British Columbia awards contract for Uptown Mobility Hub in Saanich; project includes four new bus stops, dedicated lanes and improved pedestrian infrastructure for completion in summer 2025

January 13, 2025 (press release) – NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release
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Jan. 13, 2025 Ministry of Transportation and Transit Uptown Mobility Hub makes taking the bus an easier choice

SAANICH – Major improvements to the Uptown area of Saanich will make it easier for people to choose transit to get around Greater Victoria.

A contract has been awarded for the completion of the Ravine Way Transit and Active Transportation Improvements at the Uptown Mobility Hub. This hub will become the region’s principal RapidBus exchange and route connector.

Windley Contracting Ltd. of Nanaimo was awarded the contract in fall 2024. Construction is underway. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2025.

Construction of a new roadway, active transportation and transit infrastructure will include four new bus stops with shelters (two of which will be on the Trans-Canada Highway) and dedicated bus lanes.

The project will also improve pedestrian safety and active transportation surrounding the hub by improving crosswalks and intersections, and creating new multi-use pathways to build connections to the adjacent Galloping Goose Regional Trail network.

“As this area gets increasingly busy, we know people who live in and around Victoria count on connections that get them to and from home, work and school – quickly,” said George Anderson, B.C.’s parliamentary secretary for transit. “These improvements, along with our plans for the transit-oriented development at Uptown, will create a hub that delivers fast travel, easy connections and better livability for everyone.”

These improvements support the future transit-oriented development in Saanich announced by the Province in April 2024. The improvements are designed to increase housing supply, promote sustainable transportation options and enhance overall livability.

“A connected, sustainable, and inclusive community is the cornerstone of a thriving, livable future,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of Nate Erskine-Smith, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “These improvements will enhance the reliability of transportation services, prioritize pedestrian safety and improve access to jobs and essential services, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future across southern Vancouver Island.”

Funding for the Uptown Mobility Hub was announced in September 2024, with the Province investing $15.5 million and the federal government investing $4.5 million through its Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

The work will connect all transit services in the region and follows other transit and active-transportation improvements, such as the Highway 1 Bus-On-Shoulder-Lanes project, the Colquitz Bridges Widening project and BC Transit’s transit-priority lanes in the Six Mile area of View Royal – making for easier, continuous and faster travel between communities.

The Uptown Mobility Hub is another step forward in the Province’s South Island Transportation Strategy, which focuses on improving the sustainability and resiliency in southern Vancouver Island communities through highway, transit and active transportation improvements.

Learn More:

For more information about the Province’s South Island Transportation Strategy, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/driving-and-transportation/reports-and-reference/reports-and-studies/vancouver-island-south-coast/south-island-transportation/south-island-transportation-strategy-progress-report-september-2024.pdfSeptember 2024 South Island Transportation Strategy Progress Report Transforming South Island Transportation Contents Message from the Minister 2 Introduction 4 Implementing the Strategy: Where We are Now 5 Overall Map 6 Malahat and Western Communities 7 Victoria Approaches 8 Saanich Peninsula 9 Working with Indigenous, Local, Regional, and Provincial Priorities 11 Refreshed Strategic Framework – A New Path Forward 12 Goals 13 Goal 1: Ensure sustainable options for a variety of travel modes 13 Goal 2: Strengthen connections between travel modes and improve connections between communities 14 Goal 3: Improve the safety and reliability of the transportation network 14 Goal 4: Support and encourage active transportation options 15 Goal 5 (new): Support broader land use and transportation integration 16 Goal 6 (new): Facilitate sustainable goods movement 17 Goal 7 (new): Provide transportation infrastructure that is resilient and adapted to climate change 17 Looking Ahead 18 Appendix – Accomplishments 19 South Island Transportation Strategy 1 Message from the Minister When the Province released the South Island The devastating 2021 Atmospheric River and other Transportation Strategy (the Strategy) in fall 2020, significant climate-related events, such as longer we worked with many partners across the region and more intense wildfire seasons, have also led to set forth a bold vision to make travel between us to establish more resilient planning, design and growing communities and economic hubs across investment practices to better support communities, the South Island safer, more reliable and convenient. physical infrastructure and the redundancy of the Our government recognized that British Columbians supply chain. We launched the Goods Movement continue to seek more integrated transportation Action Plan to set priorities and align partners around options that support healthy, complete and connected making our supply chain stronger, with a lens for communities, serve the needs of all ages and abilities, supporting goods getting to and through the South and effectively respond to the growing climate crisis. Island. Our government has heightened our focus on Four key goals were established to advance the climate action. We established the CleanBC Roadmap Strategy: to 2030 with a clear plan to achieve our 2030 1. Ensure sustainable options for a variety of travel emission reduction targets and set a path toward modes being net-zero by 2050, which includes aggressive 2. Strengthen community connections between targets for the transportation sector. We’ve already travel