More than $3.3 million in Durham active transportation funding will support new multi-use paths, trail connections and infrastructure improvements across Ajax, Pickering, Whitby and Oshawa.
The federal government announced the $3,385,703 investment through the Active Transportation Fund, with local municipalities and Durham Region also contributing funding to the projects.
The investment will support three major initiatives: a new Trans Canada Trail connection in Ajax, preliminary work on the Durham Meadoway and a new multi-use pathway in Oshawa.
Ajax Trail Project Adds 1.5 Kilometres
In Ajax, approximately 1.5 kilometres of multi-use path will be built through the Crestpoint Lands, formerly known as the Annandale lands.
The project will also include improved seating and landscaping and is designed to improve connections through the community while expanding access to the Trans Canada Trail system.
The Town of Ajax is contributing $810,000 toward the project.
Durham Meadoway Moves Into Preliminary Design
A significant portion of the Durham active transportation funding will also help advance the Durham Meadoway.
The Meadoway is planned as a 30-kilometre active transportation corridor and linear park stretching from the Toronto-Pickering boundary to Harmony Road in Oshawa.
The latest funding will support a preliminary design study and traffic-signal upgrades at five regional intersections to improve safety and connectivity along the future route.
Durham Region, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa are collectively contributing approximately $1.2 million toward this stage of the project.
Regional Chair John Henry said the Meadoway is intended to create a connected and accessible corridor linking communities while encouraging walking, cycling and other forms of active transportation.
New Oshawa Multi-Use Path Planned
Oshawa will also receive support for a new multi-use path along Townline Road North between Beatrice Street East and Taunton Road East.
The planned pathway will extend for almost one kilometre and provide another transportation option for residents in surrounding neighbourhoods.
The City of Oshawa is contributing $210,000 toward that project.
The three projects are intended to expand opportunities for residents to walk, cycle and move between communities while improving access to parks and recreational spaces.
Federal officials said the projects are part of a broader effort to expand active-transportation networks and provide safer and more sustainable travel options.
Together, the Ajax trail, Durham Meadoway planning work and Oshawa pathway represent a significant expansion of active transportation infrastructure across Durham Region.
