Michael is one to give credit where credit is due and in the case of the Recreational Roadway and Wildlife Corridor in Maple Ridge there’s plenty of kudos to go around!
Below is what he said in the House about this worthwhile endeavor.
2010 Legislative Session: Second Session, 39th Parliament
HANSARD
The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.
The printed version remains the official version.
Official Report of
DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
(Hansard)
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2010
Afternoon Sitting
Volume 10, Number 8
M. Sather: I would like to commend four community groups in my constituency for their efforts to enhance the livability of Maple Ridge. The Alouette valley association, the Silver Valley neighbourhood association, the Alouette River Management Society and the Haney Horsemen have coordinated efforts to develop and promote the idea of a wildlife corridor and recreational roadway along 132nd Avenue in Maple Ridge.
This stretch of rural road has seen increasing traffic in recent years due to development in the area. These groups are actively promoting the recreational roadway concept to reduce traffic and enhance access to many surrounding recreational facilities.
Currently, horse riders, hikers and joggers must travel along the road’s narrow shoulder to get from recreational venues like Maple Ridge Park, Horseman’s Park and Maple Ridge Equi-sports Centre to the various horse and hiking trails in the area.
The groups envision the roadway being narrowed, the speed limit lowered and the shoulders of the road widened to accommodate horses and pedestrians in a safer setting. Due to increased vehicular traffic on 132nd Avenue, two horses have been hit and subsequently died.
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However, the sign campaign that has been launched to encourage drivers to slow down is already beginning to have a positive effect.
The recreational roadway would promote a healthy lifestyle by supporting activities that get people out of their cars and into nature. The features of the recreational roadway would become an attraction to the community, increasing recreational activities and tourism dollars spent in Maple Ridge and enhancing the attractiveness of Maple Ridge to new businesses.
The wildlife corridor and recreational roadway is a novel planning concept that can add significant value to communities. I look forward to its adoption in my community.
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