Looking at improvements on how you and your family travel in Esquimalt
Esquimalt’s Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP) was approved by council in 2022 .
Since then, staff have been implementing projects identified in the plan in a phased approach. The Lampson-Tillicum portion of the project is ending on time and on budget in Q2 2024. The township has also created a speed reduction plan and is rolling out new signage later this spring.
About the Active Transportation Network Plan
The township launched a multi-phase engagement campaign to hear how residents want to see multi-modal transportation in Esquimalt take shape.
identifies gaps in the pedestrian and cycling network;
recommends improvements to the quality and experience for people walking, biking and rolling;
provides a roadmap for high priority improvements over the next 5–10 years;
aims to increase the share of trips completed by active transportation and to more broadly reach the greenhouse gas (GHG) targets set out in the Official Community Plan.
This made-in-Esquimalt plan is driven by best practices and the latest design guides to reflect the needs, interests & priorities of the community.
The next upcoming project as part of the ATNP includes work along Esquimalt Road.
Project overview
Protected quick-build bike lanes on Esquimalt Road between Dominion and Canteen roads to be completed in two phases:
Phase 1: Dominion to Lampson Street
Phase 2: Canteen to Lampson Street
Expected changes
Protected bike lanes
Dunsmuir/Esquimalt Road active transportation improvements to support pedestrian/bike crossing
Pedestrian crossing improvements at strategic locations
Reduced travel lanes from 4 to 2 west of Admirals Road with a centre turn lane west of Admirals
Optimized traffic signals to ensure better traffic flow
Rehabilitating underground utilities
Improving road surfacing
Parking removals
While some parking spots will be removed along Esquimalt Road, staff will review side streets as part of detailed design to support accessible/commercial parking near commercial nodes.
What’s not expected to change
Maintaining one lane of travel in each direction and turning movements at intersections
Existing centre turn lanes and planted median islands
Existing curb and sidewalk locations, except at select intersections
No change to bus stop form or function
Phase I timeline:
Esquimalt Road Active Transportation Improvements Phase 1 – Dominion to Lampson
Conceptual design underway
Design refinement engagement - 2024
What We Heard Report presented to Council - 2024
Detailed design - 2024
Construction - 2024/2025
What to expect as part of the design refinement engagement later in 2024:
Staff will reach out to the public to review the design and seek input on form and character to provide feedback on:
Alignment with ATNP goals and vision
Perceived safety and comfort of the proposed design
Where additional changes are needed
Parking compositions / accommodations on side streets
Any other comments
Phase II timeline
Esquimalt Road Active Transportation Improvements Phase 2 – Canteen to Lampson
Conceptual design - 2024
Design refinement engagement - 2024
What We Heard Report presented to Council - 2024
Detailed design – 2024/2025
Construction - 2025
The township is proposing to reduce speed limits on Major Roads to 40km/hr, and all other roads to 30km/hr, with some exceptions. Major, collector, local gateway signs will be installed in 2024.
The township has proposed design improvements for both Lampson and Tillicum streets. Using feedback based on our Active Transportation Network Plan public engagement as well as previous surveys, these draft designs aim to enhance road safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Before moving forward to finalize designs, the township wanted to showcase the plan’s features then hear feedback from residents and businesses on these proposed changes.
