NEWS | SRD Board approves Active Transportation Network Plan for Area C

Campbell River, BC – The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is excited to share its first ever Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP) for Electoral Area C! Developed in collaboration with community members, key interest groups, and We Wai Kai First Nation, the ATNP presents a long-term network plan supported by implementation actions to guide potential future investment opportunities in active transportation infrastructure. ATNP policy directions will also inform updates to the Area C Official Community Plan.

 

This initiative combined data collection and analysis with a two-phased public engagement process to better understand existing network gaps and establish priorities for advancing active transportation opportunities. Several key themes emerged through community consultation, including:

• Barriers to walking and cycling: Inadequate roadside shoulders, blind corners, narrow lanes, steep terrains, vehicle traffic, speed limits, and a lack of dedicated active transportation infrastructure all present barriers to walking and cycling;
• A need for greater connectivity across Quadra Island: A desire for increased connectivity between key Quadra Island neighbourhoods, community destinations, and commercial hubs such as Quathiaski Cove and Heriot Bay, as well as improved trail conditions;
• Improved connections with other travel modes: Safe and efficient active transportation connections to Quathiaski Cove and Heriot Bay ferry terminals are critical to the community; and
• Maintain and enhance community character: There is community interest to improve active transportation infrastructure that contributes to the local rural character.

 

The ATNP identified six priority corridor improvement projects between Heriot Bay Rd and Rebecca Spit Rd, Quathiaski Cove Rd and Harper Rd, and along Green Rd from Quathiaski Cove to Cape Mudge. Community feedback indicated strong support for both Heriot Bay – Rebecca Spit and Quathiaski Cove Village connections as the most immediate need. The 450 m stretch between the Quathiaski ferry terminal to Harper Road was selected for future application to the Province of BC’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program, as it fits the closest with the Grant Program criteria and commuter needs, while also aligning with active transportation priorities of the We Wai Kai First Nation.

 

“Big thanks to the many community members who participated in this important project” said Electoral Area C Director, Robyn Mawhinney. “Your opinions were integral to identifying active transportation priorities on Quadra Island. 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.”

 

This project was supported by funding from the Province of BC’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program, which aligns with the CleanBC commitment to increase alternative transportation solutions.

For more information about the Area C ATNP, please visit www.srd.ca/area-c-atnp/.

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Media Contact:

Meredith Starkey – SRD Manager, Planning and Parks

778-346-9143 |  mstarkey@srd.ca