A new round of provincial government funding is expected to further support B.C. active transportation projects, many of which are in Greater Victoria.
The $24 million in funding will support 53 provincial projects, 10 of which are in the Capital Region. An additional nine communities will also receive funding to create network plans for future active transportation.
Funding will go towards active transit improvements on Latoria Road in Langford, including additional sidewalks and buffered, protected bike lanes expected to provide routes to a new elementary school.
View Royal's Atkins Road sidewalk project, which connects Atkins Road to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, will receive $500,000 in funding.
In Esquimalt, another $500,000 will go towards active transportation and underground improvements on Esquimalt Road, including protected bike lanes connecting bike facilities on Lampson Street to bike lanes at Dominion Road. The project includes two new rectangular rapid-flashing beacons and one upgraded pedestrian crossing beacon.
"These improvements made in Esquimalt and View Royal will increase safety and connectivity in our community," noted Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood, in a news release. "Making active transportation more accessible is better for both people and the planet."
Victoria will receive $1 million for two projects: accessibility and pedestrian improvements on Cook Street, plus expansion of the cycling network; and upgrading bike lanes and the Bay Street intersection on Blanshard Street.
Saanich will receive $1 million for the third phase of the Shelbourne Street improvement project to build bike lanes, new multi-use pathways and additional pedestrian improvements on Pear Street; and about 750 metres of new sidewalks, improved pedestrian crossings, traffic calming and widened boulevards adjacent to Tillicum Elementary School.
"I'm looking forward to these new improvements for active commuters along and around the Shelbourne corridor," said Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Diana Gibson in a release. "Active transportation makes it easier for our community to stay connected and stay active."
Sidney's Bowerbank neighbourhood bikeway project will receive funding for a new neighbourhood bikeway connecting a local park and elementary school, designed to improve connection to the Lochside Trail and serve commuters.
Sooke will see improvements on the Throup Road corridor, which includes new sidewalk construction, multi-use paths, crosswalks and boulevards through Throup Road, connecting schools, recreation centres and bus routes.
"By connecting communities with dedicated active transportation infrastructure, we're encouraging people to cycle, walk or roll, which is good for our health and lessens our reliance on passenger vehicles," said Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth in a release.
