About the Project
The purpose of this project is to develop an Active Transportation Plan for the Municipality of the District of Saint Mary's. This Plan will aim to enhance the movement of both residents and visitors throughout the Municipality, fostering a healthier and more sustainable community where transportation is not only safe and practical but also an enjoyable experience for all.
The final Active Transportation Plan will include a comprehensive network plan, recommendations related to programs and facilities, and a phased implementation strategy based on variables such as population density, development, traffic volume, safety concerns, and more. The data contained in the final plan document may be used in budget forecasting and future project planning, providing both staff and Council with a clear direction on where active transportation development should take place each year and why. Throughout the process, an equity lens will be applied to all phases, ensuring that the final plan delivers safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options for every user.
What is Active Transportation?
Active transportation is a broad term that refers to all modes of human-powered transportation. This includes walking and wheeling (referring to the use of assistive devices), cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding, as well as seasonal activities such as kayaking, canoeing, skiing and snowshoeing. It also includes some motorized forms of transportation like e-bikes and electric wheelchairs. Some people depend on active transportation to get where they need to go due to lack of alternative transportation, while others choose to use active transportation as a preferred form of commute, exercise, recreation, or leisure.
With every year, active transportation is steadily gaining popularity in communities of all shapes and sizes. There are a variety of health, social, environmental, economic, and tourism benefits to using active transportation. More importantly, people are increasingly realizing how much fun it is! With the right infrastructure and setting, active transportation can be a wonderful way to connect with the environment and neighbours, while at the same time getting exercise.
Active transportation is typically used for two different purposes:
Utilitarian active transportation includes trips where active transportation is used to get to a destination, such as work, school, the store, or appointments.
Recreational active transportation includes leisure, recreational pursuits, and fitness (e.g. dog walking, hiking, paddling, etc.) and often takes place in off-road locations. In some cases, both utilitarian and recreational active transportation can occur at the same time.
The Benefits of Active Transportation
Encouraging greater participation in active transportation can improve the physical and mental health of users, reduce pollution, attract visitors, and boost local businesses through increased traffic. Building AT infrastructure may also improve the equity of travel options, contribute to a more accessible public realm, and create safer, more liveable communities for everyone.
