NDP MLAs Dean, Lore and Popham say people in Greater Victoria will enjoy better infrastructure for walking or cycling

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VICTORIA – New Democrat MLAs Mitzi Dean, Grace Lore, and Lana Popham say people in Greater Victoria will soon benefit from better active transportation infrastructure that will safely connect neighbourhoods to parks, schools, and town centres.

“Whether it is walking or cycling, active transportation is better for the environment, supports healthier lifestyles and helps people get where they need to go,” said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin. “I am delighted we are supporting View Royal’s efforts to integrate active transportation into their municipal planning.”

“Connecting downtown Victoria to other communities by building more cycling routes will increase employment and recreation opportunities for people in our community,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “Active transportation is more affordable, the greener choice, and benefits our physical and mental health – I am thankful for all of the work being done to help people in Victoria thrive.”

The following communities in the South Island are receiving $500,000 in cost-shared funding for each of their projects:

  • District of Central Saanich
    • The Central Saanich – Priority School Zone Improvements project will construct new crosswalks with flashlights as well as several hundred metres of sidewalk extensions adjacent to Keating Elementary and the Wallace Drive/Marchant Road Intersection
  • Victoria
    • The Kimta Road / E&N Trail – All Ages and Abilities Connector will construct 1.2 km of cycling infrastructure that connects downtown Victoria with the regional trail network
  • District of Sooke
    • Church Road Corridor project will add concrete sidewalks, bike lanes, intersection improvements and additional amenities
    • Church Road/Throup Road Roundabout project will include 380 m of sidewalks and bike lanes in both directions, audible/braille crosswalk controls and signals and a roundabout at the intersection of Church Road and Throup Road

“Walking to school should be a safe and positive experience for children and their families and with these crosswalk improvements and sidewalk extensions, we are working to build safer and more walkable communities,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich-South. “Active living is a critical part of a healthy lifestyle and by investing in more sustainable transportation methods now, we are building a cleaner B.C. for coming generations.”

A total of 33 Indigenous and local governments across the province are receiving funding for shovel-ready projects that will increase the number of people walking and cycling as well as improve the safety of vulnerable road users. The projects are aligned with provincial priorities to enhance community connectivity, accessibility, tourism, and climate change mitigation.

In addition, the Town of View Royal is one of 29 communities receiving funding to create an Active Transportation Development Plan to encourage more people to cycle, walk, skateboard, and use other forms of active transportation.

Making active transportation more accessible for people is central to Move. Commute. Connect., B.C.’s comprehensive strategy to make local transportation safer, greener, and more accessible for all British Columbians. $36 million is committed to this program over the next three years, with nearly $13.7 million in Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants and Active Transportation Network Planning Grants being awarded in 2021.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021TRAN0135-001815