Province commits $75K for sustainable transportation projects

The Nova Scotia government is committing more than $75,000 for a bridge connecting Halifax’s Chain of Lakes trail, developed biking routes and for affordable transportation.

A $50,000 grant will go toward the construction of the Chain of Lakes bridge connecting St. Margaret’s Bay Road with the Chain of Lakes trail.  A further $25,000 grant to Bicycle Nova Scotia will aid in the group’s Blue Route project and connect the Chain of Lakes Greenway with the Halifax Peninsula.

The Nova Scotia government will also provide a $2,300 grant to BayRides, a transportation service which provides “affordable, accessible transportation for wheelchair users, seniors, youth and low-income Nova Scotians.”

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, on behalf of Energy Minister Michael Samson, made the announcement as a part of the provincial government’s Connect2 sustainable transportation grant program.

Connect2 provided funding to sustainable transportation infrastructure and design projects as well as “initiatives that help to lay the groundwork for more sustainable transportation.” This was the last announcement of the program.

Halifax-West Armdale Councillor Linda Mosher said at the event that the municipality has already invested $150,000 toward the Chain of Lakes bridge. Mosher said the additional funding will be used to create a 10-metre bridge across the Chain of Lakes stream as well as initiating a study to determine “optimal connections between the Chain of Lakes bridge and St. Margaret’s Bay Road.”

She said the short connection would “open up many new active transportation opportunities for commuters and families.”

Diab said the affordable transportation grant will assist BayRides in providing community members “to and from medical appointments, employment, education and recreational opportunities.”

Diab said the province has spent about $600,000 in 29 projects for Connect2.