The federal government will spend $50,000 to support community-led efforts to study strengthening pedestrian and bicyclist safety in two local neighbourhoods along the Alaska Highway.

“This feasibility study will inform future decisions on how to increase pedestrian safety along the Alaska Highway in Whitehorse,” the government said in a statement last Friday.

“It will explore design considerations, associated costs, and the benefits the community will experience from building active transportation underpasses in two strategic locations under the highway that are safe, convenient, and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.”

The two potential underpass locations are not specified.

The Alaska Highway divides Whitehorse and creates a barrier to accessing services, community recreational facilities, schools and impacts the movements of residents of all ages, the government added.

The money will support an active transportation feasibility study undertaken by the Cycling Association of Yukon and supported by Takhini residents, the Hillcrest Community Association, and the Whitehorse Urban Cycling Coalition.

Residents of these areas lobbied aggressively for an underpass or overpass near Hillcrest when the highway was widened several years ago. The Yukon government opted not to construct one.

“Our neighbourhood sits across the Alaska Highway from a vast network of trails that are used for hiking, biking, skiing,” said Jan Horton, a Takhini resident and steering committee member.

“People risk their lives regularly to cross the highway on foot rather than get in their cars to drive to the trails. I have seen up to eight people crossing at one time.

“We need an alternative route, especially if the highway is widened in the coming years,” Horton added.

“An underpass will provide a safe crossing to the trails and contribute one small part to reducing use of cars and mitigating climate change.

“The underpass will also help provide a safe active transportation connection to isolated and under-serviced neighbourhoods,” Horton added. “The feasibility study is the first step to that end.”

The funding contributes to Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy by supporting planning and engagement activities that will help expand networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges, the government said.

“Our support for this feasibility study will inform the next steps to build a more connected, accessible and safe community in Whitehorse,” said Yukon MP Brendan Hanley, speaking on behalf of Dominic LeBlanc, the federal minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.

“I want to commend the persistence and dedication of community leaders in working towards a greener and more inclusive community.”

The $50,000 is available through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF).

Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity.

It includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.

Municipal governments, local and regional governments such as service districts, and Indigenous organizations are eligible recipients.

Provinces, territories, and not-for-profit organizations are also eligible in specific circumstances.

The ATF complements Canada’s strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy.

The plan commits the federal government to providing permanent federal funding for public transit in support of making clean and affordable transportation options available in every community.

“Active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits, creating good middle-class jobs, growing the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, advancing equity amongst vulnerable Canadians, cutting air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” the government said.

“Investing in safer active transportation infrastructure is key to ensuring people of all ages and abilities can access jobs and services and connect with their communities.”

Ottawa is investing $14.9 billion over the next eight years in reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit.

The funding includes $3 billion per year in permanent, predictable federal public transit funding which will be available to support transit solutions beginning in 2026-27.

Since 2015, the federal government has invested over $24.8 billion in transit projects across the country, providing Canadians with cleaner and more efficient commuting options.