modes and improve connections between made investments in infrastructure resiliency on communities the island, like expanding culverts on Highway 14 and designing an innovative retaining wall on the 3. Improve the safety and reliability of the Malahat. transportation network 4. Support and encourage active transportation options This refreshed South Island Transportation Strategy has been shaped by these plans with the inclusion of Since the Strategy was launched, population in three new goals: the South Island has grown significantly faster than expected, significant housing pressures 5. Support broader land use and transportation remain, and the post-pandemic economy has seen integration including the developing of Transit unprecedented inflation and cost of living challenges. Oriented Communities (TOCs) Our government has launched robust initiatives 6. Facilitate sustainable goods movement to prioritize the livelihood of British Columbians: 7. Provide transportation infrastructure that is resilient StrongerBC, a plan to help B.C. families through and adapted to climate change challenging times and build for the future; and the We have been working with municipalities, First Homes for People plan, which has already resulted Nations, the Capital Regional District (CRD), and in transformative actions to increase housing supply, BC Transit to shape these goals, identify gaps in especially along transit corridors and hubs. Likewise, our networks, and to generate ideas on how to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure better achieve our shared vision. Through this has expanded its role in driving the economy and collaboration, we’ve identified places we can partner enabling more housing and connected communities. on strategic connections, service integration, physical We have enabled new Transit-Oriented Development infrastructure improvements, and expanded transit- (TOD) across the Province, including investing over oriented development so together we can make $300 million in new land acquisitions to build housing getting around our region easier, more affordable, and complete communities at transit hubs – like the and more sustainable. exciting transformation planned at the Uptown TOD. 2 B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure With thanks to our partners, communities, and Let’s celebrate the success to date and look forward staff at the Ministry, I’m very pleased to share the to the work ahead that will continue to make the refreshed goals of the South Island Transportation lives of British Columbians better. Strategy as well as the Year 4 Progress Report. As you read on, you’ll see maps with icons noting actions on southern Vancouver Island related to active transportation, transit, and roads, and places where policy and plans will provide benefits to the people living here, and create a more livable province for everyone. Honourable Rob Fleming Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure South Island Transportation Strategy 3 Introduction Since 2017, the Province has been working hard to make life better for the people that live, work and travel in the South Island. In September 2020, the Ministry of Transportation Drawing from new government-sponsored visionary and Infrastructure released the South Island documents like StrongerBC, the Homes for People Transportation Strategy (the Strategy) which laid action plan, and the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 and the groundwork for future improvements to the bolstered by supporting provincial budgets, this ways people and goods get around southern Year 4 Progress Report not only highlights progress Vancouver Island. Since 2020, we’ve experienced made, it also looks ahead to making ongoing a global pandemic and unprecedented climate improvements. Planning Together BC (PTBC) is an events that further reinforced the need for shifts to integrated planning approach that will support green transportation, integrated land use planning, these improvements, aligning transportation and economic and social resiliency, and climate land use decisions with broader government adaptation infrastructure investments. objectives and investment. PTBC supports this work of creating complete communities by looking at the The Strategy identified gaps and barriers to a robust built environment as a complementary system that and sustainable inter-regional network, and proposed proactively shapes growth, improves access and a series of new policies and investments to improve generates economic prosperity. existing transportation networks by shifting towards sustainable travel choices, improving connections, The original Strategy was developed in collaboration building integrated transportation networks, and with and included input from First Nations, local accommodating a variety of transportation options governments, BC Transit, and BC Ferries. Over the last to move people and goods throughout South 3 years, the Ministry has continued to ensure close Vancouver Island. alignment with local and regional plans and policies in the CRD and Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). 4 B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Implementing the Strategy: Where We are Now Since 2020, we have made significant progress on the Strategy. The Province has invested $384 million in 12 different initiatives and infrastructure projects, with another 24 projects valued at over $780 million in development that will inform the Capital Plan for the next 5-10 years. Throughout the South Island, we have made it easier for people and goods to move around the region with: Completed or underway: • improved transit services with new Park & Ride Tendering the Highway 1 Bus on Shoulder stations, new bus stops and service locations, as Lanes between McKenzie and 6-Mile well as bus priority and queue jump lanes; $71 million on repairs related to extreme • critical investments in highway and road weather events at 17 sites across the infrastructure to improve safety for drivers and South Island pedestrians with shoulder widening, new retaining $56 million for new transit improvements walls and other safeguards against future extreme and electric vehicle Park n’ Ride on Highway weather events; 14 (Connie to Glintz) • advanced planning on Transit-Oriented Development at Uptown and Six Mile to better $35.5 million for widening bridges along align rapid transit with land use decisions; and Highway 1 at Colquitz River to add Rapid Bus • investments in more sustainable forms of priority lane capacity transportation with 10 new electric buses, $32 million towards a new handyDART upgrades to BC Transit facilities to support facility, including upgrades for electric buses additional electric bus capacity, and further $24 million towards the Malahat Tunnel Hill investment in other active transportation projects. Washout Project The proceeding pages show initiatives across three subset areas: Malahat and Western Communities, Victoria Approaches, and Saanich Peninsula. The following legend illustrates the objective and timeline for each initiative. PROJECT LEGEND Type of Project Timeline Active Transit-oriented Short term Policy & Plans Transportation Transit Development Medium term Long term Complete Safeguards against future extreme Roads weather events Marine Rail South Island Transportation Strategy 5 ROUTE LEGEND PROJECT TIMELINE Major Highway Short term DUNCAN Park & Ride (Existing) Medium term COWICHAN Long term TRIBES Complete 1 COWICHAN BAY COBBLE HILL Swartz Bay COWICHAN VALLEY NORTH REGIONAL DISTRICT SHAWNIGAN LAKE SAANICH TSEYCUM FIRST NATION SIDNEY Shawnigan Lake MILL BAY MALAHAT PAUQUACHIN NATION FIRST NATION Mill Bay CENTRAL Ferry SAANICH Saanich Inlet TSARTLIP TSAWOUT FIRST NATION FIRST NATION BAMBERTON Sooke Lake The Butchart Gardens Elk Lake Salish Sea HIGHLANDS 17 CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT 1 Goldstream (sʔələqʷtəɬ) Provincial Park SAANICH LANGFORD VIEW ROYAL SONGHEES NATION OAK BAY ESQUIMALT NATION COLWOOD VICTORIA ESQUIMALT Beacon 14 Hill Park T’SOU-KE METCHOSIN SOOKE FIRST NATION Strait of Juan de Fuca SC'IANEW 6 FIRST NATION (BEECHER BAY) Malahat and Western Communities • Planning for Malahat Truck chain-up and Malahat From Sooke to Langford and up the Malahat, this Summit to Split Rock four-laning area is home to a number of provincial parks and Rail: recreation areas, as well as two major regional highways that are critical for the movement of • Explore Island Rail Corridor commuter rail people and goods. The area is also home to the region’s fastest-growing municipality, Langford. Completed or underway: We have made significant progress towards the completion and advancement of key priorities, with • 6 transit and active transportation projects particular focus on expanded transit service and new • 2 extreme weather safeguard projects highway and road safety measures. The progress • 6 new highway and road projects on these priorities will make life better for people • 1 rail project moving to and through the Western Communities along Highway 14 to Sooke, and up the Malahat to COWICHAN Cobble Hill and beyond. TRIBES PROJECT LEGEND Transit and Active Transportation: Type of Project 1 Policy & Plans • New Highway 14 Park & Ride, including eight electric COWICHAN BAY Active Transportation vehicle charging stations, pedestrian underpass Transit • New service and transit stop at East Sooke Road COBBLE HILL Roads • Preliminary planning for a new Park & Ride at Hwy COWICHAN VALLEY SRaEfeGguIOardNsA agLa DinsItS fTutRuIreC T SHAWNIGAN 14/Luxton extreme weather events LAKE • Hwy 1 Goldstream Project includes plans for new Rail Timeline Shawnigan Saanich Goldstream Park transit stop, pedestrian underpass Lake Inlet and multi-use path Short term MILL BAY Medium term • Planning for Galloping Goose Trail pedestrian MALAHAT Long term NATION overpass at Old Island Hwy Complete Mill Bay Ferry • Planning for new transit priority queue jump lanes on Old Island Highway ROUTE LEGEND BAMBERTON Major Highway Safeguards against future extreme Park & Ride (Existing) weather events: Sooke • Culvert replacements upsized to accommodate Lake climate change as part of Hwy 14 Connie Glinz HIGHLANDS CAPITAL REGIONAL project DISTRICT 1 • Malahat Tunnel Hill retaining wall repair project Goldstream (sʔələqʷtəɬ) Highway and road safety: Provincial Park LANGFORD • Hwy 14 shoulder widening at Otter Point and Woodhaven Road • Telegraph Road shoulder widening in Cobble Hill COLWOOD • Four-laning and addition of a median barrier for 14 Leigh Road/Highway 1 • Hwy 1 Goldstream median barrier T’SOU-KE METCHOSIN SOOKE FIRST NATION • Planning for Shawnigan Lake Road Grade Separation South Island Transportation Strategy 7 Strait of SC'IANEW Juan de Fuca FIRST NATION (BEECHER BAY) Victoria Approaches The Victoria Approaches is comprised of the urban • Refresh of the Westshore Light Rapid Transit (LRT) core of the South Island, Vancouver Island’s largest Corridor Plan urban centre. The area has an expansive transit • Planning for active transportation and transit network, two major highways, three universities and prioritization on Ravine Way colleges, as well as an abundance of recreational • Partnering with CRD to widen and install lights destinations and trail networks. Over the last two along the Galloping Goose Trail near Uptown years, we have completed a number of important • Engineering and design is complete for Galloping transit projects, advanced planning on two important Goose Trail overpass at Tillicum Rd. Transit-Oriented Developments, and started work on a number of road network improvements designed Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): to make life better for those moving to and through the urban core. These investments are designed to • Highway 1 Uptown TOD provide better links for people to move more easily • Planning for future TOD at Six Mile between more connected communities from Victoria Marine: to View Royal and up the Saanich Peninsula. • Westshore Express passenger ferry study Transit and Active Transportation: • Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project for • RapidBus Westshore service launch passengers and goods • Widening bridges along Highway 1 at Colquitz River • Highway 1 ‘bus on shoulder project’ from McKenzie Completed or underway: to Old Island Hwy • 9 transit and active transportation projects • HandyDart facility in View Royal • 2 Transit-Oriented Development projects • UVic Exchange and Ring Road safety improvements • 2 marine projects Elk 17 Lake PROJECT LEGEND Salish Sea Type of Project HIGHLANDS Policy & Plans Active Transportation Transit Transit-Oriented Development SAANICH Marine Timeline VIEW