This project will install three Solo Advanced Solar Off-Grid Lighting to increase pedestrian safety along one of the most frequently traveled roadways in the community which leads to the Village site and the Community Hall. Funding will help support/kick-start the community Active Transportation and Well Being Plan as a way to improve non-motorized transportation and active and healthy living in the community.
Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it people are members of the Ktunaxa (Kootenay) speaking peoples of British Columbia, Idaho and Montana. In 2018, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it, or Tobacco Plains Indian Band (TPIB), completed a comprehensive community plan (CCP) which contains high level goals and a vision for the community.
The CCP emphasizes the goal of creating a healthy and active community through proactive health, safety, and social wellness. This includes establishing and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for members to maintain healthy lifestyles while ensuring their visibility and safety in our more remote location. One of the key areas of interest is Village Loop Road. This road is one of the most frequently traveled roadways in the community and leads to the Village site and the Community Hall where the majority of the community services are provided. These roadways, including Village Loop Road, lack lighting and visibility which are key safety concerns when walking or biking and impacts the transportation choices of Band members. TPIB is also dedicated to environmental sustainability, and has an existing solar array installed on the main community building that provides our community with energy and lighting inside of the facility. TPIB is installing three solar lighting standards as part of this grant, including two near the main community building, and a third near our community playground area.This project is would kick-start our community’s active transportation and road safety efforts as well as address more immediate and short-term safety concerns, and contribute to our goals of addressing community safety, and encourage active and healthy habits for all ages in our community.
