Announcement: Big Investments in Trail Infrastructure

A Friday morning announcement revealed details that the Town of Yarmouth, the federal government, and the province of Nova Scotia will be making a $2.36 million investment in multi-use trails.

Funding Supports Clean Transportation in Yarmouth

Friday, July 16th, 2021 - The province is investing almost $790,000 towards the Town of Yarmouth’s active transportation network.

Residents and visitors will have more safe, accessible, sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to move around Yarmouth thanks to funding from all levels of government.

“Investing in Yarmouth’s multi-use pathways network will help the province achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and make clean transportation options the easy and healthy choice for residents,” said Health and Wellness Minister Zach Churchill, on behalf of Energy and Mines Minister Chuck Porter.

The federal government is investing almost $945,000 in the project, and the Town is contributing almost $630,000. The total cost of the project is $2.36 million.

The multi-use pathways project will build four new multi-use paths totalling 2.93 kilometres and 130 metres of sidewalks to offer safe active transportation options for residents. The work will allow pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities to travel along the main active transportation route within the town’s downtown business core, residential area and high school district.

The project was identified in the Town of Yarmouth’s active transportation plan and complements the town’s recent Climate Change Mitigation Action Plan that was adopted in February 2021.

The completion of the four new multi-use paths includes:

  • Asphalt multi-use trail between Starrs Road and Parade Street on Haley Road. This adds a northward extension to the trail added along Haley Road last year between Forest Street and Parade Street. A four way stop and a 6 inch curb will be added at the Parade Street/Haley Road intersection. This work comes first and will be completed in the fall of 2021.
  • Asphalt multi-use trail between Forest Street and Argyle Street on Haley Road. This will extend the trail south and connect a number of residents on Haley Road to the trail system. Work for this phase is planned for completion in 2022. (Note: the trail will be installed on the east side of the Haley Road for this portion).
  • Rebuild of the intersection at Haley Road and Starrs Road. This will include upgrading the traffic lights and concrete islands and the addition of sidewalk on Starrs Road.
  • Asphalt multi-use trail connecting Haley Road to Pleasant Street on Starrs Road. Work for this phase is planned for 2022-23.

“Active transportation infrastructure projects promote healthy living, reduce emissions, and make our communities more vibrant and dynamic places to live and work. This investment will support the community’s efforts to offer more active transportation options to all its residents. This project will benefit the people of Yarmouth now and for generations to come.”
- Hon. Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“This project touches on so many high points. The trail will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is a vital piece of infrastructure that will connect one end of the Town to the other. And for me, most importantly, it provides a space that can be used for all residents including walkers, runners, those in wheelchairs and scooters, cyclists and more. Encouraging folks to get out in the fresh air, moving has health benefits and is important to our community."
- Pam Mood, Mayor, Town of Yarmouth

Quick Facts:
-- the province has set a target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to 53 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030
-- the Town of Yarmouth has set a target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions 20 per cent below 2016 levels by the year 2030
--the network supports multi-use modes of transportation and a core active transportation route within the Town of Yarmouth’s downtown business core, residential area and high school district
-- the project will create safe pathways for residents and visitors, particularly seniors and high school students

Additional Resources:
Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Yarmouth Moves Active Transportation Plan: https://www.townofyarmouth.ca/207-active-transportation-master-plan-2010/file.html

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