Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) has initiated an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek elector approval to establish a new Regional Transportation Service (RTS). The proposed RTS aims to advance regional connectivity and integrated mobility. It would help the capital region achieve its transportation goals by increasing coordination, and creating new programs, projects, and funding opportunities.
The CRD’s existing transportation functions include some planning, data analysis, policy, and programming. The CRD also manages and operates Regional Trails, including the Galloping Goose, Lochside and E&N Rail Trail. The current cost to operate these existing transportation functions totals $4,700,000 per year. This would be transferred into the proposed RTS at no added cost. The CRD is also widening and improving 6.5kms of the Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails, which will be funded by grants and borrowing.
The proposed service would start by combining existing functions and developing a new regional transportation plan to set a vision for the future of the region, reflecting residents’ needs and aspirations. The service is proposed to grow gradually, to support new programs and projects. The maximum amount that can be requisitioned annually for the service is up to $20,000,000. Approximately 50% of this amount includes the estimated costs for existing transportation functions including the operations of regional trails and the approved borrowing to support the Regional Trestles Renewal, Trails Widening and Lighting Project, which is intended to be transferred to the service. The remaining requisition amount is for long-term service growth at the discretion of the CRD Board. The service would be implemented over several years and there are no plans to reach maximum requisition.
The CRD board may proceed with Bylaw No. 4630: Regional Transportation Service, unless at least 10% of electors in the services area (33,127 electors) indicate they oppose the creation of the service. In that case, the service could only be considered with the support of a referendum. The deadline for submitting signed elector response forms, in relation to Bylaw No. 4630, to the CRD is 4:30 pm on Friday, May 16, 2025. Alternatives to mailing the form include dropping it off at 625 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC, during regular business hours (Monday – Friday between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm) or scanning a legible, signed copy that can be emailed to LegServ@crd.bc.ca.
AAPs are an important step in the decision-making process. More information about the AAP including a recording of the Information Session and copies of the elector response form can be found on the website at www.crd.ca/transportation-aap.
For media inquiries, the CRD Transportation Committee Chair, Dean Murdock and CRD Board Chair, Cliff McNeil-Smith are available to speak on the CRD Board’s support for the Regional Transportation Service.
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.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sudha Krishna, Manager Social Marketing
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.5679
Cell: 236.638.2866
