Monday February 24, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The Juan de Fuca area of Greater Victoria is not urbanized. Many of the areas are vehicle-dependent for access and commuting.
Meanwhile, an active transportation goal seems to be in the works.
- Active transportation includes all forms of human-propelled movement including walking, biking, using scooters, etc., and may also include horseback riding.
- Active transportation can be for recreation or transportation purposes (for exercise, or getting to school, work, shopping, etc.)
The Capital Regional District (CRD) invites Juan de Fuca residents to participate in a survey about active transportation for the area.
This is an opportunity for being part of the shaping of the future of active transportation infrastructure in the JdF — Port Renfrew, Jordan River, Shirley, Otter Point, and East Sooke.
Residents of the Juan de Fuca electoral area and surrounding communities are encouraged to review proposed projects and share their thoughts on any aspects that may be missing or need further consideration.
Input to the survey is intended to help inform a comprehensive and effective active transportation network that reflects rural community needs.
Timeline:
- First Survey: in October 2024. This was conducted to understand how and where residents use active transportation modes such as walking, cycling, and other non-motorized travel to help identify areas for improvement and development in the currently proposed projects)
- Current Survey: Available February 21 to March 9, 2025 | Take the JDF Active Transportation Survey
- Final Plan Development: of the Juan de Fuca Active Transportation Network Plan. The ATNP will define a series of active transportation (e.g., walking, cycling) projects in the short and medium terms, which may include new or improved pathways, trails, bike lanes, etc. These projects will focus on refining and developing connections within and between communities of the JdFEA
- Deadline: Final plan due to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit by March 31, 2025.
Funding:
The project is funded by the CRD, Province of BC and the Government of Canada through the Active Transportation Fund and Community Works (Gas Tax) Fund.
Contractors:
The project is being completed in partnership with Bunt & Associates Engineering Ltd. and PWL Partnership Landscape Architects Inc.
The JdFEA Active Transportation Network Plan will build off various recent and on-going plans and projects in the JdFEA.
Political regions:
Juan de Fuca is within the provincial riding of Juan de Fuca-Malahat. The MLA is Dana Lajeunesse, elected in October 2024. As the Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility he is showing an interest in transportation issues within the region.
The East Sooke area of Juan de Fucaand west to Jordan River is within the federal riding of Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke; the MP has been Randall Garrison (2011 to 2023).
The furthest portion of Juan de Fuca (west of Jordan River up to Port Renfrew) is within the federal riding Cowichan-Malahat-Langford; the MP is Alistair MacGregor, first elected in 2015.
===== RELATED:
Juan de Fuca-Malahat MLA Dana Lajeunesse launches into his new role as Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility (February 23, 2025)
Federal seat open in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke (February 4, 2025)
NEWS SECTIONS: JUAN DE FUCA | CRD & GREATER VICTORIA