One of Colwood Councils four strategic priorities is enhancing mobility. One key way the City strives to achieve this is by continuing to add new sidewalks and cycling routes that make it safer and more enjoyable for residents to walk or cycle.
Scoping and design is now complete on the following seven routes identified for upgrade by Colwood Council.
- Kelly Road: sidewalk improvements on the south side between Sooke Road and Metchosin Road (at Herm Williams Park) *adjusted scope
- Benhomer Drive: sidewalk improvements on the north side of Benhomer Drive between Painter Road and Metchosin Road
- Owens Road: new sidewalk on one side of Owens Road between Wishart Road and Painter Road
- Hagel Road: new sidewalk on the west side of Hagel Road between the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and David Cameron Elementary School walkway
- Lagoon Road: new sidewalk on the south side of Lagoon Road between Heatherbell Road and Aloha Avenue
- Fulton Road: new sidewalk on the west side of Fulton Road between Sooke Road and Townview Terrace
- Adye Road / Metchosin Road: neighbourhood bikeway along Adye Road and Metchosin Road between the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and Sooke Road
Following completion of this list planning will begin for pedestrian and cycling improvements on Metchosin Road.
Careful consideration of design
On June 13, 2022, Council was presented with alternate design options for concrete versus asphalt walkways, along with associated budget implications for Owens Road, Benhomer Drive and Hagel Road. Council directed staff to proceed with the original sidewalk designs as outlined in Colwood's Transportation Master Plan.
This means all seven routes listed above will be designed with concrete curbs and sidewalks, including the required storm drainage infrastructure.
The first routes will be tendered for construction this summer with construction anticipated through the fall, with tendering and construction of subsequent routes to continue through to completion in 2023.
Incorporating input from residents
Thank you to the many residents who provided input into the scoping of these projects on Let's Talk Colwood to inform the detailed design process.
Resident involvement helps to create a shared understanding of current and desired travel habits on each route, the interface between private property lines and City infrastructure, how street parking may be integrated with sidewalk design, as well as landscaping and drainage considerations.
It’s all part of Colwood's growing Active Transportation Network
These on-street improvements are all part of a larger Active Transportation Plan that maps out the future pedestrian and cycling network throughout Colwood. The network will be complemented by sea to sky trail connections outlined in the Colwood Parks & Recreation Master Plan the Galloping Goose pedestrian and cycling bridge that will be built over Sooke Road in the coming years.
All these improvements are intended to move Colwood toward an active transportation network that is:
- Safe: Routes and intersections are safe and comfortable for all users.
- Close by: Most homes are within about 4 or 5 blocks of a cycling route.
- Convenient: Routes connect to shops, schools, parks, and facilities.
- Fast: Cycling travel times are comparable to going by car.
- Linked: Routes link to the Goose and other regional trail connections.
- Appropriate: A variety of cycling facility types meet local characteristics.
Learn more about Colwood’s Active Transportation Network Plan.