Federal Gas Tax Fund Contribution for "Complete Streets" Pilot Project

February 12, 2016

Major improvements are coming to a west Courtenay transportation corridor, with a central focus on accessibility for all modes of transportation. The Government of Canada announced today that the City of Courtenay has been awarded $3.253 million in funding to construct a Complete Streets Pilot Project on a section of 5th Street, the western gateway to the city’s historic downtown core. 

The project will include a substantial overhaul of above-ground and below-ground infrastructure on 5th Street between Fitzgerald and Menzies Avenues. Once completed, the project will significantly improve walking and cycling routes, a key factor in encouraging alternate modes of transport in the city. Along with new trees and other landscaping, other proposed improvements include innovative stormwater management through the installation of rain gardens throughout the corridor.

100 percent of eligible project costs will be covered through the federal Gas Tax Fund, under the Local Roads, Bridges and Active Transportation category. Conceptual design work is underway. Construction is estimated to be completed by September 2018.

Quick Facts

  • The “Complete Streets Pilot Project” is receiving $3.253 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
  • The total estimated cost of this project is $3.253 million.
  • This project is one of the 57 projects that are being funded through the Strategic Priorities Fund under the Federal Gas Tax Fund for 2016. 
  • The Union of BC Municipalities administers the Federal Gas Tax Fund in British Columbia in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
  • Each year, the Government of Canada provides over $253 million in indexed funding for local government infrastructure projects across British Columbia through the federal Gas Tax Fund. The funding can be spent on any eligible project the community prioritizes across a broad range of eligible project categories, or it can be pooled with other communities for regional projects, banked for later priorities or used to pay for financed projects. 

Quotes

“Through the federal Gas Tax Fund, the Government of Canada is allowing communities in BC, and all across Canada, to make informed decisions about their infrastructure investments and how best to spend federal dollars. Community officials are best positioned to identify their specific needs, and the federal Gas Tax fund supports them in making those strategic investments. These 57 projects will contribute to building the strong, inclusive and sustainable communities Canadians desire to live in.”
- Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“This project will not only rehabilitate one of Courtenay’s main roads by adding new bike lanes and sidewalks to make it safer, but it will also encourage more residents to use active transportation and reduce emissions.”
- Don McRae, MLA Comox Valley  

“This Complete Streets Pilot Project is a priority for our Council, and we are beyond thrilled that this funding has been approved by the Government of Canada. This pilot project is going to be a showcase, not just for our community, but for any community looking to incorporate ‘complete street’ principles in their road construction projects.”
- Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula

“The federal Gas Tax Fund is helping local governments accelerate their capital investment plans. These investments will support improved levels of service for facilities in communities throughout BC. The 189 local governments that we represent appreciate the ongoing commitment of the Government of Canada to improving local infrastructure. We are also pleased with the valued support provided by the Province of British Columbia to deliver this program.”
- Al Richmond, President, Union of BC Municipalities

Associated Links

To learn more about the federal Gas Tax Fund visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html.

To learn more about other projects recently announced under the Strategic Priorities Fund visit: http://infc.gc.ca/b5a1