Area C Active Transportation Network Plan
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is developing an Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP) in Electoral Area C, with funding from the Province of BC’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program. The Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program supports the Province’s CleanBC commitment to increasing shares of trips by walking, cycling and transit and assists local governments in expanding their active transportation infrastructure for the enjoyment of multi-use pathways, protected bike lanes, pedestrian bridges, and safety improvements.
The Area C ATNP will provide direction on how to achieve improved active transportation conditions on Quadra Island and its connections to outer communities and beyond that align with the policy goals, objectives and targets that are most important to the community. The ATNP, in collaboration with community members and stakeholders, will identify priority network improvements to support people cycling, walking, and wheeling (including people with disabilities) to improve safety, remove and prevent barriers, and facilitate connectivity across the community.
The ATNP will be the first comprehensive active transportation plan for Area C, building on direction established in the 2007 Quadra Island Official Community Plan (OCP) and associated Quathiaski Cove Village Plan. Priority projects identified in this ATNP will be key inputs into a future Master Transportation Plan in Area C and will also help inform the upcoming Official Community Plan update.
What is active transportation?
Active transportation consists of any form of human-powered transportation such as walking, cycling, or rolling (i.e. wheelchair or in-line skating). It can also include winter-based active modes, water-based active modes, and horseback riding, although these modes are typically more recreational in nature.
Active transportation strengthens opportunities to enhance access throughout Area C, most notably Quathiaski Cove Village, our waterfront, parks and trails, and neighbouring communities. It also creates opportunities for community interaction and fostering social connectedness and sense of place. Moreover, active transportation supports the goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with on-road transportation by replacing vehicle trips with walking, cycling, and rolling trips. This helps address a key goal of the Integrated Sustainability Plan and aligns with CleanBC. Additionally, active transportation supports road safety, physical activity and overall health, enhanced recreation and tourism opportunities for Area C residents, and reduced household costs by offering more cost-effective travel options for Area C residents.
What is the Active Transportation Network Plan?
The Active Transportation Network Plan is a strategic document developed to provide a roadmap of the goals and objectives for improving active transportation within the Area C community. The project process will involve identifying a vision and goals for active transportation, an envisioned long-term active transportation network, the type and design of active transportation facilities, and priorities for implementation and investment in new facilities.
How will the Active Transportation Network Plan be used?
The ATNP will complement Electoral Area C’s unique geography and community characteristics, ensuring that current and future infrastructure supports active transportation modes, provides access to people or all ages and abilities, connects to neighbouring communities, is resilient to climate change, and protects the rural character.
The Active Transportation Network Plan will inform priorities and guide investment in active transportation throughout Electoral Area C. It will inform capital planning and public investment in infrastructure, as well as guide community efforts and any land development toward providing desired active transportation facilities. It will assist in collaboration with adjacent jurisdictions and transportation service providers, as well as communicate the community’s priorities for active transportation infrastructure to Provincial and Federal funding agencies to help strengthen future partnerships and support grant applications.
Active Transportation Network Plan Project Timeline
Stay Informed - Area C Projects & Initiatives
Stay Informed - Area C Projects & Initiatives
Questions
Please contact SRD Planning Services at 250-830-6718 | planning@srd.ca