News release
For immediate release

 

Saanich taking steps to improve road safety, invites community feedback on two projects

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich is currently undertaking two transportation planning projects to further increase road safety in our community: the Road Safety Action Plan and an update to the existing Active Transportation Plan. The public is invited to share feedback about road safety at several engagement events.

“Safety on Saanich roads is a key factor for many people deciding to use active transportation,” said Harley Machielse, Director of Engineering. “Together, the Active Transportation Plan and Road Safety Action Plan will help us create a safe, connected, and convenient transportation system in Saanich.”

Feedback will be used to inform both plans to ensure the needs of the community are met.

Road Safety Action Plan

Saanich’s first Road Safety Action Plan aims to address safety for all road users, including people who walk, ride a bike, take a bus, use a mobility device or drive. We are seeking input to identify concerns and issues related to road safety with the goal of making transportation safe and comfortable for everyone.

The process to create the Road Safety Action Plan is being completed over 19 months and consists of four phases. The project kicked off in April 2022 and is expected to be complete by the end of 2023.

Active Transportation Plan Update

Saanich’s Active Transportation Plan, Moving Saanich Forward, was adopted by Council in June 2018 as a guide for active transportation direction and improvements for 30 years. The award-winning plan establishes a vision, goals, and targets. It also outlines strategies and actions, and an implementation plan to ensure progress on the District’s policies, standards, infrastructure and programs for active transportation.

The draft update to the Active Transportation Plan will showcase achievements from the last five years and provides a current framework to implement active transportation policies,  actions, and priorities. Once approved, the plan will help guide investments and decision-making for the next five years and beyond.

The process to update the Active Transportation Plan is being completed over 17 months and consists of five phases. The project kicked off in April 2022 and is expected to be complete by fall 2023.

Have your say!

Public engagement events and feedback opportunities are planned for both the Road Safety Action Plan and the Active Transportation Plan Update. We invite community members to learn more about each initiative and provide feedback for our next steps at the following events.

RSAP and ATP Update Joint Survey:

• Take the survey here from Monday, May 16 to June 18.

Open House Events:

• Saturday, June 10 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Gordon Head Recreation Centre (auditorium).
• Wednesday, June 14 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Saanich Commonwealth Place (lobby/corridor and Douglas Fir Room).

Pop-up Locations:

The project team will also be popping up at various locations throughout Saanich at various locations in Saanich. Stay tuned for more information!

To learn more about the Road Safety Action Plan, visit Saanich’s website at: saanich.ca/roadsafetyaction

To learn more about the updated Active Transportation Plan, visit Saanich's website at: saanich.ca/atpupdate

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Contact:
Kelsie McLeod
Saanich Communications
250-475-7633
media@saanich.ca