Great news for cyclists and walkers in Central Saanich!
The District of Central Saanich has announced they’ve entered into the process of purchasing a small chunk of land next to Stelly’s Secondary School for the installation of a multi-use trail.
It will connect Stelly’s Cross Road with Wallace Drive, providing a safe, alternative route for anyone who cycles, walks, runs or anything in between.
The location is on a popular existing cycling route and would connect with the District’s Willow Way trail, which runs from Keating Cross Road through Wallace.
“This purchase is an exciting step towards improving the experience of getting around Central Saanich without a vehicle,” said Mayor Ryan Windsor.
“This is a key connection point for travel in the community and the trail is going to be a popular route, I have no doubt.”
An image of the development is below:
The strip of land is 10 metres wide and 380 metres long, listed at $115,000—which will be funded by reserves, and the District of Central Saanich notes that this will have no impact on taxes.
This project is a part of the District’s Active Transportation Plan, and before it can move forward, they require approval from the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to create the trail in the Agricultural Land Reserve. The ALC process takes several months.
“We are committed to seeing our Active Transportation Plan implemented quickly and affordably so people of all ages and abilities can get around the community safely,” added Windsor.
This news comes after Central Saanich announced its plans to nearly double the size of Butterfield Park after the municipality agreed to purchase an adjacent 18-acre parcel of land for $3.2 million.
The purchase will protect 10 acres of heavily forested land at 1124 Mount Newton Cross Road, and includes selling about eight acres of bare land to fund the purchase.
