News release
For immediate release
Esquimalt, B.C.—Township of Esquimalt council endorsed the Active Transportation Network Plan at a council meeting on February 7, 2022.
The Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP) takes a wholistic approach to improving how people walk, ride and roll within and through the township.
“The Active Transportation Network Plan process provided an opportunity for the Township to comprehensively assess where we are at with active transportation and create a blueprint for Esquimalt’s future network,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “Council was pleased to endorse the plan and we look forward to seeing it come to fruition”.
Undertaken from October 2020 to Council's endorsement February 2022, the creation of the Esquimalt Active Transportation Network Plan was guided by a collaborative process involving residents and businesses, staff from the Township of Esquimalt, municipal staff from neighbouring municipalities, community stakeholders and the consulting team—all of whom played an important role in reshaping the future of active transportation in Esquimalt.
“Esquimalt's first Active Transportation Network Plan is an important milestone. It provides clear direction on where to improve cycling and walking infrastructure. We're looking forward to these improvements which will make it easier to visit local businesses and destinations using climate-friendly transportation modes,” stated Capital Bike, a regional cycling education and advocacy group.
Providing a list of actions and recommendations based on resident feedback and current best practices, the ATNP identifies high priority improvements over the next 5 years and a long-term roadmap for active transportation improvements.
The plan aims to increase the share of trips completed by active transportation and to more broadly reach the greenhouse gas (GHG) targets set out in the Official Community Plan while improving the quality and experience for people walking, biking and rolling.
It's important to note that there are opportunities for several external funding partners including other levels of government— B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program, ICBC, Green Municipal Funds to name a few—and the private development process.
Plan highlights and big moves
Recognizing the possibility of resource, financial, and staffing limitations, the ATNP identifies five big moves that are expected to yield the greatest benefit to Esquimalt’s active transportation network.
- Implement a Quick-Build Cycling Network
- Over the next five years, Esquimalt will develop a 5.3 kilometer quick-build cycling network on three major roads that allow residents and visitors to travel around the community in a safe, connected, and efficient manner.
- Lower Speeds
- Speeds are a major factor in creating a pedestrian and bike friendly environment and reductions to speed limits on Township roads can lower vehicle operating speeds, improve road safety, and improve neighbourhood livability.
- Short-term Intersection Reviews & Improvements
- There are several intersections and crossings in the community that do not safely accommodate people walking and cycling. Improvements to intersections and crossings are a critical part of the overall active transportation network.
- Fill in Sidewalk Gaps
- Esquimalt is a walkable community and an even higher proportion of walking trips could be achieved by filling in sidewalk gaps and by improving the overall accessibility of these facilities.
- Dedicated Active Transportation Staff
- The Active Transportation Network Plan cannot be implemented without adequate staffing.
Council approved the plan and directed staff to bring forward initiatives for Council consideration that include budget and capacity implications during the 2022 budget planning process.
Quick facts
- From 2011 to 2016, the proportion of work trips made by bicycle increased from 6 to 9 per cent, while commuting by vehicle decreased by two per cent.
- The total percentage of commute trips by active travel (walk, cycle, transit) is 36 per cent, which is the second highest active travel mode share in all of Greater Victoria after the City of Victoria.
- Esquimalt has the lowest daily trips and vehicles per household among all Core municipalities. The average annual household transportation cost is $8,730, which is among the lowest among all municipalities in the Capital Region.
- From 2011 to 2017, the Township’s overall active transportation mode share (walking, cycling, transit) has increased, particularly for trips within the Township growing from 36 per cent in 2011 to 44 per cent in 2017.
Learn more
- To view the plan visit Esquimalt.ca/ActiveTransportation
- Esquimalt residents asked to weigh in on the future of mobility in the township
Contact
Tara Zajac, Manager of Communications
Township of Esquimalt
tara.zajac@esquimalt.ca
250-414-7122