News release

For immediate release

Saanich committed to improving road safety

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich is disheartened to hear of the tragic crash and tremendous loss this week and is doubling down on its commitment to improve road safety.

“Our hearts and condolences are with the family during this time filled with grief,” said Mayor Haynes. “We hear the concerns and calls for improvements to road safety and agree more needs to be done. Saanich is committed to improving road safety across the municipality and taking action.”

Focus on road safety

Over the last several years, Saanich shifted its focus from car and driver oriented policies and designs to a more balanced approach that prioritizes active travel such as walking and cycling guided by the Active Transportation Plan (ATP). One of the main ATP goals is to improve safety for people using active modes of transportation.

One significant change is the inclusion of safety targets in planning and engineering work. Efforts are focused on projects that reduce or eliminate conflicts between users of different speeds. The ATP includes actions directly related to the pillars of road safety that will work toward zero traffic-related fatalities or serious injuries. This includes better designs, targeted enforcement, and communication.

Improvements completed

Over the past two years, Saanich constructed four kilometres of new sidewalks and built or improved 23 crosswalks in Saanich. Pedestrian safety was improved at 26 traffic signals with the implementation of leading pedestrian intervals.

Many of the projects to improve transportation safety are adjacent to, or near schools. Saanich recently completed Safe Routes to School plans with every interested public elementary and middle school in the District. These plans (23 completed) help shape and guide designs to ensure Saanich builds the improvements that will encourage healthy travel choices for families on a daily basis.

Funding and next steps for improvements

In 2021, Council invested an additional $2 million each year in new infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. This new funding will bring the total investment for safer modern streets to $58 million over the next three years. Saanich has many initiatives planned for 2022 including new sidewalks, new crosswalks and improvements in a number of key corridors across the municipality:

• Phase 1 and 2 of the Shelbourne Street Improvement Project
• Gorge Road from Admirals to Tillicum
• Sinclair Road from Finnerty to Cadboro Bay
• Cordova Bay Road from Walema to Rambler
• Vanalman Ave from Ridgebank to Mann
• West Saanich at Prospect Lake / Sparton

Safety tips

In addition to Saanich working to increase road safety, there are steps the public can take to improve safety. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians should pay extra attention at intersections and crosswalks, which are locations where the potential for serious injuries is the greatest.

“As the days are now shorter and often include rain, it is essential that drivers focus on the road and be ready to yield to pedestrians, especially at intersections and crosswalks,” said Saanich Police Public Information and Communications Officer Constable Markus Anastasiades. “Vulnerable road users can do their part by dressing to be seen, making eye contact with drivers, and being extra careful when crossing intersections and crosswalks.”

Learn more

The full Active Transportation Plan is available at saanich.ca.

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Media contact:
Engineering Department
engineering@saanich.ca
250-475-5575