Governments Invest in Upgrades in Trail to Link Neighbourhoods in St. John’s
The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and City of St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen; announced funding today for a project to upgrade and connect a trail to a continuous 4.8 kilometre active transportation route in St. John’s.
The project will see the construction of the Kelly’s Brook Shared-Use Path by upgrading and connecting existing segments of a trail between Columbus Drive and Kings Bridge Road that parallels Empire Avenue to create a safer, inclusive pedestrian and cycling route.
Once complete, residents will benefit from a multi-purpose path that will connect different neighbourhoods and connect the east and west ends of St. John’s.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $1,113,600 million in this project through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure program. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing over $755,600, while the City of St. John’s is contributing more than $377,940.
Construction is expected to start in 2021.
Quotes
“Physical activity is important for our mental health and physical health and those are all priorities for our government. Since COVID-19 changed our lives, active living has become even more important. By working with the City of St. John’s and the Federal Government, we are providing access to recreational spaces and an inclusive trail for walkers and cyclists that will connect the east and west ends of the city.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Health and wellness is important to everyone. This trail will be inclusive for everyone and provide an opportunity for walkers, runners and cyclists in St. John’s and surrounding municipalities to live active and healthy lifestyles.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“Investing in modern and public transit and active transportation is vital to building healthy, resilient and inclusive communities. This important project will encourage residents to stay active and get outdoors. These types of infrastructure also help create good jobs as we recover from the economic effects of the pandemic, helping communities thrive once again.”
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“On behalf of Council and staff, we are thankful to our Federal and Provincial partners for this significant investment in City infrastructure. Upgrading Kelly’s Brook Trail is a major step in building an integrated mobility network that will support multiple modes of active transportation in our City. Improved connectivity will provide health and economic benefits for many years to come, and I look forward to breaking ground on this project.”
City of St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen