Today, it was announced that the City of Mississauga will receive $17 million for active transportation through the federal government’s Active Transportation Fund (ATF). This is a funding partnership between the Government of Canada ($17 million investment) and the City of Mississauga ($12 million investment) to expand and enhance trail connections along Mississauga’s eastern shoreline.
“I was so delighted to be part of today’s announcement for the funding of the vital waterfront trail connections…. a huge milestone for our Ward 1 residents and throughout the community”, says Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko.
“Today’s announcement turns a long-held vision of a vibrant, accessible waterfront into a reality. This shoreline trail will provide a year-round connection between Mississauga and Toronto, and an outdoor space that promotes active living,” said Charles Sousa, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Lakeshore, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Our government is committed to helping communities develop the infrastructure they need while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By investing in a trail network in the redeveloped and restored Lakeview community and Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area, we are creating a healthier, sustainable environment for everyone to enjoy.”
Charles Sousa, Acting Mayor and Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca, and Stephen Dasko, Councillor Ward 1 and member of the Credit Valley Conservation Board of Directors, announced funding that will support two major projects – the Mississauga Waterfront/Trans Canada Trail ($17 million) and the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area trail owned and operated by Credit Valley Conservation ($4 million).
“On behalf of the City of Mississauga and Members of Council, we welcome this active transportation funding announcement and thank our federal partners for this investment,” said Acting Mayor and Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca. “Investing in active transportation is an investment in the health, well-being and future of Mississauga. By prioritizing walking and cycling infrastructure, we create safer streets, reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and promote a more connected, vibrant, and sustainable city. It’s an investment in our residents’ quality of life, our environment and the long-term economic vitality of our city.”
Mississauga’s Waterfront/Trans Canada Trail will provide key trail connections to destination parks within the Lakeview Village. It will also connect to Lakefront Promenade Park to the west and the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area to the east. Highlights of the project include:
- Development of more than 2.5 kilometres of paved, lit, cycling and pedestrian trails to close the gap in the Trans Canada Trail and Regional Waterfront Trail systems.
- Bridge connection to allow safe crossing for cyclists and pedestrians.
- Development of community recreation and tourism connections that include access to the Western Pier and the Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area.
- Rest stations with washroom facilities.
- Bicycle parking areas along with bench and bike repair station facilities.
“Active transportation is about all forms of movement. So along with the transit services and smart traffic management systems we are implementing in Mississauga, we also need to ensure we are planning for and building robust cycling and pedestrian networks that are safe, comfortable, connected and convenient. Today’s announcement and funding investment helps enable us to do just that,” said Shari Lichterman, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer.
This funding serves to aid Mississauga in increasing its active transportation infrastructure while supporting the City’s Climate Change Action Plan, Transportation, Cycling and Pedestrian Master Plans, as well as Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy.
Learn more about Mississauga’s Waterfront Parks Strategy, trails, cycling infrastructure and the Lakeview Village development.
