Abstract Manager

In recent years, Prince Edward Island’s (PEI) capital region has implemented numerous and significant active transportation (AT) projects. The capital region consists primarily of three communities: the City of Charlottetown, the Town of Stratford, and the Town of Cornwall (stated as the fastest growing community in Atlantic Canada as per the 2022 census). Historically, the TransCanada Highway and other major roadways have been the primary route used by Islanders for transportation, and most notably, by personal vehicle.

As significant improvements in AT have been made over the last decade, the region is now equipped with a capital region “AT highway”. This AT highway connects Cornwall, Charlottetown, and Stratford by offering separated AT routes within road and bridge corridors and along trails. A portion of the AT highway crosses the Hillsborough Bridge, the main connector between Charlottetown and Stratford and the busiest road section in all of PEI. The AT pathway over the bridge has 200+ users per day in the busiest months. Key destinations that are located along the AT highway include, but are not limited to schools, universities/colleges, airports, hospitals, businesses, parks, and the downtown core.

In addition to AT improvements, there have also been improvements to both capital region transit, rural transit, and ride-share parking lots, all complimenting the AT highway. The different options for travel allow Islanders to make more informed and convenient choices on how they wish to get to their destinations, whether it be for their health, their budget, or reducing their carbon footprint. As the region has the infrastructure for combining different modes of transportation, initiatives such as “the last kilometer” become feasible. For example, if you want to drive your vehicle into the outskirts of the city, park at the ride-share lot, and begin to ride your bike downtown – that is an option. If you live in a rural area, you can ride the rural transit bus into the downtown core followed by walking to your destination. In essence, the capital area is the “heart” of multi-modal transportation, with various “veins” connecting jurisdictions that historically lack these transportation opportunities.

The collaboration and shared goals between various levels of government, community groups, stakeholders, and support from communities, has been instrumental in the success of creating seamless trip connections within PEI. PEI continues to strive to improve its multi-modal transportation options that provide benefits for public health and well-being, and the environment.