The Capital Regional District (CRD) alternative approval process officially hit the gas April 3 in a bid to establish a new regional transportation service.
The proposed service (RTS) would combine existing functions and develop a new regional transportation plan “reflecting residents’ needs and aspirations,” the CRD said in a news release. “It would help the Capital Region achieve its transportation goals by increasing coordination, and creating new programs, projects, and funding opportunities.”
The service would be responsible for development of transportation policies, plans and studies, including but not limited to public transit, active transportation, mobility hubs, transportation demand management, and road and trail safety. A maximum of $20 million could be requisitioned annually.
The CRD’s existing transportation functions include some planning, data analysis, policy, and programming. The CRD also manages and operates regional trails, including the Galloping Goose, Lochside and E&N Rail. The current cost to operate these existing transportation functions totals $4.7 million per year. This would be transferred into the proposed RTS at no added cost. The CRD is also widening and improving 6.5 km of the Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional trails, which will be funded by grants and borrowing.
About $10 million includes the estimated costs for existing transportation functions including the operations of regional trails and the approved borrowing to support the trestle renewal and trial widening and lighting already underway. The remaining requisition amount is for long-term service growth at the discretion of the board. The service would be implemented over several years with no plans to reach maximum requisition, the CRD said.
The board could proceed with the new service unless at least 10 per cent of electors indicate opposition by submitting a signed elector response form by mail, in-person at 625 Fisgard St. during regular business hours, or by emailing a legible, signed copy to LegServ@crd.bc.ca. The deadline is Friday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Forms are available at the CRD office on Fisgard or online at crd.ca.
