The Capital Regional District (CRD) is actively seeking public feedback on its ambitious active transportation projects within the Juan de Fuca electoral area. This engagement began with an initial survey conducted back in October 2024, aimed at gauging how residents utilize active transportation options such as walking and cycling. Residents from the electoral area, including the communities of East Sooke, Otter Point, Shirley, Jordan River, Malahat, and Willis Point, are encouraged to review proposed projects and share their insights on any elements they feel need more attention or consideration.
The planned active transportation initiatives will be comprehensive, targeting both short and medium-term improvements. These may involve the development of new or enhanced pathways, trails, and bike lanes, creating refined connections throughout the electoral area. The survey, which invites community input, will remain open until March 9. Individuals can access details and participate via getinvolved.crd.bc.ca/jdf-active-transportation-plan.
Meanwhile, the township of South Glengarry has also been making strides toward improving its active transportation network. Recently, there was significant community turnout at a public open house held at the Char-Lan Recreation Centre, signaling strong local interest and involvement. This event was part of the township's broader Active Transportation and Trails Plan, which benefited from receiving $50,000 as part of a federal grant totaling $310,000 from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada.
“There has been good engagement on this one,” stated Sarah McDonald, the township's infrastructure services general manager, expressing satisfaction with the participation levels seen so far. The Active Transportation Plan, initially initiated in spring 2024, is expected to be finalized and presented to the council within the upcoming months. The township has enlisted the help of Robison Consulting, based out of Ottawa, to guide the project forward.
Complementing the open house, McDonald highlighted the engagement of various community stakeholders. An invitation-only workshop took place among local cycling groups and health-care professionals late last year, alongside public surveys opened previously, showcasing the widespread desire for improvement. South Glengarry becomes the first township to undertake such planning efforts within Cornwall and the surrounding counties. McDonald described her work on the plan as somewhat of a 'passion project,' deeply rooted due to her strong connections with the community.
Associate Project Manager Kim Hunton, who manages transportation planning with Robinson Consulting, noted the increasing interest among rural communities to establish their own active transportation plans. “North Grenville is likely the closest municipality engaging with similar objectives,” she explained. Hunton characterized the developing plan as “a roadmap of sorts – a living document – aiding different levels of government to collaborate and form partnerships.” She also mentioned the potential for changes as the plan evolves, indicating openness to achieve partnerships with local businesses and developers as the community expands.
The focus on active transportation not only aspires to improve health and mobility options for residents but also emphasizes the dual benefits of supporting local tourism and communities’ economic viability. One unexpected finding from consultations with the community has been the growing enthusiasm for e-bikes. “When I think of active transportation, I envision children riding bikes and adults commuting. But as our population ages, prioritizing space for e-bikes may become increasingly significant,” McDonald remarked.
The vision outlined by the South Glengarry plan aims to cultivate “a community where walking, cycling, and rolling are integral to daily life.” This goal supports sustainable use of the township's assets, embraces the experience of nature outside of vehicles, and contributes positively to both tourism and residents’ health.
To summarize, active transportation initiatives are gaining traction across different regions, combining efforts from local governments and communities to create safer, more inviting areas for walking and cycling. The focus groups and surveys being implemented signal community members’ readiness to take part actively, indicating not just infrastructural changes on the horizon, but also shifts toward healthier, more connected living environments.