251 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

Reproduced from SookeTown on Facebook. MLA Ravi Parmar is not happy with Sooke's mayor blaming the traffic issues along Highway 14 on the province, and instead says it's the District that hasn't built sufficient road infrastructure to handle growth. He's not wrong. The town centre lacks a bypass, and Sooke voters rejected a bypass project in a referendum 20 years ago. A bypass project is scheduled to begin in 2027, if it even does begin that year, and will connect Church Road with Throup Road, but also along a school zone, so peak traffic will be limited to 30km/h. Parmar says the District has to move on that project "now" and to find a way to do it without blaming the province.

 

I think the key issue is Sooke council has been extremely averse to tax increases. It's one thing when a municipality is raising taxes with nothing to account for the added costs or investments that could be deferred or cancelled, and quite another when they're borrowing money for critical infrastructure. The ball has been dropped here, absolutely, by not building that bypass prior to approving so much new housing.

 

The radio interview referenced is here (FF to 22:45): https://www.iheart.c...1bW15MTZieXRlcw

 

SookeTown post and comments here: https://www.facebook...E7E2Lf7twgMkH2l

It’s not Sooke Road improvements that need to happen to solve traffic woes, it’s Sooke’s internal road network that hasn’t kept up with growth, says MLA Ravi Parmar. 

 

The MLA for Sooke says the onus is on the District of Sooke to adequately expand its internal road network to alleviate congestion caused by the town centre, not to wait for more Highway 14 upgrades from the Province that will feed into that congestion. 

 

The MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca had choice words for Sooke Mayor Maja Tait and council this morning, calling the mayor’s recent comments about a perceived lack of provincial interest in Highway 14 “disingenuous.”

 

Parmar was interviewed by CFAX 1070’s Al Farraby regarding traffic congestion in Sooke and said the traffic woes are a symptom of poor internal road planning that is years behind, and remains years away from being started. The audio clip, via The Adam Stirling Show, is linked in the comments below and starts at 22:45. 

 

“There is clearly a distribution of traffic issue in Sooke. How can Sooke address this? How can Mayor Tait and the council address this? Build the Throup Road Connector. We’ve been talking about this project for well over 20 years. Sooke turned it down 20 years ago in a referendum. It was a big mistake. Now it’s in their Transportation Master Plan for 2027, and if I would have a message to Mayor Tait, I’d stop talking about a project in 2027 and do it now, your community needs it,” Parmar said, continuing: 

 

“What I would say is the provincial government has always stepped up, we have continued to make investments. But again the clear issue here is a build up of traffic, a distribution issue, when the highway gets [motorists] to the core of Sooke, and people cannot get to their respective homes in their communities because of the distribution issue, that is something that requires the District of Sooke to step up and make that investment.”

 

Parmar said in the interview with Farraby that “I was listening to the mayor’s comments on your show yesterday, and found them to be quite disingenuous, and I was really quite disappointed in the approach that [Mayor Tait] took.”

 

The District of Sooke has recently closed Charters Road in order to undertake repairs to a section, which was damaged during heavy rains in the fall of 2021. The Province is helping pay for the repair work. The road closure has made the traffic congestion issue in Sooke far worse, backing up afternoon rush hour traffic along Highway 14 by upwards of 10 kilometres, Parmar said to Farraby. The long-awaited and still years away Throup Road Connector would allow motorists to bypass Charters Road entirely by connecting Church Road to Phillips Road. The work isn’t planned to start until 2027 with completion in 2028 or 2029. 

 

Sooke’s Mayor says the Province needs to address congestion issues along Highway 14 and invest more into safety measures for all road users, despite there being no bypass routes in Sooke west of the Sooke River Bridge either north or south of Sooke Road. 

 

What do you think about Ravi Parmar’s responses to Sooke’s traffic issues on the radio interview? Let us know in the comments below.

