TransLink is investing C$125 million (US$101.4 million) through its Municipal Funding Program to upgrade, maintain or build new regional walkways, cycling paths and roads.
This program annually invests in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance that benefit pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and transit users throughout the region. For the first time since the program’s inception, all 23 local governments in Metro Vancouver will receive funding for various types of infrastructure improvements within their community.
The C$125 million (US$101.4 million) awarded this year will help construct or improve 131 projects throughout the region, while helping to upgrade or maintain over 2,600 kilometers (1615.6 miles) of roads in the Major Road Network (MRN). Since the inception of the Mayors’ Council 10-Year Vision, TransLink has increased funding toward improving and maintaining regional walkways, cycle paths and MRN roads and structures. This year’s finalized project list invests more into municipal projects than any previous year.
Through the Municipal Funding Program, TransLink contributes up to 75 percent of funding for upgrades benefitting 21 municipalities, the Tsawwassen First Nation and Electoral Area A. For projects improving the efficiency of bus operations, TransLink may fund up to 100 percent of the project costs. The program is part of the Mayors’ 10-Year Investment Plan, with funding from the government of British Columbia and TransLink.
“Our mandate is to think holistically about our transportation network and ensure that the people of Metro Vancouver have many efficient transportation options available to them,” Gigi Chen-Kuo, interim CEO, TransLink. “Whether it’s helping to improve the sidewalks we walk on, the paths we roll on, or the roads we drive on, TransLink’s role goes far beyond transit.”
A few examples of infrastructure improvements receiving investments this year include:
Bedwell Bay Road, Village of Belcarra: Multi-use pathway
- TransLink is contributing C$130,000 (US$105,464) to the Village of Belcarra to help construct a multi-use path over a 12-block span of Midden Road to enhance active transportation and road safety. This is one of three total investments for the Village of Belcarra through this program.
96 Ave Connector, Township of Langley: Multi-use pathway
- TransLink is contributing C$469,000 (US$380,485) to the Township of Langley to construct a multi-use pathway to better connect regional cycling trails to the Golden Ears Bridge, Trans-Canada Trail and neighboring municipalities/tourist attractions. This is one of five total investments for upgrades in the Township of Langley through this program.
120 Street, Municipality of Delta: Intersection improvements
- TransLink is contributing C$122,000 (US$98,974) towards road improvements and new traffic signals near the Scottsdale Centre. These signals will improve safety for pedestrians and drivers, while helping to manage increased traffic flows. This is one of eight total investments for upgrades in the Municipality of Delta.
“These projects will improve active and clean transportation options for people living in communities throughout Metro Vancouver,” said George Heyman, BC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Through CleanBC, our province is supporting TransLink and helping build a cleaner, stronger future for everyone with less climate pollution, improved air quality and more connected people-friendly neighborhoods.”
Since 2017, TransLink has invested in:
- 32 kilometers (19.9 miles) of new or upgraded walking paths.
- 110 kilometers (68 miles) of new or upgraded cycle paths.
- 69 kilometers (42.8 miles) of new or upgraded multi-use paths.
- 31 kilometers (19 miles) of new or enhanced bus lanes.
- 31 kilometers (19 miles) of new or upgraded road infrastructure.
