Construction Update
Construction on the Benevento Avenue Multi-Use Pathway will commence on Tuesday September 6, and is expected to conclude in late October. The construction area is limited to Benevento Avenue from Wallace Drive to the entrance to The Butchart Gardens.
Background
The District of Central Saanich is receiving funding for a multi-use pathway on the lower portion of Benvenuto Avenue beginning at Wallace Drive. The 450-metre-long pathway will be mostly separated from the roadway, and the District is exploring adding pedestrian lighting and a crosswalk.
The project will be designed with local rural character in mind, involve neighbours in the design process, and commence later this year.
The $322,800 project is completely funded by the province’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program “Destination Development” stream, which was developed to support post-pandemic economic recovery.
“This project was an excellent fit for the grant program, and we are thrilled it supports two of Council’s priorities, active transportation and economic development,” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor, noting the District is working on its first Active Transportation Plan.
The community has expressed a desire for increased active transportation infrastructure to: support walking, cycling and transit use, improve road safety, and support climate action. Benvenuto’s narrow roadway and high vehicle usage were identified as challenges during active transportation planning, and the new path will improve safety for residents and those visit the destinations of Butchart Gardens and Tod Inlet by public transit, bike or foot.