APPENDIX B: Parking Counts

DISCUSSION:

This intersection is complex in that it currently (1) provides an important pedestrian and cycling connection from the Galloping Regional Trail to the Eagle Creek commercial area and the hospital, and (2) serves a significant amount of commuter traffic travelling between the Town of View Royal and the District of Saanich. This was the primary reason why it was important to monitor traffic and update the traffic assessment once the McKenzie Interchange was completed.

The District of Saanich is also aware of this challenge. As a result, their 2022-2026 Financial Plan indicates that they will be conducting a review of the Wilkinson/Interurban intersection (budgeted for 2022 but the reporting would likely be next fiscal year). Furthermore, the District is currently in the midst of updating their Active Transportation Plan, which was first established in June 2018. Both of these documents could be vital to understanding the future traffic volumes that occur on Helmcken Road.

The Town of View Royal is also in the midst of completing its first Active Transportation Network Plan. This plan will review key issues that the current network has, and will provide both short and long term opportunities to improve all modes of active transportation in View Royal. While the project is currently in “Phase 3 of 5”, public engagement so far has identified this intersection as one that requires improved active transportation infrastructure. This plan is scheduled for completion in Spring 2023.

As a result, it is recommended that any design improvements to the intersection be deferred until completion of the Town of View Royal’s Active Transportation Network Plan. Doing so has the following benefits:

• It allows for the Town to deliver a holistic design that addresses both vehicular and pedestrian travel at this intersection,
• The Active Transportation Network Plan may inform on extended improvements within the vicinity that could be combined with the intersection works to create a continuous network.
• By the time the Town’s Active Transportation Network Plan is finalized, the District may have additional traffic design information as part of their Wilkinson / Interurban intersection review that could inform on the design.

SUSTAINABILITY/CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS:

The Town’s Active Transportation Network Plan will help guide the design of this intersection in a holistic manner. Placing more focus on active modes of travel that are safe, accessible and convenient supports the Town’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

This project could be considered in the future as a capital project. The cost to design and construct the intersection is proposed to be partially offset by a cash in lieu payment by the Aspire development for the relaning works (Option 1 noted above only. Aspire will still be responsible to install their direct frontage improvements as a condition of building permit).

ALTERNATIVES:

An alternative option would be to construct the relaning works and the split pedestrian crossing as part of the Aspire works. However, doing so could increase costs to the Town for rework / redesign that may be required after the Active Transportation Network Plan is completed.

CONCLUSION:

The Helmcken Rd / Watkiss Way intersection is a vital connector for many modes of travel in and around the Town of View Royal. It is vital that the intersection as a whole, as well as the road approaches of all legs of this intersection, are assessed and designed in a holistic manner to better meet the needs of the Town, as well as to mitigate redesign / rework costs. As a result, it is recommended that the laning design and pedestrian crossing at the Helmcken Road / Watkiss Way intersection be deferred until the Active Transportation Plan is finalized (Spring 2023).

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Letter to Council dated February 11, 2019