Multi-Use Pathway Opens in Charlottetown

Accessible Multi-Use Pathway Opens in Charlottetown
Posted on 10/01/2021
An accessible, multi-use paved pathway from Murchison Lane to St. Peters Road is now open to the public thanks to the City of Charlottetown’s Active Transportation Project.

The unveiling of this section of the new pathway marks the completion of Phase 1 of the three-phase project, which was funded, in part, through the Provincial Active Transportation Fund.

“It’s exciting to see this project come to fruition as it’s something we feel passionate about in Charlottetown,” said Mayor Philip Brown. “Not only does an active transportation network encourage people to be more physically active, but it also promotes alternate transportation and, ultimately, improves the quality of life for our community.”

The multi-use path is located on one side of the Bypass Highway and accommodates travel in both directions. It’s open to active transportation users from pedestrians to cyclists and everything in between.

In addition to the creation of the path, Phase 1 included intersection improvements and increased signage and lighting to ensure the safety of those using the pathway. The estimated total cost for Phase 1 is $1.65 million.

“This is a great day for the City of Charlottetown and people who have been advocating over the years for more active transportation,” said Councillor Mitchell Tweel, Chair of the City’s Environment and Sustainability Committee. “Aside from the obvious health benefits, this project improves the livability of our neighbourhoods and our environmental sustainability as a city. We thank our partners and all of the stakeholders involved for their support and hope we can continue to work together in the next stages.”

Phase 2 of the Active Transportation Project will expand the pathway from St. Peters Road to Brackley Point Road and the estimated cost is $1.76 million. Phase 3 will be from Brackley Point Road to Mount Edward Road.

“The goal is to have Phase 2 completed by the summer of 2022,” Mayor Brown said. “When all is said and done, we’ll have an active transportation loop that covers the majority of Charlottetown and substantially improves the connectivity of the multi-use paths throughout the city.”

The first section of the pathway officially opened on October 1 during a news conference hosted by City officials at the Hillsborough Community Centre.

“Supporting more sustainable transportation in Prince Edward Island helps Islanders lower their impact on the environment, while encouraging more walking, cycling and enjoying the outdoors,” said Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action Steven Myers. “This project is a perfect example of action being taken to achieve our Net Zero goals and ensure a sustainable future for our Island, and generations to come.”

As part of the launch, Bike Friendly Communities – a non-profit cooperative working to transform communities through accessible, interconnected active transportation infrastructure – hosted a group ride along the new section of path.
For more information on the City’s Environment and Sustainability initiatives, visit: https://www.charlottetown.ca/environment___sustainability/sustainability