The Strathcona Regional District has unveiled the Active Transportation Network Plan for Electoral Area C, highlighting issues like obstacles to walking and biking, as well as the need for better connections throughout Quadra Island.
Created with input from local community members, interest groups, and the We Wai Kai First Nation, the plan lays out a long-term strategy for a network, complete with actionable steps to steer future investments in active transportation infrastructure, says the regional district. These policy directions will also help shape updates to the Area C official community plan, it says.
READ MORE: Strathcona Regional District launches active transportation network plan
During community discussions, the SRD said several main issues came up, such as obstacles to walking and biking, limited space on the sides of the road, blind spots, tight lanes, hilly areas, heavy traffic, and speed limits. There’s also a clear need for better active transportation options and improved connections throughout Quadra Island, according to the plan.
Some of the most cited locations include West Road where there is a concern over lack of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, especially around the Community Centre and intersection with Heriot Bay Road.
On Heriot Bay Road, the public pointed out concerns with blind corners, narrow lanes, and steep hills that create safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists. Quathiaski Cove Village and Quadra Elementary School were also cited for a lack and poor condition, respectively, of crosswalks creating accessibility and safety issues for all road users.
At Quathiaski Cove Village, for example, the absence of crosswalks for pedestrians and cyclists, along with insufficient roadside facilities, leads to accessibility and safety concerns for all road users, according to the report. In addition, ferry traffic and unloading speeds hinder pedestrians and cyclists attempting to cross Harper Road to the Cove.
The plan highlights six key projects to improve corridors between Heriot Bay Road and Rebecca Spit Road, Quathiaski Cove Road and Harper Road, and along Green Road from Quathiaski Cove to Cape Mudge.
One key improvement suggests a continuous roadside pathway along Quathiaski Cove Road, Harper Road and Heriot Bay Road connecting the ferry terminal, village and school.
Community feedback showed support for the connections between Heriot Bay and Rebecca Spit, as well as Quathiaski Cove Village, as the top priority, according to the regional district.
The 450-metre section from the Quathiaski ferry terminal to Harper Road was chosen for a future application to the province’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program because it best meets the program's criteria and commuter needs, while also aligning with the active transportation goals of the We Wai Kai First Nation.
Electoral Area C director Robyn Mawhinney thanked community members who participated in the project in an April 30 media release.
“Your opinions were integral to identifying active transportation priorities on Quadra Island," she said. "It’s excellent to know what our community priorities are and I’m excited to move forward with next steps to improving access for pedestrians, cyclists and self-propelled commuters.”
With the planning process now complete, the transportation priorities identified in the active transportation plan may be implemented through the SRD’s capital planning process and as funding opportunities become available.
The full Area C Active Transportation Network Plan is available online.
