News release

For immediate release

Phase one of Shelbourne Street improvements completed

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich recently completed phase one of the Shelbourne Street Improvements Project (SSIP) from Torquay Drive to Garnet Road just south of McKenzie Avenue.

Phase one infrastructure upgrades included the addition of buffered bike lanes, underground infrastructure (water, sewer and storm drainage), utility services, traffic signals, sidewalks, lighting, bus stops, a rain garden and new street furniture (bike locking posts, waste receptacles and benches). Underground infrastructure upgrades included the replacement of 1,450 metres of watermain, 850 metres of sewermain, and 500 metres of watermain.

Active transportation is a major focus of the overall project. Phase one saw the following cycling and pedestrian safety improvements:

• northbound and southbound buffered bike lanes north of McKenzie Avenue to Torquay Drive;
• sidewalk repairs and upgrades;
• reduced intersection crossing distances for pedestrians;
• signal upgrade from a pedestrian-activated signal to a full traffic signal at Shelbourne Street and Blair Avenue;
• new full signal at Cedar Hill Road and Feltham Road and Shelbourne Street and Torquay Road intersections;
• new highly visible reflective road markings and embedded pavement reflectors; and
• addition of tactile tiles at all intersection crossings over the next few months for pedestrians with visual impairments.

Additionally, the new bike lanes on Shelbourne from Garnet Road to Torquay Drive will be made AAA by adding pre-cast concrete barriers as part of a quick build project that includes five kilometres of buffered bike lanes. This work is planned for fall or winter of 2022.

Saanich received $4.8 million from the federal Canada Community-Building Fund in British Columbia and $1 million from the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program toward the completion of phase one. The approximate total cost for phase one is $12 million. The Canada Community-Building Fund is administered in British Columbia by the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

Phase two construction is expected to begin in July and will focus on the southern section of Shelbourne from North Dairy Road to Pear Street. This phase will see the addition of the new UVic bike connector among many other active transportation and infrastructure upgrades, including protected cycle tracks and underground utilities. Construction of phase three is expected to begin in 2024.

Quotes

“Our Government is a proud proponent of active transportation infrastructure. To encourage more commuters to take up cycling and walking as their primary mode of transportation, we need to invest in safety enhancements. These upgrades to the streetscape will make the experience of walking and biking along Shelbourne Street much more pleasant, to the benefit of all residents."

-The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

"This project will create a safer commute for cyclists and pedestrians while improving connectivity to Mount Douglas, one of the most scenic spots in Saanich. The Province is pleased to work alongside the federal government to build meaningful infrastructure that results in healthier communities.”

-The Honourable Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs

“As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, people are looking for safe ways to get together with friends, family and neighbours. This project will increase the accessibility of our active transportation networks and other green modes of getting around, making for a greener, healthier and more liveable community.”

- The Honourable Murray Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head on behalf of Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria Swan-Lake and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“I’m delighted the first phase of this multi-year project is complete. Thank you to our residents for your patience as we work to improve our active transportation network, critical infrastructure and the livability of this amazing corridor. This work is only possible by working with federal and provincial partners. Their financial help is greatly appreciated. Watch for phase two starting soon.”

-Mayor Fred Haynes

Learn more

Find more information about the project phases at saanich.ca/Shelbourne.

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Media contact:
Harley Machielse
Director of Engineering
250-475-5447
harley.machielse@saanich.ca