TORONTO, Aug. 1, 2024
/CNW/ - $23 million will go towards
extending the cherished West Toronto Railpath (WTR), making it
easier for residents to walk, run, ride a bike, roll, or otherwise
get active on one of the city's most unique multi-use trails.
MP Julie Dzerowicz and Councillor Alejandra Bravo
announced the investment that will extend WTR by two kilometres,
from Dundas Street West at Sterling
Road to just west of Abell Street at Sudbury Street. When complete,
this trail will make it easier to access the Bloor GO Station and
the planned King-Liberty transit station.
The project will include four pedestrian-cycle bridges, and
updates to enhance the natural environment. Extending WTR will make
it easier for residents to connect to cycling paths, schools,
parks, residential areas, employment hubs, tourist attractions,
community centres and more.
Quotes
"The West Toronto Railpath is beloved by Davenport residents.
Not only will it benefit the local community who love the Railpath
to walk, run and cycle - this extension will also support our local
economy."
Julie Dzerowicz, Member of
Parliament for Davenport, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser,
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
"Expanding the West Toronto Railpath will connect even more
communities and make it easier for people to enjoy our city by
walking, cycling or taking transit. Partnership between all levels
of government made this possible. Working together, we can connect
communities, provide more active transportation options and create
new opportunities for sustainable travel. Thank you to Councillor
Alejandra Bravo, our federal partners and the residents of
Davenport for their advocacy on this project."
Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto
"The West Toronto Railpath's innovative use of public land
connects members of our community to local parks, schools, and
other community hubs. Today's investment will help the West Toronto
Railpath reach even more people and encourage active transportation
that will help Toronto meet our
climate action goals. Residents of Davenport have long dreamed of
and advocated for this project, which will benefit those walking,
rolling, and cycling on the West Toronto Railpath in the coming
years."
Alejandra Bravo, Toronto City
Councillor for Ward 9, Davenport
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada is
investing $23,028,000 in this project through the Active
Transportation Fund (ATF). The City of
Toronto is contributing $125,772,318.
- Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods
powered by human activity. It includes walking, cycling and the use
of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs,
scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes,
cross-country skis, and more.
- In support of Canada's
National Active Transportation Strategy, the Active Transportation
Fund is providing $400 million over
five years, starting in 2021, to make travel by active
transportation easier, safer, more convenient, and more
enjoyable.
- The National Active Transportation Strategy is the country's
first coast-to-coast-to-coast strategic approach for promoting
active transportation and its benefits. The strategy's aim is to
make data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and
expanded active transportation networks, while supporting
equitable, healthy, active, and sustainable travel options.
- Investing in active transportation infrastructure provides many
tangible benefits, such as creating employment opportunities,
strengthening the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, ensuring
everyone has equal access to services and opportunities, cutting
air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
- The new Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) will provide an
average of $3 billion a year of
permanent funding to respond to local transit needs by enhancing
integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active
transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable,
sustainable, and inclusive communities.
- The CPTF supports transit and active transportation
investments in three streams: Metro Region Agreements, Baseline
Funding, and Targeted Funding.
- We are currently accepting Expression of Interest submissions
for Metro-Region Agreements and Baseline Funding. Visit
the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada website
for more information.
- Federal funding is conditional on the signing of the
contribution agreements.
Associated links
Active Transportation Fund
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/trans/index-eng.html
National Active Transportation Strategy
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/trans/active-strat-actif-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/prog-proj-on-eng.html
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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities