Traffic Update for 2015

The current status for each project is given in the new posting on the C.B.A. website and it makes very dismal reading.

You can see what our priorities are and that they have not changed significantly over the last couple of years. However, the response from Saanich Engineering has changed dramatically; in just about every case they either opposed or sidelined or delayed any action on every item. They went to great pains to claim that their actions ( inactions) were objective and based on the needs of the District as a whole. Having looked at the traffic data they provided and the dubious conclusions they drew from the data, we are not convinced that their claims are true.

The fundamental problem is how to fund anything in this restrained environment.

The three avenues of funding are:

General Maintenance Budget

Any item for Cordova Bay that has actually made it to this stage is so far down the list of competing items that it has little chance of resolution in the next five years based on funds from this budget.

Development costs

It has been standard practice to use new development to fund improvements nearby and this is clearly how they plan to carry out any changes within Cordova Bay.

The sites where we can reasonably expect such developments in the next few years include:

• The Trio Site
• The gas station site at Duomac
• The gas station site at Fenn
• The plaza
• The old general store at Haliburton

Direct appeal to Mayor and Council

This is the method of last resort but we had to use it about ten years ago to get action on the sidewalk issue and the Hunt/ Sayward/ Fowler intersection. That action went a long way to correct more that thirty years of neglect and we believed that the District would not fall back into the previous pattern of behavior. Unfortunately it seems as though that is exactly what they now plan to do. So this option remains alive and well.

Enjoy the summer, travel safely and we will start again in the fall.

List of Current Projects – July, 2015

The list goes from north to south.

