, greener and more accessible. These projects promote cycling to work, school and errands, which helps reduce traffic congestion while contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment. This project has the potential to generate tourism-related benefits based on their proximity to amenities and points of interest.
As part of CleanBC, the Province’s plan to set the province on a path to a stronger, more sustainable future, a new strategy is being developed that builds on BikeBC. The new strategy, to be unveiled in the coming weeks, will focus on making walking, cycling, scootering, skateboarding and other modes of active transportation convenient for people of all ages and abilities.
This project will tie in with a much larger Fernie community trail project, the Fernie Valley Pathway 2020. When completed this trail will be a multi-use, human-powered, paved trail connecting the Fernie Visitor Centre with Fernie Alpine Resort. There will be many access points to the pathway allowing cyclists, pedestrians, runners and many other user groups easy access to ~7 km of paved pathway. With a generous width of approx. 3 meters, the pathway will accommodate a myriad of friendly faces – from athletes to families with chariots, roller-ski and roller blade enthusiasts, and wheelchair users.
The pathway will have many positive effects on the area including community health, environmental awareness, economic development, and safety for the increasing numbers of non-motorized travellers along the valley corridor. As a true community inspired and created pathway, residents and visitors can take pride in supporting a grass-roots community initiative to bring a new destination attraction to our area for generations to come.
This Fernie Valley Pathway will rely on multiple funding sources to bring it to fruition. Community support is critical to its success. To donate or enquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact contact Robert Champagne at 250-531-0103 or by email at fernievalleypathway@gmail.com.
Quick Fact:
BikeBC provides grants up to 50% of eligible project costs and up to 75% for communities with populations under 15,000.
Learn more about Cycling infrastructure funding here.