Short term ROYAL Medium term SONGHEES NATION OAK BAY Long term Complete ESQUIMALT NATION COLWOOD VICTORIA ESQUIMALT ROUTE LEGEND Beacon Hill Park Major Highway 8 Park & Ride (Existing) COBBLE HILL Swartz Bay PROJECT LEGEND Type of Project NORTH SAANICH Policy & Plans Active Transportation TSEYCUM FIRST NATION SIDNEY Transit Roads MILL BAY Timeline Short term MALAHAT PAUQUACHIN NATION FIRST NATION Medium term Long term CENTRAL Complete Mill Bay SAANICH Ferry Mt Newton X Rd Saanich Inlet ROUTE LEGEND 1 TSARTLIP TSAWOUT FIRST NATION FIRST NATION Major Highway BAMBERTON Park & Ride (Existing) Keating X Rd The Butchart Gardens Salish Sea 17 Elk Lake HIGHLANDS Saanich Peninsula The Saanich Peninsula is home to a diverse array Transit and Active Transportation: of people and communities, beaches and regional parks, as well as significant regional and international • New transit stops on West Saanich Road transportation infrastructure including Victoria • Shoulder widening for pedestrian access on West International Airport, Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, Saanich Road and the Anacortes Ferry Terminal connecting • Enhanced transit stops and bus priority queue British Columbia with Washington State. On the jumps at Highway 17 and Mt. Newton Cross Road Saanich Peninsula, we have made real progress • Planning on bus priority queue jump on Highway to improve connections to facilitate transit and 17 and Sayward Road active transportation in the area, helping alleviate • Identifying options for secure bike parking at congestion on Highway 17. These investments Lockside Trail and Mt. Newton Cross Road include new transit stops, bus priority measures, and shoulder widening for pedestrian access. Highway and road safety: • Constructing the Keating Cross Road/Highway 17 project, including future transit and active Completed or underway: transportation priorities • 5 transit and active transportation projects • 1 road safety project South Island Transportation Strategy 9 10 B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Working with Indigenous, Local, Regional, and Provincial Priorities Development of the Strategy in 2020 included engagement with 16 Indigenous communities as well as a Technical Advisory Group consisting of representatives from the CRD, CVRD, municipalities, BC Transit, BC Ferries, and the Department of National Defence. This engagement was critical to include input from a wide cross-section of the interests throughout the South Island, which improved the original Strategy. Over the last four years, the Province has made Some examples include:: significant progress on priority projects in alignment • Esquimalt Nation Seenupin Road extension project with the priorities of local and regional partners. • BC Transit HandyDart Facility This includes those identified in the CRD’s Regional • BC Transit Old Island Hwy project Transportation Priorities set in 2021. Working together on these overlapping initiatives and • Galloping Goose overpass project projects continues to strengthen our relationships • Hwy 1 Bus on Shoulder project and deepen the integration of Indigenous, local and • Six Mile Mobility Hub regional government priorities. South Island Transportation Strategy 11 Refreshed Strategic Framework – A New Path Forward As a living document, the Strategy is intended to continue to influence and shape the work that we, and our partners, do around the South Island. Reflective of its dynamic nature, this Year 4 Progress Report includes expanded goals to include new pillars around the integration with land use and development, sustainable goods movement, and climate change. Climate Ensure Sustainable Resiliency Travel Options Goal 7 Goal (new) 1 Sustainable Goods Strong Movement Connectivity Land Use and Improved Safety Transportation and Reliability Integration Goal 4 Active Transportation These seven goals are the guiding principles for integrated transportation investments in the South Island. The following pages outline the seven goals and provide examples of initiatives that support them. 12 B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Goa (n l e 6 w) Goal 3 Goal 2 Goal 5 (new ) Goals The Strategy’s goals have been updated to align with the priorities of the various levels of government within the South Island. Goal 1 Ensure sustainable options for a variety of travel modes Integrating transportation investment and policies with land use, housing, and economic development policies to support sustainable development will have positive effects on affordable housing, access to services like childcare, education, and health care, climate change, and quality of life in the region. Policies, programs, and strategies to accelerate the move from gas-powered transport to alternative fuels such as electric vehicles, are also key elements to advance this goal. Sustainability objectives will be addressed by supporting and encouraging people to take public transportation and engage in active transportation wherever possible. BC Ferries: Charting the Course In 2023, BC Ferries initiated an engagement to help envision the sustainable future of this important coastal transportation system, moving through 2050 and beyond. Further work to support integration of services on the South Island is planned through 2024. South Island Transportation Strategy 13 Goal 2 Strengthen connections between travel modes and improve connections between communities Better integration between communities and employment and industry centres will enable more people to access services, participate in economic opportunities, and support resource sectors across the South Island and beyond. Integrating travel will be accomplished by better integrating government-sponsored transportation services like BC Transit and BC Ferries; identifying the missing links that prevent or discourage people from using sustainable choices; and partnering with First Nations, local and regional governments to close those gaps. This will include addressing the ‘first and last mile’ barriers within the region. By providing better travel choices in land use and development that align with regional growth strategies, the Strategy will support sustainable growth and the creation of complete, connected communities. Goal 3 Improve the safety and reliability of the transportation network Safe, reliable, and cost-effective networks for all travel modes are critical for the movement of people of all ages and abilities, and goods throughout the region, and are necessary to support the goals of this Strategy. The safety and reliability of inter-regional travel will be addressed through upgrades that improve travel times for transit, active transportation users, and general-purpose traffic, and that target high crash locations. 