Provincial grant money will help cover a large cost, if not all, for installation of protected bike lanes and a sidwalk along Third St., part of a project slated for summer 2025. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

cash injection

Over $900K in provincial grants supporting Nanaimo active transportation projects

Mar 27, 2025 | 12:00 PM

NANAIMO — Crosswalk upgrades and active transportation corridors are the focus of over $1 million in provincial funding allocated for the region.

The ministry of transportation announced the money on Thursday, March 27, totalling over $24 million for 62 active transportation infrastructure projects and plans across the province.

In Nanaimo, $487,289 is being awarded to cover some of the cost at seven local intersections “to improve active transportation” on the sites.

Work includes pedestrian crossing improvements at Albert St. and Selby St., Albert St. and Dunsmuir St., and Wallace St. and Wentworth St..

Other projects include a raised pedestrian crossing at Dufferin Cres. and Grant Ave., bumpouts and lighting at Townsite Rd. and Holly Ave., lighting at Dover Rd. and Applecross Rd., and finally a raised school crossing on Campbell St., near École Pauline Haarer Elementary School.

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A further $459,000 was awarded to upgrades to Third St., expected to be done this summer, which would include a protected bike lane and side walk between Howard Ave. and Pine St.

Money is specifically being earmarked for construction of a retaining wall and infill of the existing drainage infrastructure to create space for a sidewalk.

Grant money from the province is financing approximately half the total cost of all the mentioned projects.

Three other local projects were included in the funding, all in the planning stages.

The District of Lantzville, RDN and Snuneymuxw First Nation shared a combined $150,000 for work on their Active Transportation Network Plans.

“By connecting communities with dedicated active transportation infrastructure, we’re encouraging people to cycle, walk or roll, which is good for our health and lessens our reliance on passenger vehicles,” Mike Farnworth, minister of transportation, said in a statement.

Money was provided through the Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program, which provides upwards of $500,000 for qualifying infrastructure projects, or up to $50,000 for planning.

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