Construction of a multi-use trail connecting the north and south ends of North Bay will soon get underway.
This pathway will run from Gormanville Road along Main Street West and Memorial Drive to the end of the existing Kate Pace Way.
After several years of consultation and design, the work is expected to move ahead in early August following North Bay City Council approving Tuesday evening, a construction contract for the project valued at $2.17 million.
“This new tract of multi-use trail will fill in a missing link to complete a pathway that will allow cyclists and pedestrians to traverse the City,” said Coun. Johanne Brousseau, Chair of Council’s Community Services Committee.
Similar to the Kate Pace Way, the West Link extension will include two-way sections separated from the road by a curb, as well as a section of bike lanes along Main Street West, says a news release from the city. Improvements to the Main Street West and Memorial Drive intersection and a new signalized pedestrian/cyclist crossing on Main Street West near Timmins Street will also be included.
“The addition of bike lanes on Main Street West and a new signalized crossing at Memorial Drive will further expand North Bay’s active transportation network and help make the city’s roads safer for everyone,” said Rod Bilz, Chairman of North Bay’s Active Transportation Committee and founder of Cycling Advocates of Nipissing.
The project, which will be supported by $377,000 in funding through the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program, will help form part of the Voyageur Cycling Route, which spans from Sudbury to Ottawa.
“This project will not only complete a vital trail link within North Bay but will strengthen the City’s connection to a province-wide cycling network,” said Jennifer McCourt, Executive Director of Discovery Routes Trails Organization.