Project #1
Location	Sayward Road/Pat Bay highway intersection
Problem	Poor cross walk location, bus acceleration lane and merging traffic a problem.Particularly when the warning lights don’t work. Problem for people visiting addresses on the slip road
Originator	Gwen MacPhearson
Status with CBA	Want safest possible mode of operation
**Status with Saanich	Provincial matter
Comments	The problems are resolvable
Project #2
Location	Fowler Road/Fowler Park entrance
Problem	Speeding traffic
Originator	Residents on Fowler
Status with CBA	Want bike lanes and safe walking as part of the extension of the Streetscape plan from Mattick’s Farmto the highway
Status with Saanich	Agree that extension of bike lanes on Fowler Road would be an asset to community and overall cycling network.  Not identified as a priority within our five year capital construction plan.  However, as development in the area occurs, we will seek opportunities to capitalize on local infrastructure improvements.
Comments	Develop the entrance to the parking lot as a constriction to slow traffic down and add the bike lanesto narrow the lane-width for cars etc.
Project#3
Location	Lochside Drive at Cordova Bay Road Junction
Problem	Overgrowth into the sidewalk / bike lane forces people into the middle of the road
Originator	Residents
Status with CBA	Want to see the vegetation trimmed regularly
Status with Saanich	Referred to Saanich Roads and Parks
Comments	Low cost; fast item to fix
Project #4
Location	Parker Avenue
Problem	Blind corner at Fenn and Parker Avenue
Originator	Christine Nagy, resident
Status with CBA	Noted the problem
Status with Saanich	Refer to attached letter from ATC.
Comments	The ATC recommended several changes and scheduled them for fall 2013. This project is now closed.
Project #5
Location	Parking at Cordova Bay Elementary School
Problem	Not enough space and dangerous drop-off location
Originator	Richard McMorran/55+ community
Status with CBA	Wants improved and safer parking
Status with Saanich	School Board project (off street circulation and drop off on private property).  Saanich staff more than willing to provide feedback with regards to on-site circulation patterns
Comments	Saanich can receive a donation of land from the school board and then develop a parking lot. Before that happens there is a need to examine the traffic circulation around the school so that the needs of the school and Community 55+ are met.
Project#6
Location	Cordova Bay Road and Walema
Problem	People, especially young, unaccompanied children crossing the road to get to school.Danger ;Want a cross walk with a light.
Originator	Local petition organized by K. Insley
Status with CBA	Another element in the overall problem of CBR from Haliburton to Sayward
Status with Saanich	Item has been referred to Advisory Transportation Committee (ATC), will respond to petition and copy Community Association with response.
Comments	Need to fix these problems before any further developments take place
Project #7
Location	Cordova Bay Road and Doumac
Problem	People crossing to the Plaza dodging traffic from several directions. Need a cross walk
Originator	Lorraine Huntley
Status with CBA	See project 6
Status with Saanich	Will be reviewed as part of developments traffic impact study.
Comments	Will be linked to developments at the plaza
Project#8
Location	Bus shelter at Cordova Bay Plaza
Problem	The present dilapidated shelter discourages people from using the bus service
Originator	Anthony Minniti
Status with CBA	If we cannot get a better shelter the eyesore should be removed.
Status with Saanich	Agree that shelter is in aging condition.  Advise Public works Division to thoroughly clean and undertake some refurbishment of the shelter.
Comments	Saanich has changed the ground rules so, despite the promises of two years ago, we will not be getting a new shelter.
Project #9
Location	Cordova Bay Road – Claremont to the Plaza
Problem	Speeding traffic on newly resurfaced road
Originator	CBA directors
Status with CBA	Want traffic calming
Status with Saanich	No changes proposed to laning configuration at this time.  Saanich does not support the use of stop signs as traffic calming devices.
Comments	Start by painting lines on the road and designating a left turn into the Plaza.There is a new proposal for condominiums at Doumac need a traffic plan to go with it.
Project #10
Location	Claremont/Doris Page Park
Problem	Traffic from Claremont cannot see approaching traffic along CBR.Traffic on CBR does not see the 30kph park sign. Passing in the park/ playground area.
Originator	CBA board/Residents/Roger Stonebanks
Status with CBA	Want a three way stop at the junction. Double yellow lines on the road through the playground.Clear designation of a Park at the entrance to Doris Page park.
Status with Saanich	Saanich does not support a three way stop or the use of stop signs as traffic calming devices.
Comments	Any changes here must be linked to changes at the old general store site and Doris Page Park for funding
Project#11
Location	Haliburton and Cordova Bay Road
Problem	People park their cars in the designated area and have difficulty crossing the road to the playground and beach
Originator	Residents and park users
Status with CBA	See project 6
Status with Saanich	All proposed crosswalks must be reviewed in accordance to Pedestrian Crossing Control Manual for BC.
Comments	See project 10
Project #12
Location	Royal Oak Dr/Cordova Bay Rd/Blenkinsop Rd intersection
Problem	Too many vehicles using the right-filter lane into Cordova Bay
Originator	CBA/Streetscape
Status with CBA	Ideally, want Want the filter lane closed but need a significant reduction in traffic coming through Cordova Bay to the           highway hig   Highway
Status with Saanich	This leg of the intersection is near capacity, modifying the length of the right turn slip lane will only cause further delay and not deter traffic from using Cordova Bay Road
Comments	If we can reduce the length of the filter lane to match the one at Royal Oak/Blenkinsopthen the traffic flow would be more than halved when the light is red. Disagree with the conclusion that traffic would not be deterred from using Cordova Bay Road
Project #13
Location	West Bank intersection with Cordova Bay Road
Problem	Dangerous location and a developer wanted to build houses on the park boundary requiring a steep road for access.Limited visibility for merging traffic.
Originator	Leslie Friedmann
Status with CBA	Need to improve visibility at the junction
Status withSaanich	Refer to Saanich Parks for trimming to improve visibility.Land now park l
Comment	Should be done this year
Project #14
Location	Cordova bay Road along the cliffs
Problem	The cliffs are slipping faster than before
Originator	Thurber Engineering
Status with CBA	Implement the Sandwell plan for cliff stabilization and beach protection
Status with Saanich	Existing comment is still valid.  Committed to the Sandwell plan provided they can find a partner to share the $16 million cost.
Comments	The Sandwell plan has the support of all the community groups and should not be abandoned.
Project #15
Location	Pat Bay highway frontage road
Problem	Too many homes and businesses have entrances directly on the Pat Bay highway
Originator	CBA
Status with CBA	Want it formally incorporated into the future plans for the highway
Status with Saanich	A matter for Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Comments	The highways department recognizes the need for this and has prepared a plan but there is no money.Would need only a single lane not two lanes
Project #16
Location	Haliburton and the Pat Bay highway
Problem	Turning left from Haliburton, and pedestrians on the gravel shoulder
Originator	Residents and Saanich engineering
Status with CBA	Want safe walking to school
Status with Saanich	A matter for Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Comments	Looks good but still has not addressed the problem of access to the rowing centre on Elk Lake.Talked to Provincial engineers about changing the light pattern.
Location	a) Sunnymead, Maplegrove, McMinn Park b) Approaches to Lochside Elementary School
Problem	Speeding traffic near a playground and lack of signs on the approaches to Lochside Elementary School
Originator	Residents/Colin Millard
Status with CBA	Discuss with Saanich
Status with Saanich	Refer to letter dated April 7, 2015
Comments	Make the ring road 40 kph to conform with the surroundings Speed bumps past Mc Minn park extension of Lochside.Saanich claims in its letter that vehicles are not speeding along this road and no action needs to be taken.
Project #18
Location	Claremont Road 700 block
Problem	Too many fast moving vehicles passing as residents try to get out of their drive ways. Want speed bumps
Originator	G.W. Boyd/Residents
Status with CBA	Ideally, want the filter lane closed but need a significant reduction in traffic coming through Cordova Bay to the highway
Status with Saanich	Claremont Road is a collector road in this area and expected to carry volumes in the 10,000 vpd range. Claremont carries approx 2700 vpd. Speed bumps will not be considered on Claremont as a traffic calming measure. Recommend that the police are contacted for enforcement and potentially deployment of the speed reader board.
Comment	How did the speed bumps at the top of Sea Ridge drive get installed ?

