Federal government improves safety for pedestrians and cyclists in Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NS, Sept. 25, 2026 /CNW/ -- Pedestrians and cyclists will have a safer way to get around Bridgewater after an investment of $762,000 from the federal government.

This was announced by Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margarets, and David Mitchell, Mayor of Bridgewater.

Project funding will be used to construct a dedicated path for pedestrians and cyclists along an existing bridge, restoring an important active transportation corridor in the community that has been disrupted by flood damage. Once completed, this multi-use path will connect downtown Bridgewater and Parkview Education Centre, the town's high school.

Quotes

"When the federal government invests in active transportation infrastructure, like this multi-use path in Bridgewater, we're increasing transportation options and contributing to healthy and active communities. Active transportation infrastructure allows people to get their daily exercise on the way to work or school, while reducing our carbon footprint and traffic congestion."

Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margarets

"When the bridge was damaged in 2023, it created challenges for our residents who rely on this important route every day. Thanks to this new funding, when the full bridge is replaced, it will be safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, and better suit the needs of our community."

His Worship David Mitchell, Mayor of Bridgewater

Quick Facts

• The federal government is investing $762,000 in this project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF).
• The ATF supports projects that build new and expanded networks of pathways, sidewalks, bike lanes and trails to support affordable, greener, and healthier options for Canadians to access their communities by walking, cycling, and through the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more. 
• A minimum of 10% of ATF's funding is allocated to projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities.
• The ATF supports the National Active Transportation Strategy, the country's first strategic approach for promoting active transportation and its benefits. It uses data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and expanded active transportation networks, while supporting equitable and sustainable travel options.
• The federal government also launched the Active Transportation Online Hub. This webpage provides resources related to active transportation, such as data and research, policies, success stories on projects across Canada, and information on the federal government's active transportation investments.
• The Government of Canada is taking concrete actions to strengthen the economy by investing in Canadians and supporting Canadian businesses.
• Federal actions are creating good jobs, accelerating home building and helping communities grow across the country.
• The funding announced today builds on the federal government's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies. 
• Federal funding is conditional on the signing of the contribution agreement. 

Associated Links

Active Transportation Fund
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/trans/index-eng.html 

National Active Transportation Strategy
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/trans/active-strat-actif-eng.html 

Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html 

Housing and Infrastructure Project Map
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html 

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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Arianna Durgerian, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Bronwyn MacFair, Communications Officer, Town of Bridgewater, 902-930-1382, [email protected]