14 B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Goal 4 Support and encourage active transportation options Active transportation facilities and networks open a wide range of opportunities Supporting Active Transportation for people of all ages and abilities to The Active Transportation Grants Program connect to their community’s important supports active transportation in the region, destinations, like schools, recreational with up to $500,000 (per project) to locally- and natural assets, community amenities, led active transportation infrastructure employment centers, and housing. projects. Budget 2023 committed $85 million over 3 years for active transportation Choosing sustainable travel modes will not only infrastructure within ministry rights-of-way eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips and reduce GHG around the province and on South Island, emissions, it will enhance quality of life for residents with $20 million dedicated to the Active by offering more options, improving access and Transportation Grants Program each year. opening new connections. South Island Transportation Strategy 15 Goal 5 (new) Support broader land use and transportation integration By integrating land use and transportation planning with investment we can create Transit-Oriented Development complete, sustainable communities centred Transit-oriented community development around transit and active transportation serves as a prime example of this integrated infrastructure. planning in action by bringing together what has traditionally been discrete forms of Enhancing the current planning process, an planning, investment, and project delivery integrated approach will help focus government into a more cohesive and coordinated policy, coordinate with local governments and First program. This approach will help accelerate Nations on economic development and land-use project timelines, earn public trust through planning initiatives to ensure smart and coordinated transparency, and deliver more cohesive, growth in British Columbia. beneficial outcomes for all British Columbians. For example, legislation to designate transit-oriented areas near transit hubs (Bill 47) and increase the Province’s ability to acquire that land for transit- oriented development (Bill 16) will help ensure future Uptown TOD integration of land use and transportation as the In April 2024, the province announced that province continues to grow. the land for the Uptown transit-oriented The Province is also working with First Nations, local development was bought through the and regional governments, BC Transit, and BC Ferries Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s to collaboratively identify integration actions to $394-million property acquisition fund better align services at terminals in Brentwood Bay announced in Budget 2023. This project and Swartz Bay. Information sharing between BC will create hundreds of housing units linked Transit and BC Ferries will better align timing and has to the region by new transit and active been used to support scheduling on routes serving transportation connections. the Swartz Bay Terminal. 16 B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Goal 6 (new) Facilitate sustainable goods movement Goods movement is critical to the economic health and resiliency of communities and contributes to job creation. Strengthening the goods movement network can open up new markets so local businesses can scale up and thrive. Incorporating innovative technologies and practices to improve goods movement operations will support the competitiveness of supply chains and increase employment opportunities in the region. A strong, competitive goods movement network will enable economic growth that is sustainable, inclusive, and innovative for everyone. Goods Movement Action Plan The Ministry’s Goods Movement Action Plan will provide coordination among transportation industries to ensure goods move efficiently. The Ministry is working with industry and ports to identity multi-modal transportation hubs to strengthen trade for the island and increase access to consumer goods. Goal 7 (new) Provide transportation infrastructure that is resilient and adapted to climate change The November 2021 atmospheric river event showcased Mother Nature’s ability to find vulnerabilities in the transportation network and force them to give way under extreme conditions. Given the ongoing potential for climate change to impact transportation infrastructure, and the effects that these impacts have on the movement of goods and people throughout Southern Vancouver Island, it is critical for climate resiliency to continue to be at the forefront of projects in the future. South Island Transportation Strategy 17 Looking Ahead We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there’s more work to do. The CRD is expected to grow by 20% by 2038, with over 80,000 new people anticipated to move to the region. This will place more stress on critical infrastructure, from housing to transportation. We know the region is growing, and denser communities are coming, with particular growth expected in the Western Communities. This Strategy was built to take on the challenge. Our plan is focused on encouraging new forms of transportation that are more sustainable, matching new transit service to new housing growth, and making our roads and highways safer and more transit friendly. In the next few years we’ll continue to see important • Continued planning for major road progress, including: improvement projects like median barrier • Continued investment in transit to encourage widening on Highway 1 near Goldstream. modal shift including supporting improvements • Continued coordination with partners to BC Transit’s Blink RapidBus service to the West including local governments, First Nations Shore, launched in April 2023; by planning for communities, BC Transit, and BC Ferries to advance future