Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) held a celebratory event today to mark completion of Phases 1 and 2 of the E&N Rail Trail-Humpback Connector. The CRD Board and staff recognized those who were foundational to its construction.

“The CRD received $20 million in grants toward the development of this increasingly popular bike and pedestrian trail,” said CRD Board Chair Colin Plant. “We sincerely recognize and appreciate the generous support of our many funders and partnerships, who are instrumental to our progress.”

Dignitaries included representatives for:

• Union of BC Municipalities: Administrator of the Federal Gas Tax Fund. The Government of Canada has provided $16 million through this program.
• BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure: Bike BC Cycling Infrastructure Program funded $2.7 million (and an additional $1 million for Phase 3 construction).
• Western Economic Diversification Canada: Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program funded $1 million.
• BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Provided funding under the LocalMotion Program funded $275,000.
• The Lekwungen peoples, represented by Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, whose communities and traditional territory through which the trail runs.
• The City of Langford, Town of View Royal, Township of Esquimalt, City of Victoria - our municipal partners throughout the trail development.
• Island Corridor Foundation, who allow for the regional trail within the railway corridor.

“Investing in recreational infrastructure is key to developing people’s well-being, community vitality and economic growth,” said the Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “We are proud to support projects like this one in Victoria encouraging active transportation among residents while promoting the development of tourism. The E&N Rail Trail will allow people to stay active and help build vibrant healthy communities for years to come.”

“The E&N Rail Trail Humpback Connector is a wonderful multi-use pathway that connects communities and neighbourhoods to the places where people work, play and learn,” said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt - Metchosin on behalf of Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Our government is pleased to be a funding partner to help build this pathway. We will continue to work with regional, local and Indigenous governments to build safe active transportation infrastructure to give people of all ages and abilities more choices to get around in healthy, environmentally friendly and affordable ways.” 

The E&N Rail Trail-Humpback Connector is a bike and pedestrian trail being constructed largely within the rail corridor. It is being built in phases over a number of years and will be 17 kilometres in length when complete. It links the City of Langford, Town of View Royal, Esquimalt Nation, Songhees Nation, Township of Esquimalt and City of Victoria. The trail provides both active transportation and recreation opportunities. To date, 12 km of the trail is complete and open for public use, expanding the CRD’s regional trail network to nearly 100 km. The E&N Rail Trail received about 400,000 visits in 2018.

Attachment: photo

Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492