Overall Picture – List of Projects 2014

Project #1
Location	Sayward Road/Pat Bay highway intersection
Problem	Too many accidents
Originator	CBA/Provincial highways/MLA Saanich South
Status with CBA	Approved the upgrade
Status with Saanich	Approved the upgrade
Comments	There should be no need for a flyover unless the traffic volume on the Pat Bay highway increases significantly. Project completed end of October 2013.
Project #2
Location	Sayward/Hunt/Fowler corner
Problem	Difficult grades and traffic patterns
Originator	Doug Beale/Streetscape/CBA
Status with CBA	Approved the concept but did not have an opportunity to see the detailed drawings
Status with Saanich	Project completed in 2013
Comments	It provides a better and safer traffic pattern and bus-stop location. It allows traffic to move faster along Fowler. Therefore traffic calming, bike lane/sidewalks and constrictions were needed to slow the traffic.
Project #3
Location	Fowler Road/Fowler Park entrance
Problem	Speeding traffic
Originator	Residents on Fowler
Status with CBA	Want bike lanes and safe walking as part of the extension of the Streetscape plan from Mattick’s Farm to the highway
Status with Saanich	Has been discussed but there is no commitment yet
Comments	Develop the entrance to the parking lot as a constriction to slow traffic down and add the bike lanes to narrow the lane-width for cars etc.
Project #4
Location	Parker Avenue
Problem	Blind corner at Fenn and Parker Avenue
Originator	Christine Nagy, resident
Status with CBA	Noted the problem
Status with Saanich	Planning and engineering departments dealing with the problem
Comments	Resident dealing directly with Saanich.
Project #5
Location	Parking at Cordova Bay Elementary School
Problem	Not enough space and dangerous drop-off location
Originator	Richard McMorran
Status with CBA	In discussion with Saanich and school board
Status with Saanich	Discussion with district very positive, less so from the Engineering Department
Comments	Need to get school board approval for use of some of their land. Helps that enrolment at the school has rebounded and the 55 Plus goes from strength to strength.
Project #6
Location	Bus shelter at Cordova Bay Plaza
Problem	The present dilapidated shelter discourages people from using the bus service
Originator	Anthony Minniti
Status with CBA	Want it as part of the upgrade for the Plaza and to encourage people to use the bus service
Status with Saanich	It will be installed as soon as one becomes available from another site this year
Comments	Need more bus riders if we want to have more influence.
Project #7
Location	Cordova Bay Road – Claremont to the Plaza
Problem	Speeding traffic on newly resurfaced road
Originator	CBA directors
Status with CBA	Want traffic calming
Status with Saanich	Has heard the complaint but no suggestions yet
Comments	Start by painting lines on the road and designating a left turn into the Plaza.
Project #8
Location	Doris Page Park
Problem	No indication that it is a park on the stretch adjacent to Cordova Bay Road
Originator	Roger Stonebanks
Status with CBA	Want the garbage collected and the park boundary clearly marked
Status with Saanich	Parks department is committed to finding a solution
Comments	Some brush and overhanging vines have been trimmed back and tires, garden waste etc removed.Need to press for rock installation to better define the park boundary and entrance.
Project #9
Location	a) Sunnymead, Maplegrove, McMinn Park b) Approaches to Lochside Elementary School
Problem	Speeding traffic near a playground and lack of signs on the approaches to Lochside Elementary School
Originator	Colin Millard
Status with CBA	Discuss with Saanich
Status with Saanich	None yet
Comments	Need traffic calming measures but need the support of the residents who will live near the installation if it is going to be successful.
Project #10
Location	Royal Oak Dr/Cordova Bay Rd/Blenkinsop Rd intersection
Problem	Too many vehicles using the right-filter lane
Originator	CBA/Streetscape
Status with CBA	Ideally, want the filter lane closed but need a significant reduction in traffic coming through Cordova Bay to the highway
Status with Saanich	Prepared to talk about a reduction but not a closure at this point
Comments	If we can reduce the length of the filter lane to match the one at Royal Oak/Blenkinsop then the traffic flow would be more than halved when the light is red.
Project #11
Location	West Bank intersection with Cordova Bay Road
Problem	Dangerous location and a developer wanted to build houses on the park boundary requiring a steep road for access
Originator	Leslie Friedmann
Status with CBA	Opposed the development and wanted Saanich to acquire the land for Park Status with Saanich. Latest: Requested undeveloped part of West Bank be removed as road right-of-way and reserved as possible pedestrian access to the park from Cordova Bay Road. This action will preserve about 100 mature trees from destruction
Comments	Saanich confirms it will convert land to parkland. Mayor Frank Leonard credited the Friends of Mount Douglas Park Society with bringing the two parcels to the attention of Saanich.
Project #12
Location	Cordova bay Road along the cliffs
Problem	The cliffs are slipping faster than before
Originator	Thurber Engineering
Status with CBA	Implement the Sandwell plan for cliff stabilization and beach protection
Status with Saanich	Committed to the Sandwell plan provided they can find a partner to share the $16 million cost
Comments	The Sandwell plan has the support of all the community groups and should not be abandoned.
Project #13
Location	Pat Bay highway frontage road
Problem	Too many homes and businesses have entrances directly on the Pat Bay highway
Originator	CBA
Status with CBA	Want it formally incorporated into the future plans for the highway
Status with Saanich	The municipality has no stake in the matter and it is purely a matter for the provincial highways department
Comments	The highways department recognizes the need for this and is prepared to address the problem. Action this year.
Project #14
Location	Haliburton and the Pat Bay highway
Problem	Turning left from Haliburton, and pedestrians on the gravel shoulder
Originator	Residents and Saanich engineering
Status with CBA	Want safe walking to school
Status with Saanich	Saanich has plans for sidewalks and bike trails along Haliburton but is not prepared to invest in them until the Province finalizes what it wants at this junction.
Comments	Looks good but still has not addressed the problem of access to the rowing centre on Elk Lake.

