Canada invests in active transportation improvements on Vancouver Island
Victoria, British Columbia, May 17, 2023 — Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, announced a federal investment of more than $10.9 million to improve active transportation infrastructure on Vancouver Island. For the occasion, he was joined by Dr. Kevin Hall, President of the University of Victoria.
In Victoria, this investment will enable the construction of new protected bike lanes, as well as the installation of transit shelters, new accessibility enhancements, upgraded crossings, and improved landscaping along Fort Street as part of the City’s All Ages and Abilities priority cycling network.
A second project in Greater Victoria will complete a number of active transportation improvements identified within the University of Victoria’s Campus Cycling Plan. This investment will support new pedestrian and bicycle pathways, improve lighting and signage, and integrate traffic calming measures to improve safety at road crossings.
This investment will also enable the Toquaht Nation, Tseshaht First Nation, Hupacasath First Nation and the City of Port Alberni to move forward with active transportation planning and improve active transportation infrastructure like walkways and bike lanes in Saanich, Esquimalt, and Qualicum Beach.
Once complete, the projects will make active travel on Vancouver Island safer and more accessible, encouraging more British Columbians to use active transportation to get to their destination.
Funding announced today contributes to Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy by supporting activities that will help expand networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.