FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT
Cycle 16 is thrilled to announce that the connector trail between Smithers and Telkwa has received a $9,800,000 grant from BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure! These funds will be enough to cover the remaining costs needed to complete Phases 2, 3, and 4 of the trail.
News Release from Regional District Bulkley Nechako –
The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) and Cycle 16 Trail Society are thrilled by today’s announcement from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure that the remaining phases of the Smithers-Telkwa multi-use trail are fully funded through the Ministry’s Active Transportation Capital Fund.
The Cycle 16 Trail Society has undertaken years of community consultation, fundraising, and advocacy to ensure the success of the trail. The RDBN is proud to partner with Cycle 16 and support trail development through design consultation and construction of the existing section of the project. This unique and successful partnership has paved the way for today’s exciting investment announcement from the Province of BC. Additional stages of the project will, once complete, connect the Town of Smithers and the Village of Telkwa, through the surrounding rural Electoral Area A (Smithers/Telkwa Rural), with one continuous, multi-use, 10.5 km-long commuter trail.
See full release here:
https://www.rdbn.bc.ca/media-status-updates/smithers-telkwa-multi-use-trail-receives-full-funding
News Release from BC Government – Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
The Active Transportation Capital Fund projects are building active transportation infrastructure on ministry-owned rights-of-way in the province. The infrastructure projects are improving upon grants made through the Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant program, which funded 80 projects worth $24 million in 2024.
For example, the Cycle 16 multi-use pathway will be completed in the Bulkley Nechako District. The additional nine-kilometre long, three-metre-wide path along Highway 16 will connect the communities of Smithers and Telkwa.
“This longer pathway connects our communities and broadens our active transportation horizon,” said Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine. “The advocacy of Cycle 16 and the outpouring of support from so many people across the Bulkey Valley has made this happen. Safer, cleaner and healthier – that’s what this project means to our community and our kids.”
See full release here:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024MOTI0080-000952