The CRD Board approved the Gulf Islands Regional Trails Plan in 2018 as a conceptual plan for future regional trails for Galiano, Mayne, North and South Pender, Salt Spring and Saturna Islands. These regional trails will be designed and built in a phased approach over the long-term. The phased approach will see an initial section of trail, generally 2-5 km, built one at a time on each island, as funding and design are available.
Implementation
The first Gulf Island Regional Trail is the initial 2.3 km section of the Mayne Island Regional Trail, which was completed in October 2024. Detailed planning for the other regional trails will occur as set out in the Gulf Islands Regional Trails Plan [PDF/4.4MB] (GIRTP).
Southern Gulf Islands Regional Trail Design Project
As per the GIRTP, the CRD applied for a BC Rural Dividend Program grant to develop designs for the initial sections of regional trails in the southern Gulf Islands (North Pender, Galiano, and Saturna Islands). The intent is to be ready when the time comes for construction of these trails. In 2019, the CRD received notice that it was a successful applicant and subsequently contracted Herold Engineering to undertake the Southern Gulf Islands Regional Trails Design project. It was completed in early 2021.
Trail design work is still required for the initial section of regional trail identified for Salt Spring Island, as it was not part of this project.
Funding for Regional Trail Work
In 2016, the CRD Board approved $200,000 per year dedicated funding for regional trail work in the Gulf Islands. These funds continue to build, with interest, until adequate funds are available for a project and then rebuild until enough exists for the next project. The GIRTP identifies the need to seek external grant funding to supplement CRD funds for both planning and development of the regional trails in the Gulf Islands.
Envision the Future
The Capital Regional Hospital District (CRHD) is responsible for a comprehensive planning and public consultation process for the future use of the former Oak Bay Lodge property at 2251 Cadboro Bay Road. Working with the community to envision the future use of the property is a priority for the CRHD. This project presents an important opportunity to identify and address the growing healthcare needs for the region.
In 2021 the CRHD completed two rounds of community consultation on the future use of the Oak Bay Lodge property. Island Health also completed a functional program of the site in 2021. The priorities identified were a community hub with a focus on seniors' care including community health services, long-term care housing, alternative assisted living, hospice and respite, adult day programming, restorative health, and primary care network spaces.
Building on the functional program developed in 2021, Island Health issued a request for proposals for an Oak Bay Lodge Economic Feasibility Study in January 2024. This study will identify services suitable to relocate to the Oak Bay site and undertake a financial analysis of new development and non-Island Health services, providing recommendations on next steps based on the study outcomes.
Study outcomes will also be shared with each organization Board. Approval from the Island Health Board, the Ministry of Health and the Capital Regional Hospital District Board are key to the redevelopment of the Oak Bay site.
A third round of community engagement may be undertaken prior to submission of a development proposal to the District of Oak Bay. The District of Oak Bay is responsible for the review and approval of any rezoning applications for the site. The community will have an opportunity for feedback again at this stage through the District of Oak Bay.
