County secures active transportation contribution for the new footbridge connecting Strathcona County and Edmonton

Strathcona County has received a $690,000 contribution through the Government of Canada’s Active Transportation Fund to build a multi-use trail to connect to the footbridge project along with the supporting amenities. Construction is currently underway for the new footbridge which will connect Strathcona County on the east side of the North Saskatchewan River at Township Road 540 to Edmonton at 167 Avenue.

The design includes open spaces and improved trail connections on each side of the North Saskatchewan River. The Great Trail of Canada (Trans-Canada Trail) will further connect to this pedestrian bridge through the local trail systems.

“As communities in Alberta continue to grow, it is vital to have active and rural public transportation infrastructure that meets their evolving needs,” says the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Our government’s investment will encourage Albertans to be active and healthy and contribute to a cleaner environment, creating more resilient and stronger communities for everyone.”

“The footbridge will serve as a lasting legacy opening new opportunities for people to enjoy a safe and convenient pathway, linking communities together and improving access to the North Saskatchewan River Valley,” says Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank. “This project was made possible through regional cooperation with the City of Edmonton in partnership with the River Valley Alliance. Additional contribution funding from the Government of Canada further contributes to the supporting amenities for the project.”

In 2021, in support of Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy, the Government of Canada launched the Active Transportation Fund (ATF), a $400 million investment over five years to make travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient and more enjoyable. The Active Transportation Fund invests in projects that build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges, in addition to supporting active transportation planning and community engagement activities.

For more project information, visit strathcona.ca/EdmontonStrathconaFootbridge.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595