extensions of Highway 1 bus-on-shoulder the PTBC vision of aligned transportation and land lanes; and preparing for future transit needs by use planning throughout Southern Vancouver refreshing the 2011 BC Transit Future Plan and Island. exploring the feasibility of enhanced rapid transit • Continue seeking opportunities to leverage corridors and LRT to the West Shore. Southern Vancouver Island investments that • Continued investment in active transportation advance key provincial government priorities improvements including Galloping Goose including the StrongerBC Economic Plan, CleanBC grade separation at Tillicum Road and a focused Roadmap to 2030, and Homes for People. investment in projects that promote multi-modal Let’s keep up the great work with investments that integration and support complete communities ensure we continue on our path of building compact, where more people can safely walk and cycle. sustainable communities that will advance our • Planning for future hubs to support a diverse climate action and housing objectives, and improve group of users, and promote Transit-Oriented mobility options for all British Columbians. Development in addressing housing needs. Examples include: the Uptown Mobility Hub, Thank you to everyone involved. connecting BC Transit services from Highways 1 and 17, and the Six Mile Mobility Hub on the Old Island Highway. • Roadway improvements such as breaking ground on the new Highway 17 Keating Flyover, road resurfacing along Highway 17 and McKenzie Avenue, and widening of the Highway 1 Colquitz Bridges. 18 B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Appendix – Accomplishments 19 Accomplishments Summary Alignment with SITS Goals Project Status 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Highway 1 Corridor Hwy 1 Malahat DFAA Tunnel Hill Climate Resiliency Upgrades Complete Hwy 1 Leigh Road to West Shore Parkway 4-laning Complete Hwy 1 Burnside Bridge Widening for Bus-on-Shoulder In Design Hwy 1 Goldstream Safety, Transit & Active Transportation In Design Improvements Hwy 1 Bus-on-Shoulder McKenzie to Six Mile In Design Hwy 1 Tillicum Pedestrian Overpass In Design Hwy 1 North Cowichan Pedestrian Overpass In Design Hwy 1 Shawnigan Lake Road Grade Separation, transit In Design and AT improvements Hwy 1 Six Mile Mobility Hub In Design Hwy 1 Uptown Transit-Oriented Development In Design Hwy 1 Langford to Victoria LRT Study Update Planning Hwy 1 West Shore Parkway Grade Separation Planning Hwy 1 Malahat Truck Chain Up Planning Hwy 1 Summit to Split Rock 4-laning Planning Highway 17 Corridor Hwy 17 Mt Newton Cross Road Transit Improvements Complete Hwy 17 Keating Cross Rd Flyover Construction Hwy 17 Sayward Southbound Transit Queue jumper & In Design Transit Stop Improvements Hwy 17 Ravine Way Transit and AT Priority Improvements In Design Hwy 17 JusKun Road Upgrades In Design Hwy 17 Tanner Road Pedestrian Overpass Planning Highway 14 Corridor Hwy 14 Connie to Glinz Safety, Transit Improvements and Complete Park n’ Ride with EV Charging Stations Hwy 14 Woodhaven to Otter Point Resurfacing and Complete shoulder widening Hwy 14 Idlemore Rd. Signalization and Safety Upgrades In Design Hwy 14 Idlemore Rd. Signalization and Safety Upgrades Planning Hwy 14 at Veterans Memorial Parkway Roundabout Planning 20 Accomplishments Summary Alignment with SITS Goals Project Status 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 South Island Regional Area Goods Movement Action Plan Complete West Saanich Road Transit Stop Improvements and Complete shoulder widening West Shore RapidBUS launch Complete Refurbished UVic Transit Exchange and two Ring Road Complete bus stops BC Transit launch of Nanaimo-Cowichan Connector Complete Telegraph Road Active Transportation Improvements – Complete shoulder widening Support for City of Colwood Canada Infrastructure Program Complete Grant application - Galloping Goose Grade Separation at Old Island Hwy View Royal handyDART Facility including upgrades for Construction new electric bus fleet November 2021 Atmospheric River Event Repairs Construction (17 sites across South Island) Galloping Goose Widening and Lighting Improvements In Design Bellville Terminal Development Project In Design East Sooke Road Transit and Active Transportation Planning Improvements Island Rail Corridor In Progress 10 new BC Transit electric bus fleet In Progress Opportunity to add secure bike parking at Mt Newton Cross In Progress Road with connection to Lochside Trail Provincial funding to VIEA Supply Chain Management Plan In Progress BC Truck Survey Data Program In Progress Active Transportation Grant Program Ongoing Active Transportation Capital Funding Ongoing Enhance the Port of Nanaimo as multi-modal Transportation Ongoing Hub for Vancouver Island Advance Planning Together BC principals to all projects Ongoing and initiatives Expedite MoTI approvals for Housing Developments Ongoing 21 Accomplishments Goal 1: Ensure sustainable options for a variety of travel modes Initiative Project Status Prioritize First Nations Two new transit stops on West Saanich Road (Pauquachin) complete community transit stop With BC Transit, new service on East Sooke Road complete improvements including a new transit stop (Beecher Bay) (image 1) Enhanced transit stops at Hwy 17/Mt Newton Cross Road complete (Tsawout) Install EV charging stations New Hwy 14 Park & Ride with eight EV charging stations complete at mobility hubs (target completion spring 2023) Support BC Transit’s Low Carbon New View Royal handyDART Centre will expand handyDART under Fleet Program (battery electric service and accommodate a larger transit fleet including construction buses) new battery electric buses (in-service 2025) BC Transit’s first 10 battery electric buses are scheduled in progress for delivery in Victoria (in-service 2024) Upgrades being made to BC Transit facilities to in progress accommodate future battery electric buses Prioritize transit queue jumpers Installed at Hwy 17/Mt Newton Cross Road (image 2) complete on Hwy 17 Designing transit queue jump lane at Hwy 17/Sayward Road in progress southbound With BC Transit, advance Launching Downtown to West Shore RapidBus (spring 2023) complete Rapid Transit on Hwy 1 between Victoria and the western Designing next phase bus-on-shoulder lanes in progress communities (McKenzie to Six-Mile) Designing Burnside Bridge