Several projects aimed at improving road safety in the Kootenays will get funding from the B.C. government.
The City of Kimberley ($7,121), the Village of New Denver ($17,000) and Cranbrook’s Pinewood and Kootenay Orchards Elementary Schools ($9,870) were included among the 56 communities set to receive grants.
“The Vision Zero grants go a long way to prioritizing safety and well-being on our roads,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.
“By investing in innovative solutions and community-driven initiatives, we not only aim to prevent collisions but also cultivate a culture of responsibility and care. Together, let us strive toward a future where zero lives are lost due to preventable road collisions.”
B.C. officials said $866,000 will be split between 53 projects in 56 communities across the province.
The projects all center around road safety and include work such as improved crosswalks, signage and sidewalks, among others.
“Keeping people safe on our roadways starts with building transportation infrastructure that protects vulnerable road users,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“These grants will give communities the funds they need to break ground on projects that will make our roads safer and encourage more people to use active transportation options.”
B.C. officials said these investments will carry several benefits:
- Addressing the disproportionate number of traffic injuries in underserved communities, neighbourhoods and populations, as well as within Indigenous communities.
- Reducing the strain on the healthcare system, lowering healthcare costs and improving capacity by preventing injuries.
- Building capacity in the public health systems.
- Shifting people to lower carbon forms of transport, such as walking, cycling and micro-mobility such as e-scooters and e-bikes, by making these modes safer and more attractive.
“Road-related injuries and deaths are a significant cause of healthcare system usage and affect patient and health-system capacity. They result in $312 million in direct healthcare costs each year,” said B.C. officials.
The money comes from health authorities to local governments, non-government organizations and Indigenous communities.
You can find details on the projects and their funding amounts here.
Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
