Active Steps Pictou County

About the Project

Active Steps was launched in the spring of 2024 to develop an Active Transportation Plan for the Town of Pictou and the Municipality of Pictou County. This project aims to enhance the movement of both residents and visitors throughout the region, fostering a healthier and more sustainable community where active transportation is not only safe and practical but also an enjoyable experience for all.

Active transportation (AT) refers to modes of human-powered transportation, including walking and rolling (referring to the use of wheelchairs and other assistive devices), cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding, seasonal activities like kayaking and snowshoeing, as well as some motorized forms of transportation, such as e-bikes and electric wheelchairs.

Share Your Thoughts

The project team has carefully reviewed all feedback from the initial engagement phase and used it to shape the Draft Active Transportation Plan (click to view). Now, we would love to hear your thoughts on the Draft Plan!

Attend a public information session – See the schedule to the right for more details.
Complete the online feedback form – Click here or scroll down to participate.
Leave a comment on the social map – Click here or scroll down to contribute.
Contact the project team – Reach out directly to consultation@uplandstudio.ca or +1-902-423-0649 Ext. 109

Your input is key to ensuring the final Plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the community. Thank you for helping shape the future of active transportation in the Town of Pictou and the Municipality of Pictou County!

Online public engagement (the online public survey and social map) will close on Sunday, March 9 at midnight.

Document Library

Virtual Public Information Session

Unable to attend any of the public information sessions? A recording of the virtual presentation is now available online. To view, please click here!

Public Information Sessions

Join the project team for a presentation of the Draft Active Transportation Plan to learn more, share your feedback, and ask questions! The team will also be popping up at various locations across the Municipality throughout the second half of February—stay tuned for more details!

Wednesday 12 February 2025 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Trenton Park Night Walk (119 Park Rd)

The project team will be at the Active Pictou County Trenton Park Night Walk from 5:30 to 6:30 PM to chat with community members before and during the walk, which begins at 6:00pm.

To register for the hike or learn more, please contact leighton.hayden@townofpictou.ca

Thursday 20 February 2025 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Pictou Wellness Centre (2-2756 Westville Rd)

The project team will be set up at the Pictou Wellness centre from 6:00-8:00pm. Drop by at your convenience and stay as long as you'd like to learn more and share your thoughts!

Tuesday 25 February 2025 7:00 pm

Virtual Public Information Session

To register for the session, please click here.
A recording will also be shared to the project website.

Project Timeline

Timeline item 1 - complete

Discovery

Spring 2024
Timeline item 2 - complete

Initial Engagement

Summer 2024
Timeline item 3 - complete

Draft Plan Development

Fall-Winter 2024
Timeline item 4 - incomplete

Draft Plan Engagement

Winter 2025
Timeline item 5 - incomplete

Final Plan

Spring 2025

What is Active Transportation?

Active transportation (AT) is a broad term that refers to all modes of human-powered transportation, including walking and rolling (referring to the use of assistive devices including wheelchairs and scooters), cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding, seasonal activities such as kayaking, canoeing, skiing and snowshoeing, and some motorized forms of transportation like e-bikes and electric wheelchairs.

Some people depend on AT to get where they need to go due to lack of alternative transportation, while others choose to use AT as a preferred form of commute, exercise, recreation, or leisure.

AT is typically used for two purposes:

Utilitarian active transportation includes trips where active transportation is used to get to a destination, such as work, school, the store, or appointments.
Recreational active transportation includes leisure, recreational pursuits, and fitness (e.g. hiking, paddling, etc.)

In some cases, both utilitarian and recreational active transportation can occur at the same time. Understanding the various modes of AT is important for creating plans and infrastructure that meet the diverse needs and motivations of users.

What is Active Transportation Infrastructure?

Active transportation infrastructure refers to the physical elements and environments designed to support various human-powered modes of transportation. This includes cycling lanes, enhanced sidewalks, and multi-use trails, among others. Effective active transportation infrastructure is characterized by a well-integrated network that allows users to navigate their communities safely, seamlessly, and, importantly, enjoyably! This network should connect main streets, key destinations, and residential neighborhoods, creating a comprehensive system that empowers and inspires residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to engage in active movement within the community.