[Victoria Watcher]

New group aims to take a run at Sooke's traffic woes

A new group of stakeholders is offering to work with the District of Sooke on ways to alleviate the commuter crush

https://www.vicnews....ic-woes-7413006

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 02 July 2024 - 01:14 PM.

[Mike K.]

Sooke Businesses Pump in $10,000 to Tackle Traffic Nightmare

Sooke, BC – In a bold effort to address the worsening traffic congestion in Sooke, local business owners have united to raise $10,000. This significant contribution will support the hiring of an expert engineer to work with Sooke Municipal staff to explore and implement critical traffic improvements. The announcement and presentation of this funding to Mayor Tait and the Council will occur at the council meeting on July 8. The locals are looking to Council to accept these funds and get moving forward immediately.

The Sooke Traffic Committee, along with the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce and the local business community, led this fundraising initiative. The committee’s board of directors includes Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce President Tracy Snow and Executive Director Deb Schenk, former Chamber Executive Director Britt Santowski, developer Jim Hartshorne, Mike Kozakowski, Herb Haldane, and Dave McClimon. Haldane and McClimon also serve on the boards of the Sooke Builders Association and the Sooke Community Association.

Councillor Kevin Pearson expressed his gratitude, stating, "The local business community stepping up with cold hard cash to the tune of $10,000 is a testament to the seriousness of the issue for them and the community."

Deb Schenk, Executive Director of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce, remarked, "When the community needs champions, the business community repeatedly steps up for everyone. The traffic crisis is a critical issue for all of Sooke and those who travel here."
Dana Lajeunesse and Kevin Pearson are also actively involved with the Sooke Traffic Committee, highlighting the collaborative effort to find viable solutions for the traffic challenges facing the region.

Susan Jones, a local business owner, started a petition on seeing impacts of the Sooke traffic crisis "I'm thrilled to see our local businesses stepping up with a substantial $10,000 contribution to address the critical traffic issues in Sooke. This initiative is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the urgent need for solutions. The overwhelming support from the petition, and now this financial backing, underscores just how vital it is for the Sooke Mayor and Municipal Council to resolve our traffic congestion now.

Together, we're making significant strides towards a safer, cleaner, and more efficient Sooke and look for stewardship and leadership from our Municipal, Provincial and Federal governments.

The Sooke Traffic Committee invites all community members to attend the council meeting at 7:00pm on July 8th to learn more about the initiatives being undertaken to improve traffic flow and ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors.

[Mike K.]

It was a brutal summer for road congestion in Sooke, but now Charters Road is open once again.

This project highlighted how mismanaged the infrastructure file in Sooke had become and public frustration lit a fire under officialdom’s seat. To have allowed the situation to get this bad over so many years still begs the question how it could have come to this, but at least the spotlight is shining bright and taxpayers are on watch.

From the district:

The District of Sooke is excited to announce the substantial completion and opening of Charters Road on time and on budget. This is an exciting milestone in the project allowing for the initial opening and the end to all major construction of the road as finishing touches are completed.

People travelling along Charters Road will experience a new roadway featuring a new water main and storm drain, sidewalks, buffered bike lanes, street lighting, and a new parking area to access local sports fields.

On October 31, 2024, the initial opening will include two-way vehicle and cycling traffic. Temporary measures on the sidewalks will be in place for pedestrians until the installation of permanent safety railings, lighting with final completion anticipated by the end of the year.

“Delivering this project on time and within budget is an important milestone for our community,” said Mayor Maya Tait. “Charters Road is now a safer, more accessible route, and we’re excited to reopen it for everyone to enjoy. This project reflects our commitment to improving infrastructure while being mindful of our budget and community needs.”

Keeping this project on time and on budget given the complexity and scope of the work is a testament to the District’s commitment to responsible project management, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively while delivering a critical infrastructure improvement for the community.

The project was funded through a combination of the Growing Communities Fund ($1.3 million), development cost charges from the adjacent BC Housing project ($1.2 million), and reserve funds that are set aside annually for capital projects.

