Victoria, BC– The Salt Spring Island Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP) has a strong focus on making Ganges Village a walkable community that is easily accessible by cycling and connected by active transportation. The ATNP focuses on prioritizing low-cost, quick-build, and actionable solutions recognizing limited resources on the island. The ATNP directs the Capital Regional District (CRD) and its partners, including the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, to focus on implementing five big moves first.
The five big moves for Ganges Village are highlighted in Section 8.1:
- 30 km/h posted speed limit
- McPhillips Avenue improvements
- Increasing off-street parking options
- Land ownership survey of Ganges village
- Fulford-Ganges improvements
"Embracing more active transportation in Ganges Village is not only a shift in how we move; it's a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and community," said Gary Holman, Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission Vice Chair and Electoral Area Director for the CRD. "By making walking, rolling, and cycling safer, we will be able to build an even more vibrant, livable community, and encourage meaningful interactions between residents and visitors. The Plan also ensures no loss of accessible parking and includes specific proposals to mitigate any loss of parking for the public."
Residents and visitors of Salt Spring Island provided valuable feedback throughout the planning process. Public engagement guided the development of the ATNP to ensure its recommendations reflect the needs and priorities of Island residents and visitors. Across the two rounds of engagement for the ATNP process, over 500 participants shared their input. The engagement activities included an ideas fair, two online surveys, an ASK Salt Spring conversation, and an in-person workshop.
The Salt Spring Island Transportation Commission directed staff to deliver an Active Transportation Plan for Salt Spring Island. The development of the plan was funded in part by the Province of BC through the BC Active Transportation Network Planning Grant to increase active transportation options and improve safety, accessibility, and convenience for all ages and abilities.
The ATNP focuses on addressing critical active transportation issues to help Salt Spring Island manage transportation and demographic changes while improving the quality of life, safety, and mobility for residents and visitors. The ATNP builds on the 2013 Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan to guide the development of the Island's active transportation network over the next 5 to 10 years. There are a range of funding opportunities available to help pay for the recommended active transportation projects.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492