Calling for a Continuous Network During a Slowdown
In February, Saanich Council reviewed the report “New Transportation Funding”, in response to an earlier request to accelerate construction of the active transportation network. The report included three funding options: status quo, funding inflationary adjustments, or increasing funding and accelerating the implementation timeline.
Saanich Council, supported the option to not increase funding by an 8-1 vote. Councilor Bonderoff advocated to provide inflation adjustment funding (as is being done for road renewal) to active transportation construction but was not successful.
With completion of the active transportation delayed until 2045, we are also concerned with the lack of a priority network construction. In Saanich, most active transportation projects are done to align with the infrastructure maintenance schedule. This is more cost effective, but can leave new bike lanes underutilized due to their lack of connections to the existing network.
Capital Bike’s Saanich Local Committee has advocated for:
- Fixing gaps – we identified 12 key gaps in the priority project list (some as short as half a block) that if closed would support a more connected network of safe cycling routes.
- Safer bike lanes – noting that lanes between parking and traffic are not consistent with safe infrastructure design.
- Safe intersections – citing elimination of right-turn “slip” lanes, the addition of no-right-turn-on-red restrictions, and including bikes in the advance green where phased signals have been built.
- Cyclist crossing facilities – especially on bike routes.
- Priority on Quadra Street – given that this corridor is scheduled for higher density development.
- Quick Builds – favouring lower-cost alternatives
- Funding for the Road Safety Action Plan
- The opportunity to provide feedback on priorities to support development of a continuous network.
Councilor Plant successfully moved to discuss an inflation adjustment for the active transportation network funding, starting in 2026. We will work over the next year to build support in the community and on council for increased active transportation funding. Saanich residents need access to safe, affordable and climate friendly transportation options. Please join our Local Area Committee and help make that a reality.