widening to accommodate in progress bus-on-shoulder With BC Transit, View Royal and Colwood, designing in progress transit priority queue jump lanes on Old Island Hwy West Shore Rapid Transit Priority Corridor Planning in progress Explore Island Rail Corridor Engaging with local stakeholders, First Nations, ongoing commuter rail Island Corridor Foundation, and Transport Canada (Westhills to Victoria) Explore marine transportation BC Ferries initiated engagement for Charting the Course: in progress corridors A Vision for Coastal Ferries 22 Long Medium Short Goal 2: Strengthen connections between travel modes and improve connections between communities Initiative Project Status With BC Transit, advance key Refurbished UVic Exchange and two Ring Road bus stops to complete multi-modal transportation hubs incorporate active transportation and safety improvements across the region (image 3) In partnership with BC Transit and District of Saanich, a in progress transit-oriented development site at Uptown to create a modern transit exchange and multi-modal hub called Uptown Mobility Hub is in the preliminary planning stage to prepare for rezoning and development permit application (image 4) Planning for a future TOD at Six Mile, off the Old Island Hwy, in progress that is strategically located regionally with the intersection of the Galloping Goose Trail and E&N Trail, adjacent to the RapidBUS West Shore line and Island Rail Corridor New Park & Ride stalls in New Park & Ride (43 stalls) on Hwy 14 as part of the Connie complete the Capital Regional District to Glinz project (image 5) and Cowichan Valley Regional Planning feasibility of new Park & Ride at Hwy 14/Luxton in progress District Add secure bike parking/storage In partnership with Central Saanich, identifying in progress at key locations opportunities to include secure bike parking, with connection to Lochside Trail at Mt Newton Cross Road Continue to assess inter-city In partnership with the Cowichan Valley Regional District, complete transit commuter services the Regional District of Nanaimo, BC Transit launched the Nanaimo-Cowichan Connector West Shore Rapid Transit Priority Corridor Planning in progress Work with First Nations, local Widening 5 km of shoulders on West Saanich Road to complete and regional governments to improve pedestrian access (Pauquachin) include active transportation Widening shoulders on East Sooke Road to improve complete infrastructure in inter-regional pedestrian access (Beecher Bay) rehab projects Widening shoulders on Hwy 14 between Otter Point and complete Woodhaven Road (Sooke) (image 7) Widening shoulders on Telegraph Road (Cobble Hill) complete 23 Medium Short Goal 3: Improve the safety and reliability of the transportation network Initiative Project Status Prioritize transit facilities and Hwy 17/Mt Newton Cross Road Project included complete improvements when developing upgraded transit stops Ministry projects Proposed design for Hwy 1 Goldstream Project in progress includes new Goldstream Park transit stop Design improved southbound transit stop in progress at Hwy 17/Sayward Road Design transit and active transportation prioritization on in progress Ravine Way Construct the Leigh Road/Hwy 1 Completed in late 2020 (image 8) complete four-laning and median barrier Four-laning, median barrier installation Hwy 14 Connie to Glinz Four-laning, median barrier, 43-stall Park & Ride, complete Lake Project four new transit stops, pedestrian underpass Keating Cross Road/Hwy 17 Construction began July 2023 in progress Project Keating Cross Road NB Flyover Advance planning, engineering Detailed design complete; seeking funding in progress and design of safety, efficiency for construction planning and active transportation Shawnigan Lake Road Grade Separation planning in progress improvements on Hwy 1 over Malahat Truck chain up planning in progress the Malahat Malahat Summit to split road four-lane planning in progress Image 1: New transit service on East Sooke Image 2: Installed transit queue jumpers on Image 3: Refurbished UVic Exchange and two Road with bus stop serving Scia’new Hwy 17 at Mt Newton Cross Road Ring Road bus stops First Nation (Beecher Bay) 24 Medium Short Goal 4: Support and encourage active transportation options Initiative Project Status Encourage growth of With CRD, widening and installing lights on the in progress inter-regional trails in the Galloping Goose Trail near the Uptown Mall CRD and CVRD Prioritize active transportation Hwy 14 Connie to Glinz Project included active complete and pedestrian accessibility transportation underpass when developing Ministry projects Proposed design for Hwy 1 Goldstream Project includes in progress extensive active transportation amenities including pathways and structures Support active transportation Provided $2,945,130 in grants across the region complete Infrastructure Grant in 2020/21 and in 2021/22 provided and announced (annual applications that align with another seven grants in 2023, totalling $2,644,432 (see list of grants the British Columbia Active projects on page 13, image 9, 14) ongoing) Transportation Design Guide Provide/enhance end-of-trip Uptown Mobility Hub in progress active transportation facilities Six Mile Mobility Hub (planning) in progress at mobility hubs With regional and local Supported $3.6 million Investing in Canada Infrastructure in progress governments, advance grade Program grant for City of Colwood to construct Galloping separation of inter-regional trails, Goose Trail pedestrian overpass over Old Island Hwy add bike signals, and remove conflict points Engineering underway to improve Galloping Goose Trail complete crossing at Hwy 1/Tillicum Road Image 4: Potential future Uptown Mobility Hub Image 5: Connie to Glinz Lake/Hwy 14 Project, Image 6: New Nanaimo-Cowichan Connector area to include transit exchange and with Park & Ride, and pedestrian underpass. inter-city commuter TOD overview (Saanich) Substantial completion December 2022. 