Infrastructure developments focused on enhancing active transportation options are underway across Canada, with significant projects taking shape in both Courtenay, British Columbia, and Dryden, Ontario.
On March 12, 2025, the Courtenay city council announced an updated cost for the 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge, elevATING its estimated budget from $6.9 million to $11.2 million. The funding increase prompted the council to direct staff to explore securing an additional $4.3 million through long-term borrowing. Mayor Bob Wells emphasized the fresh investment, describing the bridge as "a cornerstone project for the downtown revitalization plan and important to our downtown core."
The project is set to be bolstered by $3.5 million already received through grant funding. Once completed, the bridge will span the Courtenay River, measuring four meters wide, primarily serving cyclists, pedestrians, and other people-powered transportation. Construction commencement is anticipated for fall 2025, with completion slated for summer 2026. The community expects this initiative to ease movement within the downtown area and promote more sustainable travel options.
Meanwhile, Dryden is pursuing its own significant improvements to local transportation infrastructure by upgrading Sandy Beach Road. The planned improvements involve widening the busy thoroughfare from 6.5 meters to 10 meters, creating additional space for safe pedestrian and cyclist use. This includes the addition of three-meter-wide lanes solely dedicated to active transportation, responding directly to community needs for safer travel options.
Roger Nesbitt, Chief Administrative Officer of Dryden, remarked on the necessity of these upgrades, stating, "Currently there isn't any provisions for pedestrians, for cyclists, and it's a fairly heavily populated rural area within municipal boundaries, so safety is a significant concern for those types of activities on the roadway." The recognition of safety issues highlights the pressing need for improved infrastructure as more residents engage with the active transportation framework.
To fund this venture, Dryden has applied to the federal Active Transportation Fund, seeking 60 percent of the total project costs, estimated to exceed $5.7 million. The proposed work also entails drainage improvements, geotextiles installation, and the enhancement of road signage and landscaping, ensuring the base and overall structure can accommodate increased traffic safely.
Both the Courtenay and Dryden projects exemplify local governments taking serious steps toward integrating active transportation options within community planning. By securing grants and exploring long-term financing, these municipalities are making strides to promote safer environments for non-motorized users.
The focus on safe and accessible infrastructure reflects wider trends across Canada, as more municipalities recognize the importance of supporting active transport as part of sustainable growth and vitality.
Through these efforts, citizens can expect to see communities transform with improved safety measures, greater accessibility, and enhanced overall transportation experiences. The successful implementation of both the 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge and the Sandy Beach Road upgrades showcases the commitment to fostering environments where pedestrians and cyclists can thrive.