Report dated February 1, 2023 from the Director of Engineering and Parks re: Active Transportation Network Plan Update

Short Term Priority Projects – Additional Corridors

Additional road corridor choices were provided to survey respondents to rank other short-term projects. The list was based on comments received from the first round of engagement. The top ten rankings of these priority projects are found in Report #2 and are as follows:

1. Helmcken Road (Watkiss Way to Burnside Road)
2. Watkiss Way (roundabout to Helmcken Road)
3. Burnside Road (Helmcken Road southwards to Saanich Border)
4. Chancellor Avenue (Helmcken Road to Galloping Goose Regional Trail)
5. Helmcken Road (Island Highway to View Royal Avenue)
6. Glentana Road
7. Island Highway (Wilfert Road to Hart Road)
8. Talcott Road (Galloping Goose Regional Trail to Eagle View Elementary
9. Jedburgh Road (Jedburgh Place to Helmcken Road)
10. Vickery Road at St. Giles Street

Intersection Improvements

Several intersections in the Town had been flagged for improvements and were presented to survey respondents to rank in order of priority. The top five major intersection improvement locations were ranked as follows:

1. Admirals Road at Island Highway
2. Burnside Road W at Helmcken Road
3. Helmcken Road at Island Highway
4. Helmcken Road at Watkiss Way
5. Admirals Road at Hallowell Road

Quite notably it appears that these intersections coincide with the short-term priority projects listed above.

The top minor intersections were ranked as follows:

1. E&N Rail Trail / Island Highway / Colwood Interchange
2. Galloping Goose Regional Trail at Atkins Road
3. E&N Rail Trail at Burnett Road
4. Galloping Goose Regional Trail at Talcott Road
5. E&N Trail at Adams Place
6. Galloping Goose Regional Trail at Camden Avenue

Quite notably it appears that the top minor intersections involve an interface with the Capital Region’s regional trail system and was further confirmed to be a priority based on comments from the bikeshops.

CONCLUSION:

The What We Heard Report #2 summarized four (4) key takeaways from the second round of engagement events:

1. There was a general level of support for the draft vision statement and goals for the ATNP.
2. There was more support than opposition for each of the critical corridor improvements. Admirals Road was ranked as the highest priority to improve. There were also responses regarding the need to balance between providing options for motor vehicles and active transportation infrastructure, so the removal of lanes should be done thoughtfully to avoid exacerbating traffic operations.
3. Of the ten additional corridor improvements proposed, the top priority was identified to be Helmcken Road from Watkiss Way to Burnside Road.
4. The highest ranked major intersection to prioritize for an improvement review was Admirals Road at Island Highway. The highest ranked minor intersection for improvement was identified as the E&N Rail Trail / Island Highway / Colwood Interchange.

Next Steps

Now that the two rounds of engagement are complete, the project is currently in the beginning stages of Phase 4: Draft ATNP Plan. In addition, feedback that had been collected via other methods (email, letter, etc.), as well as feedback from the Town’s Advisory Committees will be incorporated into the draft ATNP.

Council can expect the following events to occur as part of Phase 4:

• the submission of the draft ATNP to Council in March 2023 (for information);
• following the submission to Council, the release of the draft ATNP to the public and a public open house event in early April 2023; and
• a presentation to the Town’s Committee of the Whole for review of the draft ATNP in mid April 2023.

ATTACHMENTS:

Active Transportation Network Plan, What We Heard Report #2, January 2023