New Sidewalk Spending

Saanich council recently approved the 2009 budget and gave an unprecedented half-million-dollar boost to new sidewalk spending -- enough to build 3.2 kilometres of new sidewalk before the end of the year.

That’s the distance from Quadra and McKenzie to the University of Victoria, and means that we’ve doubled the goal in the strategic plan.

Adding this new money to the sidewalk budget shows that council is increasing the emphasis on pedestrian mobility, taking a more balanced approach to transportation, and recognizing the many benefits of walking.

Proper sidewalks let people of all ages do more than just get from one place to another. They foster a sense of community.

When we go out walking, we meet our neighbours and see and feel the natural beauty that surrounds us here in our community. Walking also reduces our greenhouse gas emissions by letting us avoid using the car. We are much more likely to walk to the grocery store, or just take an evening stroll, if we have a safe and pleasant walking surface.

There are safety and health benefits too. Our population is aging, and many seniors who don’t feel safe on worn or uneven footpaths need a proper sidewalk to stay mobile and healthy.

Serving pedestrians with sidewalks and crosswalks has a much-needed traffic calming effect. Studies have proven that routes with sidewalks, bike lanes, and natural vegetation result in lower driving speeds.

Commuters see that our streets are not through-ways or highways, but are the veins of life of our neighbourhoods.

Sidewalk spending is an investment in more than just concrete and asphalt.

It means healthier communities, climate protection, better environment, safety, and mobility.

This year’s budget makes pedestrian mobility a greater priority.

I believe it is important that council continues to invest in making Saanich a more walkable community.

Saanich is a great place to live.

Let’s give people the chance to get out there and enjoy it!