Transportation: A Key Priority in the District’s Strategic Plan

The opening of Charters Road marks an important step in advancing the District’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), which was adopted in October 2020. Other recent investments under this plan include Phase One of Church Road (from Highway 14 to Wadams Way), Phase One of Otter Point Road (from Highway 14 to Wadams Way), and the Church-Throup Road Roundabout. The District is also approaching the final design stages for key projects such as the Throup Road Connector and the Phillips Road Corridor.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, design efforts are underway for significant Highway 14 corridor improvements, including enhancements between the Sooke River Bridge and Church Road, as well as improvements around Idlemore Road near Saseenos Elementary.

Looking ahead, the District is planning a mid-point review of the Transportation Master Plan in 2025.

Council’s Continued Advocacy for Transportation and Infrastructure Improvements

The reopening of Charters Road is part of a broader strategy to improve transportation infrastructure and road safety in Sooke. The District of Sooke Council continues to advocate for key initiatives, including:
Ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for further Highway 14 improvements, addressing congestion, safety, and connectivity challenges.
Advocating for a second bridge across the Sooke River and additional corridor improvements, ensuring these projects are included in the Ministry’s 10-year capital plan.
Securing infrastructure funding to complete the Transportation Master Plan, with a focus on transit improvements and reducing car dependency along Route 14.
Collaborating with BC Transit and the Ministry to expedite the implementation of the Sooke Local Area Transit Plan and advocating for increased transit services to better align with the community’s needs.
Engaging with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to explore new financial tools, such as Amenity Cost Charges, to fund necessary infrastructure and amenities to support Sooke’s growth.
Advocating for flexible funding mechanisms that align with Sooke’s unique needs.
Working with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, alongside School District 62, to ensure safe and accessible school sites, addressing access points and road safety, particularly along Highway 14.
Chair of the Sooke School District Board of Education, Amanda Dowhy, added, “The enhancements to Charters Road represent a significant step forward for our students and families. This segment of road has long presented safety challenges for those walking and cycling to Journey Middle School and École Poirier Elementary due to limited visibility and lack of shoulder space for pedestrians. This project exemplifies the strong collaboration between the Sooke School District and the District of Sooke, reflecting our shared commitment to enhancing safe and active transportation routes within the community. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with the District and their dedication to completing this project.” Residents and visitors are encouraged to use Charters Road to alleviate traffic on Highway 14 and avoid delays at the Church Road light. The District remains committed to prioritizing transportation and infrastructure projects that support the community’s growth, safety, and sustainability.

[Ismo07]

Lots of development in a short period can cause this.  Everyone wants to get more housing in, people want to move out there because it's less expensive.  Don't the developers bring traffic plans and show to the municipality, the increased traffic will work.  then another, then another.  Then people who moved out there, for lower costs assuming an hour commute, find out all those traffic plans didn't consider each other.  Then people blame the municipality, who really do not have the know how to see it coming.  Blame the province because it's mostly one lane.  Infrastructure is always behind development plans for some reason, I guess cause developers want to build and get out (get there money and move to the next), people want to find homes (less expensive) but no one is considering the infrastructure, when building or buying.

 

What do they say, you get what you pay for...  Now there will be some pain for a couple years until roads are upgraded, but I'm guessing the development will continue nonetheless...

[Mike K.]

What are DCCs for? It’s not a developer’s role, to close a gap in a municipal road several kilometres from their development site.

Sooke didn’t blow up overnight. It has been growing quickly for 20 years. Nobody knows why the council failed to plan for that growth, but Langford did it with its roads. Why couldn’t Sooke?

[Ismo07]

What are DCCs for? It’s not a developer’s role, to close a gap in a municipal road several kilometres from their development site.

Sooke didn’t blow up overnight. It has been growing quickly for 20 years. Nobody knows why the council failed to plan for that growth, but Langford did it with its roads. Why couldn’t Sooke?

