Release:
Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 20, 2011 – Residents and visitors to the Halifax area will be able to move around the region on wheels or foot with greater ease thanks to the conversion of an old rail corridor into an active transportation trail. The Honourable Senator Fred Dickson and the Honourable Graham Steele, Nova Scotia Minister of Finance, along with His Worship Peter Kelly, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality, gathered Saturday to celebrate the completion of this important project.
The new Chain of Lakes Trail is a 7.25 km trail which creates a connection between the suburban and urban active transportation trail network in the region. Work performed included grading and paving the ground surface, as well as installing guardrails along the trail. The on-road connections from the trail will substantially increase overall use while the bike trails will promote active transportation and provide alternative methods of transportation that will reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
“Our Government is pleased to have supported the construction of the new Chain of Lakes trail,” said Senator Dickson. “Investments in public infrastructure that lead to alternative methods of transportation and healthier lifestyles for Canadians are a priority for our Government. The Chain of Lakes Trail will give residents and tourists alike, a wonderful place to explore. Today’s celebration is an example of our commitment to improving and strengthening Canadian communities.”
The Chain of Lakes Trail connects the St. Margaret’s Bay area to the heart of the city. “The Chain of Lakes trail runs from one end of my constituency to the other, and provides residents with more opportunities to get outdoors, be active, and explore their city,” said Minister Steele. “Investing in this great trail helps make life better for families in this region.”
Mayor Kelly congratulated the Halifax Regional Trails Program for creating a network of Active Transportation Greenways to provide users an alternate mode of transportation connecting residential areas to business parks and commercial areas. “It’s accessible, convenient and will encourage residents of all ages and abilities to stay active”, the Mayor said. “HRM is proud to have worked in partnership with the Chain of Lakes Trails Association and the federal and provincial governments on this dynamic recreational resource.”
The total eligible cost of this project is $1 million, with a maximum contribution of $333,333 coming from the $4-billion federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The Province of Nova Scotia is contributing up to $333,333, and the remaining funds of $333,334 are being provided by the Halifax Regional Municipality.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is providing funding to over 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country, and is delivered by Infrastructure Canada. Since March 2009, 122 projects have received a total federal investment of over $97.3 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across Nova Scotia.
