Information Bulletin / Media Advisory
For immediate release 

September 10, 2026

Saanich, BC –The District of Saanich is marking the substantial completion of the Shelbourne Street Improvements Project (SSIP) by hosting a public celebration event at Browning Park. Join Mayor Dean Murdock, members of Saanich Council, project stakeholders and fellow residents as they acknowledge the significant infrastructure improvements made as part of this work.

“The Shelbourne Street Improvements Project makes it safer and easier for people to walk, bike and get around this busy, growing corridor," said Nina Krieger, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake, on behalf of Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. "By improving connections between neighbourhoods, homes, businesses and key destinations, the project is supporting healthier, more sustainable transportation choices, while helping people move safely and efficiently through the region.”

The event will include remarks, ribbon cutting, photo opportunities, project information displays and a community bike ride along the corridor’s protected bike lanes led by Capital Bike. 

Event details

When: Monday, September 14, 2026, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Browning Park

No registration needed to attend, however those interested in taking part in the bike ride need to register in advance or on site. Participants who would like to join the ride but do not have access to a bike may be able to use a limited number of complimentary e-bikes or e-scooters provided by Evolve for the event.

Media are invited to attend the event.

Project background

The Shelbourne Street Improvements Project delivered short-term improvements identified through the Shelbourne Valley Action Plan, which reflects extensive community consultation and supports the Districts Official Community Plan objectives. The project has delivered meaningful infrastructure improvements that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.

“The completion of the Shelbourne Street Improvements Project is an important milestone for Saanich and the broader community. This project represents a significant investment in a safer, more accessible, and more connected Shelbourne Street that better supports people walking, cycling, taking transit, and driving,” said the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke. “It is wonderful to see what can be achieved when governments, partners, businesses, and communities work together toward a shared goal.”

The project’s completion celebration event is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of District staff, elected officials, consultants, contractors, funders, community associations, advocacy groups, transportation partners, schools, residents and businesses.

The Shelbourne Street Improvements Project was delivered through a combination of District capital funding and external funding contributions, including support from the Province of British Columbia’s Active Transportation program, the federal Active Transportation Fund, ICBC, and the community stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund administered through UBCM. The total investment across all three phases of the project was approximately $72.3 million and included significant infrastructure upgrades, including approximately 4.3 kilometres of water infrastructure, 3.8 kilometres of sanitary sewer, 3.1 kilometres of storm sewer, 4 kilometres of sidewalk, and 6.7 kilometres of cycling infrastructure.

“This investment in Shelbourne Street will deliver lasting benefits for the community, creating safer and more accessible ways for people to get around,” said Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria. “As the community continues to grow, this important corridor will help people safely access the places they live, work, learn and visit. Projects of this scale are only possible when all levels of government work together with local partners and the community. Together, we’re building infrastructure that meets the needs of people today while helping Saanich prepare for the future.”

Stay informed

More detailed project background information can be found on the Shelbourne Street Improvements Project webpage and the Shelbourne Valley Action Plan (SVAP) webpage.

If you have questions about the project or event, please contact our Engineering team at 250-475-5575 or engineering@saanich.ca.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca