Transportation Plan Taxation Increase Referendum Date Set

In November, Salt Spring Island residents are invited to vote on a proposed taxation increase to fund construction of further phases of cyclist and pedestrian facilities on Salt Spring Island. On November 15, the Salt Spring Island Community Transit and Transportation Services (SSICTTS) are holding a referendum to assess public support to complete this work, which is part of the North Ganges Transportation Plan.

“From the beginning, the North Ganges Transportation Plan has been a public-driven project,” said Robin Williams, SSICTTS Chair. “Safer conditions for pedestrians and cyclists are the catalyst for this work and we are hopeful that residents will continue to support the plan and ultimately improve safety for walkers, bikers and drivers alike.”

The next phase of the plan runs from 2015 – 2019 and will include the following projects:

Development of a multi-use pathway on the north side of Rainbow Road from Lower Ganges Road to the Salt Spring Island Recreation Centre, in collaboration with Island Pathways

  • Development of active transportation networks on Lower Ganges Road to Rainbow Road
  • Pedestrian intersection improvements at Hereford and Purvis on Lower Ganges Road
  • Additional pathway links, in collaboration with Island Pathways planned projects
  • Active transportation improvements along Fulford-Ganges Hill into Ganges Village

Completion of the next phases of the North Ganges Transportation Plan will cost an estimated $2.0 million. This work will be funded through a $1.0 million contribution from Salt Spring taxpayers, a $685,000 Community Works grant, $60,000 from the Cycling Infrastructure Partnership Program and a $350,000 joint contribution from SSICTTS and Island Pathways. The taxpayer contribution will require local taxes to be increased by $37.80 a year per average household (assessed at 2014 rates) over a period of 4 years, an issue which will be voted on at the referendum.

“Over the years, there have been a number of taxpayer funded studies on how to improve transportation infrastructure on Salt Spring Island, all of which have involved consultation with residents in the development of priorities,” said Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Director Wayne McIntyre.

“We remain committed to public consultation in this next phase. A yes vote in November would allow us to continue to build on the success of the first phase of cyclist and pedestrian trails passing Country Grocer and take advantage of new funding opportunities.”

Referendum Details: General Voting Day

  • Date: Saturday, November 15
  • Time: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Locations:

  • Community Gospel Chapel, 147 Vesuvius Bay Road
  • Fulford Elementary School (Gym), 203 South Ridge Road
  • Salt Spring Island Public Library, 129 McPhillips Avenue

Advance Voting Days for Assent Voting:

  • Date: Wednesday, November 5 and 12
  • Time: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Location: Salt Spring Island Public Library, 129 McPhillips Avenue

Mail ballot voting is now available to electors who:
· Have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects their ability to vote at another voting opportunity, or
· Expect to be absent from the regional district on general voting day (Saturday, November 15, 2014) and at the times of all advance voting opportunities (Wednesday, November 5 and 12, 2014)

For information on the SSICTTS referendum, visit: http://www.crd.bc.ca/ssi-ref. For information on mail ballot voting visit: https://www.crd.bc.ca/about/how-we-are-governed/elections-other-voting/voting-opportunities-mail-ballot-voting

The Salt Spring Island Transportation Commission is a locally appointed Commission of the CRD that advises on matters related to Transit and Transportation on Salt Spring Island. The CRD is a local government that delivers 200+ regional, sub-regional and local services for residents of the region which includes 13 municipalities and three electoral areas within 2370 square kilometres on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24 member Board of Directors, the CRD is working to serve the public, and build a vibrant, livable and sustainable region.

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By Salt Spring News

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October 14, 2014 10:43 AM