 

No it's not the developers role, but they do present traffic flow and potential congestion...  I'm not sure those are entirely truthful or they would've pointed to the traffic issues that were coming so the municipality/province could get ahead.  Maybe development was still too fast... In 20 years, almost doubled the population..

 

I'm not so sure Langford did very well at all with road infrastructure for how fast it grew (growing).

Edited by Ismo07, 31 October 2024 - 09:02 AM.

[Mike K.]

Langford did better with its road investments and road building, than all 12 of the other municipalities combined. Langford also didn't diet its roads, to restrict the flow of traffic, like most of the other equally as developed municipalities have.

 

But of course you'd say Langford didn't do very well. That's exactly what I thought you'd say 

[Ismo07]

Langford did better with its road investments and road building, than all 12 of the other municipalities combined. Langford also didn't diet its roads, to restrict the flow of traffic, like most of the other equally as developed municipalities have.

 

But of course you'd say Langford didn't do very well. That's exactly what I thought you'd say 

 

Gridlock central there...  That overpass along Millstream is a mess...  Few other goof ups..

 

It's ok for me to express an opinion after you express yours...  

[Mike K.]

Seems fine.

[Contractorguy]

This may not be popular but I am all for tolls on the Malahat and Sooke Rd to pay for upgrades.  Go to the US and toll roads are extremely common, but look at their freeways, its night and day

[Ismo07]

This may not be popular but I am all for tolls on the Malahat and Sooke Rd to pay for upgrades.  Go to the US and toll roads are extremely common, but look at their freeways, its night and day

 

It might be that more of a user pay system will occur...  Some here will point to gas taxes but, that doesn't cover it. 

[lanforod]

This may not be popular but I am all for tolls on the Malahat and Sooke Rd to pay for upgrades.  Go to the US and toll roads are extremely common, but look at their freeways, its night and day

 

I'd be for it if they didn't just drop them everywhere else like has been done. It's politically popular to drop tolls so what ends up happening is that if a government or political party wants to get boosted in an area, they drop tolls. Evidence: Port Mann, Golden Ears.

[Mike K.]

Why not toll every road upgrade, then?

As in, why toll one road project, but not another?

[Mike K.]

It might be that more of a user pay system will occur... Some here will point to gas taxes but, that doesn't cover it.

How much gas tax revenue does the province, the federal government and BC Transit receive every year, from Greater Victoria drivers?

[Mike K.]

This may not be popular but I am all for tolls on the Malahat and Sooke Rd to pay for upgrades. Go to the US and toll roads are extremely common, but look at their freeways, its night and day

Alternatives are tolled, not single routes, at least not commonly. There is no alternative to the Malahat, and no alternative to Sooke Road.

Can you point to a tolled US highway (outside of a major megacity corridor) that is the only route in its area, and has no alternatives for motorists, whatsoever?

[Ismo07]

Why not toll every road upgrade, then?

As in, why toll one road project, but not another?

 

It might get to that...  The development that is occurring out there expands the need for more lanes.  There have been complaints for years about it an while some improvements have been done it's not likely making every one out there happy.  So if you could put a toll that went specifically to that, then maybe you'd get a road faster.  Presumably it will be the property prices out there that would benefit from such an improvement, and likely add to more development, so shouldn't that help pay for it.  Is that hat Sooke DCCs are paying for?  

[Mike K.]

So what are road taxes for?

[Ismo07]

What is a road tax?  You mean your property taxes?  Gas tax?  A toll would be the perfect road tax.

 

Maintaining and building infrastructure....  Mike relax, I'm suggesting maybe there is a model that if Sooke is expanding so fast that, maybe some sort of toll helps to get that road built faster.  Maybe better to complain online about for another 10 years for a new expansion.  Sounds like this iteration of council wants to work on it...  Hope that works out.

Edited by Ismo07, 31 October 2024 - 11:57 AM.

[Matt R.]

Tolled, just like our water highways.