Wolfville Active Transportation Network

The Town of Wolfville is making a $3,326,632 investment in active transportation infrastructure. $887,212 has been budgeted by the Town, and $2,439,419 has been awarded by the Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

The projects identified on this page are specific to the ICIP funding. Additional active transportation investments will occur through our annual budget process. Implementing a town-wide active transportation network and enhancing mobility in the Town has been a long-standing aspiration of the community, reflected through the planning processes, policy and strategy undertaken to date:

What to expect during summer and fall of 2024:

You may notice work beginning in one of the sections below during summer or fall of 2024. Click the "Tender package for 2024 Upgrades" on the right to view detailed drawings. These sections are also shown on the map below.

• A shared pathway linking Main Street at Highland Avenue to the Harvest Moon Trail through the Festival Threatre parking lot.
• A shared pathway from Main Street to the Harvest Moon Trail through the East End Gateway.
• A paved section of the Harvest Moon Trail from Harbourside Drive to Elm Avenue/ the Wolfville Farmers' Market.
• Shared pathway paint markings and traffic calming along Cherry Lane to the Harvest Moon Trail entrance.
• Shared pathway paint markings and traffic calming along Kent Avenue.
• Highland Avenue pavement markings and signage will be added along the Shared Use Pathway on Highland Ave. To view details, click on "Highland Avenue Pavement Markings" on the right, under "Documents".

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada

ICIP is a federal and provincial grant program designed to help communities:

• Reduce air and water pollution, provide clean water, increase resilience to climate change and create a clean-growth economy;
• Build strong, dynamic and inclusive communities; and
• Ensure Canadian families have access to modern, reliable services that improve their quality of life.

The Green Infrastructure Steam of the funding supports projects with outcomes in three crucial areas:

• Climate Change Mitigation
• Adaptation, Resilience and Disaster Mitigation
• Environmental Quality

The ICIP funding must be used by 2027, and will help build 10,350 metres of active transportation infrastructure in Town.

The Active Transportation Network:

The overall network as been established, as shown below:

Examples of what each of the improvement types are shown below with corresponding colours. Not all sections are shown, please view the ICIP Application Overview, linked on the right under "Resources and Studies" to view all examples.

Active Transportation is Climate Action

Wolfville Council has adopted a Climate Action Plan. Included in this Plan is a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Investing in active transportation infrastructure is an action that municipal government can take that has a medium-high potential impact on greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

To achieve a low carbon future in Wolfville, emissions from transportation must decrease by 28%, to help achieve this goal, we are aiming for 40% of short trips to be made by walking or biking by 2023, and 50% by 2050.

While 44% of working residents in Wolfville work within Wolfville, only 2% commute by bike and 22% by walking.

Our Climate Action Plan recommends we aim for a goal of 50% of in-town commuting is made by active transportation.

Our current infrastructure is inadequate, and deters many would-be active transportation users from using this option over a motor vehicle. Investing in a safe, accessible active transportation network will encourage more users to make zero-emissions trips more frequently.

Why are we striving for All Ages and Abilities (AAA) in Wolfville?

• Can increase cycling ridership and confidence of reluctant users
• Improves traffic safety for all users
• Can contribute to reducing congestion (including parking issues)
• Improves air quality and public health
• Provides better and more equitable access to jobs and opportunities

Active Transportation is a key priority of both the current Council and the Town’s Municipal Planning Strategy. Improving active transportation in the Town has long been an aspirational priority of the community.

Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Check out the frequently asked questions (FAQs) and documents on the right to learn more!