Whereas the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure policy requires local governments to take responsibility for pedestrian and cycling trails within highway rights of way; And whereas local government involvement in planning and operating active transportation infrastructure within highway right of way is inefficient and ineffective given that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure sets the guidelines and gives final approval; Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province to assume responsibility for the development and operation of active transportation infrastructure within highway rights of way.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure The Provincial Government is eager to see the growth of active transportation across the province. In 2019, Move. Commute. Connect. BCs Active Transportation Strategy, was released to support the Provinces CleanBC Strategy. The Provincial Government works to incorporate pedestrian and cycling improvements as part of most major highway capital projects. This includes working with local communities to identify active transportation connections and crossings that align with local transportation plans and aspirations. Many communities throughout the province have developed plans that outline short-, medium-, and long-term investments in active transportation that align with their unique needs. One of the ways the province supports community active transportation is through the Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants program that provides cost-sharing with Indigenous and local governments. Communities that construct active transportation infrastructure are responsible for its ownership and maintenance. It is recognized that some active transportation infrastructure plans and projects are found on, or adjacent to, provincial rights-of-way. The Province facilitates the development of active transportation infrastructure on provincial rights of ways through a permitting andor license of occupation process that is respectful of applicant needs and requirements. Currently there is no plan for the Province to assume responsibility for the development and operation of all active transportation infrastructure within highway rights of way.