The Active Transportation Fund provides capital funding to build new or expand existing active transportation networks across Canada. The program supports infrastructure that makes it safer, more convenient and more accessible for Canadians to travel by active modes such as walking, cycling, wheeling and using other non-motorized transportation.

Eligible Infrastructure:

The program funds a wide range of active transportation assets, categorized by project complexity:

Level 1 Assets (lower complexity, minimal environmental impact):

• Rehabilitation, repair, or replacement of existing sidewalks, bike lanes and paths in developed areas
• New bike lanes on existing roadways
• Crosswalk improvements and new crosswalks in developed areas
• Signage, pavement markings and trail markers
• Bike racks, lockers and bike share systems (in developed areas under 1,000 m²)
• Benches, lighting and accessibility features on existing infrastructure
• Speed bumps and traffic calming measures
• Curbing and fencing improvements

Level 2 Assets (moderate complexity):

• New sidewalks, bike lanes, pedestrian paths and multi-use paths in developed areas
• New or expanded neighbourhood pathways and recreational trails (under 1,000 m² expansion)
• Pedestrian bridges, overpasses and tunnels (not over water)
• Transit connection pathways
• New or expanded washrooms, changerooms and storage facilities
• Activated signalized crossings
• Vegetation and landscaping within 15 m of water bodies

Level 3 Assets (higher complexity, potentially significant environmental impact):

• New active transportation infrastructure on undeveloped lands (over 100 m²)
• Major trail network expansions (over 1,000 m²)
• Bridges and overpasses over water
• Pedestrian tunnels in non-urban areas
• New infrastructure requiring significant vegetation clearing
• Tree planting on municipal, provincial, territorial, or federal lands

Key Program Requirements:

• All projects must expand or improve active transportation networks
• Projects must meet the highest published accessibility standards in the jurisdiction
• Safety improvements and user experience enhancements are prioritized
• Projects should demonstrate connections to transit, key destinations, or existing active transportation networks
• Climate resilience measures are encouraged where climate risks are identified
• Projects must comply with all applicable federal, provincial, territorial and municipal legislation