25 Medium Short Goal 5 (new): Support broader land use and transportation integration Initiative Project Status Uptown Mobility Hub Take advantage of the lands strategically located at Uptown, in progress at the convergence of the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails, adjacent to the RapidBUS West Shore, Peninsula and UVic lines, Hwy 1 and 17 and Saanich urban centre. A TOD at this location supports mode shift, shapes land use around the transportation systems and increases density in an urban core Planning for a future TOD Initial project is underway to improve the access to in progress at Six Mile the regional active transportation network (Galloping Goose and E&N Trails), Park & Ride facility and RapidBUS transit facilities while also setting up the site for future redevelopment as a TOD Uptown Transit-Oriented Continue working with BC Transit to develop Uptown planning Development expansion Centre as a multi-modal transit hub, including possibility of future LRT Hwy 1 Shawnigan Lake Road Hwy 1 at Shawnigan Lake Road grade separation, in progress transit and active transportation improvements project Advance PTBC principles to Leverage Ministry-owned properties at/near mobility hubs ongoing continue delivering transit- to facilitate integrated developments that support transit oriented developments and and help meet housing targets homes for people Expedited MOTI housing Established a strikeforce to provide dedicated resources to ongoing approvals support housing files Image 13: Duke Point terminal offers barge service from Image 14: UVic Active Transportation Lane Vancouver Island to Vancouver, improving goods movement efficiency on Vancouver Island (photo credit: Nanaimo Port Authority) 26 Ongoing Long Medium Short Goal 6 (new): Facilitate sustainable goods movement Initiative Project Status Vancouver Island Provincial funding towards VIEA’s study that will investigate economic in progress Economic Alliance opportunities for producers within the region (VIEA) Supply Chain Development of a roadmap will strengthen supply chain networks by Management for addressing cost-effective access, coordination, and first and last mile Vancouver Island and distribution challenges the Rural Island Region Incorporate goods Emphasize goods movement in integrated planning principles and in progress movement the Ministry’s decision-making framework and ensure that land use in project planning is considered to maximize goods movement efficiency and open up economic development opportunities BC Truck Survey Data Undertaking data collection and analysis to understand the state of in progress Program goods movement in B.C., including origins, destinations, key routes and the value and types of cargo The program will provide insight into the importance of the goods movement network within the provincial highway system Address infrastructure Project work planned and underway on the Malahat to improve ongoing pinch points fluidity of goods movement and ensure resiliency, including truck chain up areas Develop goods Continue working with partners including First Nations communities, ongoing movement actions to local governments, and key stakeholders to understand needs and support local businesses challenges to advance rural transportation solutions and exporters Enhance the Port Continue working with the Nanaimo Port Authority to strengthen trade ongoing of Nanaimo as a for the region, enhance access to consumer goods multi-modal Build on previous investment by the Ministry ($15 million), the transportation hub for Nanaimo Port Authority and other partners (totalling $105 million) Vancouver Island towards the Duke Point Terminal Expansion Image 10: Malahat Hwy restoration at Image 11: Hwy 14 drainage improvements Image 12: Drainage upgrades on Hwy 14 to Tunnel Hill make our transportation network more resilient to climate change 27 Ongoing Medium Short Goal 7 (new): Provide transportation infrastructure that is resilient and adapted to climate change Initiative Project Status Malahat Tunnel Hill Replace 80-metre long retaining wall that failed during complete repair project the atmospheric river event with a new retaining wall, including 84 vertical piles and 98 horizontal anchors Repair works following 17 sites (on Hwys 1, 14, and 17) have been repaired or are under November 2021 atmospheric currently under construction in the South Island following construction river event the November 2021 atmospheric river event or complete (images 10-11) Ensure projects are constructed Hwy 14 Connie to Glinz includes three open complete to safeguard against future bottom culverts to ensure sufficient drainage (image 12) extreme weather events Ensure climate resiliency Ensure designs are completed in alignment with ongoing in designs Resilient Infrastructure Engineering Design – Adaptation to the Impacts of Climate Change and Weather Extremes Image 7: Shoulder widening on Hwy 14 Image 8: Construction of the Leigh Road/Hwy 1 Image 9: New active transportation in Sooke four-laning and median barrier. Completed in infrastructure in Victoria late 2020 in Sooke. 28 Ongoing Short 29 Active Transportation Grant Summary Recipient Intake Project Name Amount ($) Central Saanich 2021/22 Central Saanich – Priority School Zone Improvements 500,000 Colwood 2022/23 Colwood Active Transportation Counter 119,432 Implementation Cowichan Valley 2021/22 Cowichan Valley Regional Active Transportation 50,000 (Electoral Area E) (Network) Plan Duncan 2022/23 Protected Bike Lanes on Coronation Avenue in 500,000 the City of Duncan Esquimalt 2020/21 Active Transportation Network Plan 37,500 Esquimalt 2022/23 Tillicum Road Active Transportation Improvements 500,000 Islands Trust 2022/23 Salish Sea Trail Network; Salt Spring Segment, 25,000 Gulf Islands, BC North Saanich 2020/21 Active Transportation Network Plan 40,000 North Saanich 2022/23 McDonald Park Road Multi-Use Path 500,000 Oak Bay and University 2020/21 University Drive Connection Pathway (images 13-14) 316,380 of Victoria Saanich 2022/23 Gorge Road West (Phase 1) (priority 2) 500,000 Saanich 2022/23 Shelbourne Street Improvements Project (Phase 2) 500,000 (priority 1) Sidney 2021/22 Town of Sidney Active Transportation Plan 50,000 Sooke 2021/22 District of Sooke – Active Transportation Church 500,000 Road/Throup Road Roundabout Sooke 2021/22 District of Sooke – Multi-modal Active Transportation 500,000 Upgrades - Church Road Corridor Victoria 2020/21 Harbour Road Protected Bike Lane AAA 401,250 Regional Connection Victoria 2021/22 Kimta Road / E&N Trail – All Ages and Abilities 500,000 Connector View Royal 2021/22 Active Transportation Plan Development for the 50,000 Town of View Royal 30 31 Transforming South Island Transportation