Victoria, BC– Yesterday, the Capital Regional District (CRD) Board unanimously directed staff to complete a service design and feasibility study to recommend changes to how the region delivers transportation initiatives. In this significant step forward, the CRD is taking action that will help guide long-term improvements to how people move around the region.
This direction arises from input from the CRD’s 13 local governments, three electoral areas, relevant partner agencies, and First Nations. Engagement with these interest holders was designed to explore how to work together as a region to achieve shared transportation goals. Questions focused on key trade-offs, challenges, and opportunities, and asked for input on decision-making related to transportation modes and functions. The results have provided clarity about the types of changes that are widely supported and where more work is needed to think regionally about how people move around.
“Recognizing the need for more planning and decision-making authority, the engagement results have given us a starting point. They show us where regional and local approaches are preferred, which allows us to move on to defining the big-picture changes, benefits and key deliverables,” said CRD Board Chair, Colin Plant.
The next step is to complete a service design and feasibility study. The ultimate objectives for this 2023-2026 Board term are to establish a CRD transportation service and to present options for changes in governance for transportation in the region, including consideration of a new transportation authority.
“Every day people are travelling on the region’s transportation network. Making changes that can improve regional connectivity and safety is a priority, and it is great to see this work move forward,” said CRD Transportation Committee Chair, Dean Murdock.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492