The District of Central Saanich has entered into an agreement to purchase a small parcel of land to create a trail next to Stelly’s Secondary School. A multi-use trail will connect Stelly’s Cross Road with Wallace Drive, providing an alternative route for active transportation users who prefer off-road infrastructure.
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 to Wallace) via an activated crosswalk, as well as cycling infrastructure on Wallace Drive, which connects to West Saanich Road and East Saanich Road.
The connection is identified as a long-term goal of the District’s Active Transportation Plan. The site, located on a portion of 7210 Wallace Drive, runs parallel to Stelly’s Secondary School and will help build out Central Saanich’s active transportation network by providing an off-road option and connect the existing Willow Way trail through to Stelly’s Cross Road.
The agreement will see the District purchase a strip of land 10 metres wide and 380 metres long for $115,000. The $115,000 land purchase is funded from reserves and there will be no impact on taxes.
“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.” Windsor notes the opportunity arose when a property was listed for sale recently and the District was able to negotiate subdividing a portion for the use of a trail. “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.”
The District now requires approval from the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to create the trail in the Agricultural Land Reserve. The ALC process takes several months.
The acquisition aligns with Council's priority to invest in infrastructure and active transportation and the District’s Official Community Plan, in particular a policy to work with property owners to formalize rights-of-way for public passage where they connect to the active transportation network, and where potentially located on farmlands, apply to the Agricultural Land Commission.
Central Saanich residents expressed a keen interest to address gaps in current cycling infrastructure, which is a key theme in the long-term network. Cycling connections between Brentwood Bay, Saanichton and Keating are a key objective. The trail will provide linkages between all three areas. The District notes the acquisition is the first step, and more resourcing will be required in future years to construct the trail.
