On June 15, 2016, an announcement was made at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park by local and provincial government representatives about the progress made on implementing the Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan. The five-point action plan includes improvements to public transit, a First Nations driver education program, new transit shelters and webcams, and increased collaboration between existing transportation service providers along the corridor.
The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure announced $2 million in new provincial and federal funding for the now $5-million Action Plan. Over the last six months, the 12-member advisory group – made up of First Nations, municipal leaders, the First Nations Health Authority, Northern Health, and ministry representatives – has met regularly to move the plan forward, fine tune the details, and develop implementation strategies. Among the progress made, there is now a new webpage where First Nations communities, Aboriginal organizations, municipalities, regional districts and non-profit groups can apply for funding for community vehicles and operating grants.