The Regional District of Nanaimo will be working on an active transportation plan for Cedar.
The RDN will be able to bolster its 15-year-old active transportation plan for Electoral Area A thanks to an injection of money from the provincial government. The provincial government is providing $50,000 through its active transportation infrastructure grants program, which will be spent to "create a comprehensive network with safer and more modern modes of active transportation and infrastructure in the Cedar Village area as well as connections to broader regional and provincial active transportation routes," a press release stated.
The plan will thoroughly examine traffic patterns, safety issues and current roadside conditions, notably in areas where schools are located, stated the release. The plan will also look at how "existing narrow roads, without sidewalks or adequate shoulders, affect non-vehicular travel in the mostly rural electoral area," how better to use public land, how to improve conditions at the side of the road and how to improve transit connections. In addition, the plan will examine how to best deal with areas that are contentious for pedestrians and motorists with the aim of improving safety.
Jessica Stanley, RDN Area A director, said she was grateful for the money.
"The plan will identify how best to provide a safe and active route to schools in addition to connecting to Cedar Village and public transit,” she said in the press release. “As highlighted in our official community plan, a well-developed trail system will support the ability for children to walk or ride to school safely, as well as provide a convenient alternative to driving for all community members, helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety in Electoral Area A."
Formation of the plan will include consultation with the public and stakeholders and a web page with pertinent information is forthcoming.
