LA RONGE — The federal government has announced it is committing over $19.5 million to go to nine active transportation projects in Saskatchewan.
The funding from the Active Transportation Fund was announced in La Ronge Friday by Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger.
Two of the projects are from Lac La Ronge Indian Band who are receiving $50,000 each for active transportation and pedestrian safety plans. The government said in a news release these will address gaps in the trail networks and provide a strategy for the development of healthy, safe, and enjoyable trail and multi-use pathway networks throughout Stanley Mission, Lac La Ronge, and Kitsaki reserves.
Several other First Nations communities are receiving funding as well with George Gordon First Nation receiving $3.8 million towards a multi use front lake community walking path:, Ochapowace is receiving $4,998,356 for a 12.7 km asphalt pathway and bridge project to connect the community to Camp McKay; Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation is getting $50,000 for a project will explore strategies to develop trails for walking, running, hiking, biking, horseback and others; Pelican Lake First Nation is getting $753,626 for their Walk Into History to support 13 walking and cycling pathways; Red Earth Cree Nation is getting $2,318,646 for a project to construct an estimated 8 km of multi-use paths along with installing benches and lighting; Sturgeon Lake is getting $6,065,703 for its First Nation Active Transportation Network – Phase; and Whitecap Dakota Nation will get $1,442,750 for supporting development of a community wide trail system.
“Good infrastructure does more than get people from one place to another: it brings communities together,” said Belanger. “Through the Active Transportation Fund, we’re investing more than $19.5 million to build new community pathways and trails across Saskatchewan that will make it easier to walk, bike, and enjoy the outdoors while helping keep our air cleaner and our towns healthier.”
“Thank you to the Government of Canada for its investment through the Active Transportation Fund,” said Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, Lac La Ronge Indian Band. “This funding has enabled the Lac La Ronge Indian Band to develop Active Transportation and Pedestrian Safety Plans for both La Ronge and Stanley Mission, helping identify opportunities to improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity within our communities.”
“We are hopeful that Canada will continue to invest in LLRIB by supporting our capital funding applications and future infrastructure initiatives, allowing us to transform these plans into tangible improvements that will benefit our communities for generations to come. Finally, thank you again to the Government of Canada, our Lands & Resources Department, Urban Systems, and all community members who contributed to this important work.”
