The Department of Infrastructure and Communities is investing $50,000 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund Program to assist Canadore College with their program “Taking the Scenic Route.” The investment will help expand the cities bike lines onto Canadore College’s private property to allow for a seamless transition between the city’s trails and their own trails.

The Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming says, “This is a great project that focuses on promoting a more active and healthier lifestyle. Investments in infrastructure stimulate local economies and facilitate municipal growth in addition to contributing to the environment.”

The funding will be used to build “Active Transportation Hubs” that will encourage non-motorized usage by offering many amenities, including secure storage, water stations, air stations, and benches.

Rota says, “This will allow users to have a place to keep their belongings, fill up water bottles, and take a rest while getting from one destination to the next, whether they are on bikes, rollerblades or skis.”

Canadore College President and CEO George Burton says, “Canadore College has a commitment to the health and well-being of our students, employees, and community, and we thank the Government of Canada and our MP Anthony Rota for their support of this initiative.” Burton adds, “These Active Transportation Hubs will provide a seamless transition between the City of North Bay trails and our own, to encourage members of the community to use their bicycles, rollerblades, and skis to become more active and healthier.”                

“The goal of this project is to create a plan to increase active, non-motorized transportation at our College Drive and Commerce Court campuses,” said Jesse Russell, Sustainable Development Project Lead.  “This includes the design of two active transportation hubs that will have locked storage, water stations, and an area for minor repairs. These will be accessible to staff, students, and community members looking to access either campus, and will tie in nicely with the Canadore Multi-Use Recreation Facility that will be constructed at Commerce Court.”