The Town’s waterfront enhancements continue with $500,000 in funding received from the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure program. This funding will be allocated towards enhancing the central waterfront area, with a primary focus on expanding parking facilities and accommodating active transportation infrastructure.

The initiative aims to repurpose underutilized Town-owned land located along the waterfront on Highway 19A. In addition to creating additional parking spaces, the project will include the development of bicycle/pedestrian shoulders to facilitate active transportation.

Last year the Town did a similar project, creating much-needed parking spaces and a bicycle/pedestrian shoulder along 0.4 km of the south side of Highway 19A, directly opposite the central waterfront area. Areas along the extreme west and east of Highway 19A however, remained incomplete due to previous funding limitations. With this new funding injection, the Town is now poised to expand parking accessibility and expand active transportation links further along the waterfront.

Recognizing the significance of the waterfront as a premier tourism attraction for Qualicum Beach, the Town recognizes the importance of enhancing accessibility to fully unlock its potential. The expansion of parking facilities and the provision of dedicated cycling lanes will not only enhance safety, but also improve year-round accessibility, thereby enriching the overall visitor experience.

“The Town of Qualicum Beach looks forward to the successful implementation of this transformative project, which will undoubtedly enhance the accessibility and appeal of its waterfront” said Mayor Teunis Westbroek.

The total anticipated cost of the project is $878,000, with $500,000 secured through the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure program reducing the Town’s portion to $378,000.

“This new active transportation infrastructure will encourage more people to walk or bike along Qualicum Beach’s scenic waterfront,” said Dan Coulter, Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit. “Our provincial grant program lets communities think bigger when looking at active transportation infrastructure, and people in Qualicum Beach will benefit from the Town's vision for improved access.”

Construction is slated to commence late summer 2024, with anticipated completion by the end of October 2024.

For more information visit qualicumbeach.com/water_expan

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