Richmond Gets Active with LocalMotion

by John Yap, MLA Richmond-Steveston
(Steveston, BC Canada)

Richmond will receive $550,000 in provincial LocalMotion funding to upgrade the Middle Arm Greenway and provide residents with greener transportation options, MLAs Olga Ilich, Linda Reid and John Yap announced today.

"This initiative will help to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality," said Ilich, MLA for Richmond Centre. "This is a great way to encourage local residents to become more physically active in their daily lives and to consider walking and cycling as means of transportation and recreation."

"By providing these upgrades to the Middle Arm Greenway, our government is demonstrating its commitment to take action on climate change, create communities that are more compact, more pedestrian friendly and where people can bike or walk to work and school," said Reid, MLA for Richmond East.

This project involves construction of a multi-use urban greenway along the waterfront between the Richmond Oval and the intersection with Cambie Road, one block from No. 3 Rd. and the Canada Line. The scope of work for 2008-2009 includes paving and widening the existing trail, constructing three universal access points and installing amenities such as seating, lighting and signage to increase the appeal and utility of the trail. The Linear Greenway portion will include a separated bike path.

"This substantial funding will enhance the Richmond trail network, allowing residents to get outside, reduce their carbon footprint and build a community that is an even greater place to live, work and invest," said Yap, MLA for Richmond-Steveston.

"This project is an important first step in the creation of our new Middle Arm Park along the Fraser River," said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. "It will not only promote active, healthy lifestyles but increase our residents' ability to enjoy and access the beautiful waterfront that surrounds our community."

The LocalMotion program is providing $40 million over four years to help communities improve physical fitness, reduce car dependency and greenhouse gas emissions, and meet the mobility needs of seniors and people with disabilities. First announced by Premier Gordon Campbell at the 2006 Union of BC Municipalities convention, LocalMotion, Towns for Tomorrow, Spirit Squares and the Green Cities Awards are the four Green Cities Programs that are helping to build greener, more vibrant and sustainable communities.

Under the cost-share program, the Province provides local governments with up to 50 per cent of the funding for approved LocalMotion projects. In 2007, 28 B.C. communities received $20 million for 34 LocalMotion projects.

For more information on LocalMotion and links to the other Green Cities Program projects, visit www.localmotion.gov.bc.ca.