Mississauga cyclists, rejoice—it appears that the city is about to shift some funds into cycling networks.
The City of Mississauga recently announced that Mississauga is one of 120 municipalities that will receive funding from the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Grant Program (which was announced on Dec. 4 by the Government of Ontario).
Mississauga is receiving $2.3 million to build better cycling networks along busy routes and support safe cycling.
"On behalf of the City of Mississauga and Members of Council, we welcome this important city-building investment being made by the Government of Ontario to improve and build new bike lanes and cycling infrastructure throughout Mississauga," said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. "Council and staff remain committed to ensuring residents and visitors can safely use cycling to get to work, school and around our community using cycling; and continue to enjoy healthy active lifestyles."
The move to improve cycling infrastructure and make cycling safer makes sense. Cyclists as a whole tend to be vocal about their needs and there are definite benefits to strong cycling infrastructure—such as more fitness opportunities for residents and the temporarily abandonment of the almighty car.
Earlier this year, the provincial government said it would invest $42.5 million for new bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure. This is now increased to $93 million.
This investment is part of Ontario's Climate Change Action Plan and funding was determined by the size of the municipality.
"As part of a two-tiered municipal government, Mississauga and the Region of Peel are splitting the funding, with the Region of Peel receiving $4.2 million and the City receiving $2.3 million in the first year of a four-year program," said city manager and CAO, Janice Baker. "This funding will help the City continue to work toward our strategic goal of making our city more pedestrian and cycling friendly by improving infrastructure along heavily-travelled routes."
"This funding is well-timed as it coincides with the update of the 2010 Cycling Master Plan that is currently underway," said Commissioner of Transportation and Works, Geoff Wright. "This will give us more capacity to continue to build our cycling infrastructure network and allow us to complete projects such as the Burnhamthorpe Road East multi-use trail."
The grant funding will cover up to 80 per cent of the project cost. Projects that use cycling grant funds must be completed by Dec. 30, 2020.
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