McDonald Park Road Multi-Use Path
The McDonald Park Road multi-use path and storm drain improvement project was completed in November, 2023. Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. (KWL) were selected to prepare the design and tendering package in 2021 and administered the construction contract for the District through to completion. G&E Contracting was the selected contractor and started work on site in July, 2023, finishing the work on time and on budget in November. The finished path provides a safe, separated active transportation link for users of all ages and abilities. With connections to the Lochside Trail to the north and the Airport Flight Path multi-use trail to the south, this work provides a safe active transportation alternative for many local residents.
The storm drain improvement work allows better conveyance of stormwater during severe weather events. It also eliminates the localized flooding that occurred in this area due to undersized infrastructure, protecting the road right-of-way and neighbouring properties.
The storm drain improvement work allows better conveyance of stormwater during severe weather events. It also eliminates the localized flooding that occurred in this area due to undersized infrastructure, protecting the road right-of-way and neighbouring properties.
Background
The District of North Saanich Active Transportation Plan was adopted by Council in May 2021. A key project identified in the plan, as measured by safety benefits and public support, is the construction of a multi-use path on McDonald Park Road between Glamorgan Road and Mills Road. McDonald Park Road marks the boundary between North Saanich and the Town of Sidney. The District has worked closely with Sidney in developing this work and the provision of a multi-use path on the west side will complement proposed future boulevard upgrades on the east side as detailed in Sidney’s Beacon West Traffic Study (April, 2021).
This corridor currently has no pedestrian or cycling infrastructure and is bound by a large open ditch on the west side. Current users must either merge with vehicular traffic or navigate sections of uneven and unimproved boulevard on the east side.
An existing multi-use path extends north of this proposed work along the frontage of the Sandown Commercial Centre, connecting with the pedestrian overpass of Highway 17 and the Lochside Trail. The south limit of the work, at the intersection with Mills Road, provides access to the Victoria Airport Flight Path multi-use path. The completion of this gap in the active transportation network will provide a separated continuous facility suitable for all ages and abilities that will provide safe recreation and commuter opportunities for North Saanich and Sidney residents.
Another benefit of the work will be stormwater conveyance improvements for an area that sees localized flooding during heavy rain events. The McDonald Park Road ditch provides drainage for the northeast quadrant of the airport and surrounding properties. A large volume concrete box culvert will replace the open ditch and driveway crossings and provide the necessary space for the multi-use path. It will be sized to handle the high storm flows expected from future climate change conditions.
