MP Patrick Weiler has announced $92,500 in federal funding for an active transportation project in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
In the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, funding will support a joint planning process to inform the future extension of the Friendship Trail to connect Mount Currie (Líl ̓wat Nation) and the Village of Pemberton.
The project will confirm community and user needs, determine the best route for the extension, and validate trail management. Once constructed, the Friendship Trail will provide a safe, non-motorized travel route that improves access to services for Líl ̓wat Nation.
“The Corridor trail project will help improve connectivity between Pemberton and Mount Currie and provide further access to services for Lil’wat Nation. Projects such as these support better connected communities, healthier lifestyles, and move us closer to reaching our emissions goals,” said Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country.
The project was originally conceived by the Winds of Change, a collaborative public policy initiative of the Lil’wat Nation, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and the Village of Pemberton. The Winds of Change identified the need for a safe non-motorized, pedestrian-friendly travel route aimed at encouraging commuting by bike and on foot as a priority recommendation in its “Healing Vision” report.
On the Sunshine Coast, funding will support review of data, maps and aerial imagery to assess gaps, preferred routes and costing in active transportation infrastructure along a 109km segment of Highway 101 from Sechelt to Lund. The findings will inform next steps for developing active transportation networks. This is a critical step for the region in improving safety for alternative modes of travel along Highway 101, and in encouraging residents to use active transportation to get around their community.