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Regional transportation service gets green light in capital region

The Capital Regional District board has adopted a bylaw to set up the service, which is intended to better co-ordinate transportation in the region and improve funding opportunities for major projects
Andrew A. Duffy
Andrew A. Duffy
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The new service, which could be up and running this year, will combine the CRD’s existing transportation work on trails with growth planning, and will spur an update of the regional transportation plan. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

A regional transportation service is now a reality after the Capital Regional District board on Wednesday adopted a bylaw to set it up.

The board had the green light to proceed after there was little negative response to an alternative approval process on the service, which will be authorized to requisition $20 million annually.

In order for the initiative to fail, at least 10% of electors — 33,127 residents — would have had to file forms opposing the move by May 16. There were only 306 votes against.

The idea of the regional transportation service is to better co-ordinate transportation and improve funding opportunities for major projects.

The new service, which could be up and running this year, will combine the CRD’s existing transportation work on trails with growth planning, and will spur an update of the regional transportation plan.

“One cohesive voice on transportation” will better attract provincial and federal investments, said Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock, chair of the CRD’s transportation committee, adding the next step is to develop the regional transportation plan.

Cliff McNeil-Smith, mayor of Sidney and CRD chair, said taking a more regional approach will improve connections across municipalities and ensure the transportation system can meet future needs.

“A more coordinated system also means better and more accessible travel experiences, whether by walking, bike, bus, or car,” he said in a statement.

The CRD’s existing transportation functions include planning, data analysis, policy and programming. The regional district also manages regional trails like the Galloping Goose, Lochside and E&N Rail Trail.

The current cost to manage its transportation functions is $4.7 million annually, which will be transferred to the new service.

The last time the board attempted to establish a regional transportation service was in 2018. That effort fell apart when the West Shore pulled its support.

Opponents worried their ­priorities might be over­shadowed by those of the core municipalities and that a new CRD service would only add bureaucracy and cost.

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