Improvements for Pat Bay/Sayward

The Pat Bay Highway is safer. Intersection improvements at Sayward Road, including acceleration and deceleration lanes, are now in place.
Victoria News report, Oct. 30, 2013.
CTV video clip Oct. 30, 2013.
Times Colonist article, Nov. 2, 2013.
We’ll keep you up to date on the Traffic page.

COMMUNITY PRESSURE PAYS OFF FOR
HIGHWAY SAFETY

A safety-first campaign initiated five years ago by the Cordova Bay Association for Community Affairs (CBA) will result in a number of improvements worth $3 million at the intersection of Patricia Bay Highway and Sayward Road.
The improvements will include a new northbound deceleration lane on the highway (for traffic turning right onto Sayward Road) and a new northbound acceleration lane and merge lane on the highway for traffic turning right from Sayward Road. Construction is expected to start in spring 2013 after necessary land acquisitions.
The first improvement, a CONGESTION AHEAD warning sign located just south of the Sayward Road intersection, for northbound traffic, is now up and running.
The decision by the provincial government, announced on Aug. 15, 2012, will implement the recommendations of the Sayward Intersection Working Group that was formed by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure with representatives from the CBA, Saanich council, businesses, BC Transit and Saanich South MLA Lana Popham who also organized two public input meetings.
For previous articles, information and to read recommendations from the Opus Hamilton traffic report for this intersection, please click here: Pat Bay/Sayward intersection safety issues.

Victoria News up-to-date story and graphic – click here.
Ministry article – click here.

Traffic transition in Cordova Bay

What’s next for Cordova Bay?
With any physical change in the community there comes an associated traffic problem. With several significant projects on the horizon, we can expect traffic issues to be a consistent theme in the future.
The major buzz words for this decade are: “sustainable development” and “livability.” For Cordova Bay that means controlling the inevitable increase in housing density and developing a village core to attract residents and reduce the need for car trips to Broadmead and Royal Oak.

What can be done to address traffic increase and safety issue in Cordova Bay? To read the full article by CBA Traffic Chair, Graham Shorthill: please click here.

Progress on problem corner

Saanich has posted Slow to 30 kilometre an hour signs on both approaches to the problem corner of Sayward/Hunt/Fowler roads.
This action follows a public-safety campaign, launched by the Cordova Bay Association for Community Affairs (CBA), responding to concerns of residents because of frequent speeding by motorists resulting in several accidents with injuries and property damage as well as near-accidents.
The CBA has proposed that a three-way stop be installed with a redesigned T-intersection and will continue to press for this change.