Sidney residents could soon see a new transit hub with up to five bus bays near the Mary Winspear Centre – part of a plan to deliver faster, more frequent connections from the town to the rest of the Peninsula and beyond.
On April 29, Town council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BC Transit. Though not legally binding, it signalled a significant step, showing a commitment to moving forward with the project.
The decision follows months of extensive evaluation of potential locations for the transit hub. Two potential spots were considered: the Seventh Street and Bevan Avenue intersection and the Highway 17 shoulder stops.
After evaluating both options, a staff report to council deemed the site at Seventh Street and Bevan Avenue more economical to build, capable of providing a better rider experience, and more feasible in the short and medium term.
In June 2024, council granted in-principle approval for developing the RapidBus station at the site.
The envisioned RapidBus service will offer faster and more frequent connections along the Peninsula, linking the BC Ferries Terminal in Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria with stops along the way.
A map showcasing potential future traffic movements in the area was presented to council during the meeting.
The proposed transit hub could feature up to five bus bays on Bevan and Seventh Avenue, along with transit bus shelters equipped with electrical connections and storm drains, sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, street resurfacing/paving, line painting and other related infrastructure improvements.
BC Transit is now poised to begin the design phase of the project, agreeing to fully fund the design concept's development to a 90 per cent design level by mid-2026.
The Town’s contribution will be limited to staff time.
Crucially, with the MOU now approved, BC Transit will manage all communication and public engagement efforts, with support from the Town.
Funding for the planning and design work will be provided by BC Transit and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission.
BC Transit will lead the engagement process, providing ample opportunities for community members and stakeholders to share their input on the transit hub's design as it progresses.
The need for improved public transportation has been identified as a high priority in the Town's Official Community Plan, Active Transportation Plan and Climate Action Plan, highlighting the project's alignment with the town's overall strategic goals.
If the project continues to move forward as planned, the new transit hub could be completed within the next three to four years, providing a significant boost to public transportation infrastructure in Sidney.
