The highly requested project was funded through the Province’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant
Just in time for spring, residents and visitors to Central Saanich can now walk and roll on a new multi-use pathway on Mount Newton Cross Road. This path improves the connection between Lochside Drive with the popular Lochside Regional Trail.
This project supports growing pedestrian and cyclist traffic in the neighbourhood and was highly requested by the community, particularly by leaders and members of SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation. The connection is a priority project of Central Saanich’s Active Transportation Plan.
The pathway is bi-directional, and includes a section with a grassy median to separate pedestrians and cyclists from vehicle traffic on Mount Newton Cross Road. The pathway links to an upgraded four-way stop with bike crossings at the Lochside Drive intersection. New road markings, like green pavement, alert road users to where bikes and vehicles cross paths.
Work for the first phase was made possible thanks to the Province’s B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant, which provides cost-sharing for communities to make it easier and safer for people to walk, roll, and ride using active transportation modes.
The second phase will provide a pathway along Mount Newton Cross Road from the highway to Saanichton Village, improving connectivity between the village, SȾÁUTW̱ and the growing Lochside-Turgoose neighbourhood.
