News Release
EDM Wins National Award for HRM Bicycle Plan
(Wednesday, May 21/2003)-- EDM Environmental Design and Management of Halifax has won a national distinction for Halifax Regional Municipality's official bicycle plan.
The "Blueprint for a Bicycle-Friendly HRM" was recently given a Regional Merit Award from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA). The award provides national recognition to projects of regional significance.
HRM's Bicycle Plan is the most comprehensive municipally-approved plan in Atlantic Canada and will be a model for other communities to follow. What sets it apart is its distinct focus on the bicycle as a valid form of transportation. The plan is now being implemented.
Halifax Regional Council unanimously adopted the plan shortly after it was developed in December 2002. Later, it approved the creation of a full time bicycle/pedestrian co-ordinator position and earmarked $300,000 in Capital spending for bicycle projects over the next three years.
The plan demonstrates how bicycle facilities/ programs will benefit HRM and its residents over time by improving transportation linkages. At the same time, they provide healthy recreational opportunities and contribute to a better environment. The bicycle-friendly initiatives identified in this 25-year plan will improve the quality of life for residents and make HRM a more attractive place to live, work and do business.
Upcoming events to promote the benefits of cycling in HRM include the Canadian Commuter Challenge and Bike Week, which will be held June 1-7. It will be officially kicked-off by a police-escorted Bicycle Parade, starting at the corner of Bell Road and Summer Street, and proceeding to the George Dixon Centre on Gottingen Street on Sunday June 1, 2003. The parade starts at 1:30 p.m.
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Hanita Koblents
EDM Environmental Design and Management
(902) 425.7900
David McCusker
HRM Regional Planning (Transportation)
(902) 490-6696
