New pathways encourage active transportation

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Councillors Willie Popp and Pam Beach, Mayor Dave Barton, Pickering-Uxbridge MP Jennifer O'Connell and Councillor Zed Pickering take a stroll on a new section of pathway in Harold Bell Park in Goodwood. Photo by Sierra Miller

Pickering-Uxbridge MP Jennifer O'Connell came to Goodwood's Harold Bell Park last week to announce a federal contribution to assist in the construction of new sidewalks in the township.

Calling it an "important announcement," O'Connell said the federal government has donated $104,000 to the project, to go along with the township's contribution of $156,000, for a total of $260,000.

"It shows a small amount of money can do a lot in small communities," she said, noting the funding comes from the $400 million the federal government has allocated over the next five years to active transportation. "It will improve accessibility and connectivity."

Mayor Dave Barton said the project could not have been done "without a partner like the federal government."

Harold Bell Park was chosen as the site of the announcement because of a new 300-metre sidewalk along Goodwood Road and a 300-metre pathway connecting the sidewalk to the park. The project also involves a 700-metre "multi-use" pathway along Toronto Street south and 110 metres of sidewalk on Pond Street, which will connect Elgin Park with the downtown area.

The total amount of sidewalk constructed is 1,410 metres, just shy of one and a half kilometres.