A fund in Prince Edward Island that has supported the development of active transportation projects is no longer open for new applications, causing concerns among advocates about the potential impact on creating healthier and more connected communities.
The Active Transportation Fund has allocated over $23.5 million since 2020 to enhance walking and biking infrastructure for Islanders. However, Travis Saunders, co-chair of the Move Well Community Action Network, revealed that the fund has been discontinued, leading to a halt in funding for crucial initiatives such as bike lanes, racks, and safety programs.
Saunders emphasized that the fund typically provided approximately $5 million annually, a small fraction of the province’s total transportation budget. He clarified that while overall transportation funding continues, the specific support for pedestrian and cycling initiatives has ceased.
The Department of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Energy in P.E.I. explained that all available funds for the upcoming fiscal year have already been allocated to ongoing multi-year projects, resulting in the closure of the application process for new funding.
Various organizations, including the Move Well Community Action Network, have expressed disappointment over the fund’s termination and have urged the government to reconsider. Jordan Bober, the executive director of Cycling P.E.I., highlighted the setback this decision poses to active transportation efforts just as momentum was building.
In response to the fund’s closure, planned projects in Charlottetown’s Sherwood and Parkdale neighborhoods, which were set to receive support, have been put on hold. The city is evaluating the impact of the funding changes on future initiatives and exploring alternative funding sources.
Stephanie Moase, the chief administrative officer of North Rustico, cited how the fund had facilitated a significant boardwalk renovation project in the town, emphasizing the critical role the funding played in community development. However, uncertainty looms over future construction phases and planning efforts due to the fund’s discontinuation.
The loss of the Active Transportation Fund is particularly challenging for small municipalities like North Rustico, which rely on external funding for infrastructure projects to serve their communities effectively.