December 14, 2023 — Building on priorities identified in its Climate Change Action Plan, and ongoing development of an Active Transportation Master Plan, the City has completed a critical piece of infrastructure expanding its integrated active transportation network for pedestrians, cyclists and other travellers using human-powered modes of transport.
The new Afton Drive Multi-Use Path is now open, extending the City’s existing east-west active transportation corridor from Germain Park to connect with the Howard Watson Nature Trail towards Lambton College. The new path includes 1.35km of paved multi-use path providing safety of separation between vehicle and active transportation lanes, alongside landscape infill, boulevard restoration, on-road pavement markings and two raised pedestrian crosswalks. The project was made possible by support from the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
“Multi-use paths offer a safe, affordable, and sustainable way for people to move around and between their communities,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “I am happy that the Afton Drive Multi-Use Path will help the residents of Sarnia do just that. We will continue working with our partners across the country, through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, to support building, expanding, and upgrading active transportation networks.”
“We’ve identified promotion of active transportation through infrastructure and education as one of our priorities in our Climate Change Action Plan. Providing the infrastructure for cycling, walking and other modes of transport is crucial not only to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also to increase safety and promote healthy, active lifestyles,” said Manager of Development Transportation, Alister Brown.
“Access to active transportation options, including trails, pathways, bike paths, and sidewalks is vital to residents across Ontario,” said Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria. “That’s why the Ontario government is proud to help make this project a reality, with more than $1.1 million invested to build healthy, safe and prosperous communities in Sarnia and across the province.”
The Afton Drive Multi-use Path utilizes new paved multi-use trail segments on Germain Street, Murphy Road, and Afton Drive, in addition to on-street marked sections on Minto Street, Mayfair Drive and Preston Avenue.