Thurs. May 18 - Active transportation on the Island gets $10M boost

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning !

In our main story today, you’ll learn about the new funding announcement for active transportation in the CRD, so commuting throughout the city with alternative options to cars should become easier and safer—maybe it’s time for me to test out if the old adage “you never forget how to ride a bike” is actually true.

That has me wondering—how do you like to get around the city without a car?

— Robyn Bell, Newsletter Writer

NEWS

Vancouver Island to receive $10M to improve active transportation

The funding was announced Wednesday morning, and will help to add new protected bike lanes, trails, and pedestrian bridges throughout the CRD.

These funds support the province’s CleanBC commitment to increase the number of trips by walking, cycling, and transit by 30% by 2030.

“As a climate measure, active transportation couldn’t be simpler—yet its impact can be significant,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of natural resources. “The funding announced today will improve walkways, bike lanes, and other active transportation infrastructure on Vancouver Island, helping folks choose active travel.”

The project also seeks to improve accessibility with upgraded crossings in the CRD and new transit shelters.

The City of Victoria will receive $3.7M to complete accessibility enhancements as part of the city’s All Ages and Abilities priority cycling network, including improvements to Fort Street’s landscape.

The District of Saanich will get $2.6M to turn a 1.1-km stretch of Shelbourne Street into a “complete street,” which includes new sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and additional transit infrastructure.

Esquimalt will have $1.2M to improve bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and signal upgrades on Tillicum Road between Craigflower Road and the Gorge Bridge.

UVic, where the funding announcement took place, will receive $2.4M for its Campus Cycling Plan, improving bicycle parking, lighting and signage, and integrating traffic calming measures throughout the campus.

“As global leaders in environmental, social and institutional sustainability, we’re prioritizing improvements to active transportation options that will make our campus more walkable and bikeable for everyone,” said UVic president Kevin Hall in a release.

The rest of the Island’s funding will go to active transportation projects for the Toquaht Nation, Tseshaht First Nation, Hupacasath First Nation, and the City of Port Alberni.

These improvements come as part of the federal government’s Active Transportation Fund, providing $400 million over five years to improve the country’s biking and walking paths in an effort to reduce the number of cars used for transport.

For more on Greater Victoria’s active transportation plans, read Capital Daily’s previous feature.

Capital Bulletin

🌤️ Today’s weather: Mainly sunny. High 27C / low 12C.

🎤 Music strategy grant information session: Learn about the funding available and how to apply, today at 5:30pm.

🌫️ Wildfire smoke expected over the Island: Poor air quality is expected until tonight from wildfires burning in the Interior and Alberta.

🔥 Open fire ban begins today: The ban within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction aims to reduce wildfire risks.

🎶 Rifflandia tickets on sale at 10am: Check out the star-studded lineup.

NEWS

Local startup eyes North American expansion

VitaminLab, a healthtech company developing personalized supplements, has received a co-led investment from venture fund companies Nimbus Synergies and DSM Venturing.

VitaminLab creates personalized supplements for individuals, using data points such as health history, blood test results, and DNA. The company staffs over 40 employees, and formulates, tests, and produces its products in Victoria.

"Our mission is to redefine the status quo and unlock better health outcomes by transforming how we take vitamins through tailored and truly unique formulas," said Anton Solonnikov, CEO of VitaminLab.

The funding will expand the company’s technology facilities and market strategy across North America.

"VitaminLab's disruptive approach is revolutionizing the personalized nutrition industry and we are thrilled to continue supporting its positive impact on consumer health," said Paul Geyer, CEO of Nimbus Synergies.

SPONSORED BY SOUTH ISLAND PROSPERITY PARTNERSHIP

Untangling the Housing Crisis

SIPP's first Rising Economy video podcast, featured an insightful panel discussion about the housing crisis history and solutions.

Tune into this lively, refreshing conversation as the panel tackled topics like:

• Why the housing crisis still isn't being treated as a real crisis
• How Canada ended up with the lowest housing stock per capita of all the G7 countries
• How approval delays drive up costs
• Why increasing density in the right way contributes to healthy, economically vibrant neighbourhoods and communities

The Rising Economy podcast series is a feature of SIPP’s Rising Economy branch, which hosts the annual, award-winning Rising Economy Conference. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on future podcasts, including—Why childcare is an economic issue (and why we should all care).

Capital Picks

🎙️ Nick Drake tribute at Hermann’s Upstairs: Oliver Swain, Adam Dobres, Ashley Wey, and Tia Greenwood will perform Nick Drake’s classics Friday, 7pm. [Tickets]

🏡 Professional Listing Agent: Providing home owners property marketing, offer negotiation, and sales experience. Learn more about selling your home.*

🎈 ḰELSET Elementary's Annual Spring Fair: Take part in bouncy castles, food trucks, and a raffle fundraiser Friday, 5-8pm.

🤝 Now hiring: Client Support Technician at ISM Canada. 

*Sponsored Listing

In Other News

🚨 Municipal worker struck by car and killed in Oak Bay
A car sped down Monterey on Wednesday morning before striking a municipal worker inspecting a manhole cover, and crashing into a tree opposite the firehall. A child on a bicycle was almost struck prior to the crash as the car drove into oncoming traffic, witnesses reported. [CTV]

📢 UVic students organize protest of Jordan Peterson’s Victoria appearance
The peaceful rally will take place Friday ahead of Peterson’s nearly sold out event at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Peterson, a former University of Toronto professor who has amassed a large social media following, has been criticized for his anti-trans and misogynistic commentary. A discussion panel will also be held at UVic to examine Peterson’s views. [Times Colonist]

🚨 Man shot by Duncan RCMP now charged for alleged car ramming
Charges were approved for assault of a peace officer with a weapon and, for a separate alleged incident in Esquimalt last Friday morning, choking and breach of recognizance. The driver was shot by police around 6:30am after apparently driving into the detachment parking lot and striking a cruiser, injuring the officer who was with it. BC’s IIO continues investigating whether the shooting by police—Duncan’s second in under two months—was justified.

📹 Video surveillance captures details of Sooke robbery
Tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment was stolen from Sooke Power Supply on Friday morning after a pickup truck drove into the store. The store’s cameras recorded the events of the three-minute robbery, including the theft of generators and portable chainsaws. [CHEK]

SPONSORED BY TALL TREE HEALTH

The Nature of Now I A Tall Tree Speaker Series event

An evening with spiritual teacher John Astin.

Explore the nature of experience itself and learn simple, elegant practices for welcoming and embracing each moment.

In Case You Missed It

🚨 Suspicious Lake Cowichan death: Missing man Joseph Smith, 42, was found dead in a forested area on May 14, RCMP said. He was last seen May 2 in Duncan.

🐉 Victoria Chinatown Museum Society’s Awakening Chinatown returns May 28 with an afternoon of free festivities including Chinese cultural performances, music, magic, dancing, kung fu, and Lion Parade.*

📰 Wednesday’s newsletter: BC Supreme Court rules Aboriginal title not proven for Nuchatlaht’s entire claim area, Rifflandia performers announced, Langford-Juan de Fuca candidates set, and more. [May 17] 

*Sponsored Listing

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