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Departments > Engineering > Pedestrian Master Plan QuicklinksWhat is the Pedestrian Master Plan? The Pedestrian Master Plan is designed to make walking easier in Victoria - a blueprint for improving the pedestrian experience for citizens and visitors. Its recommendations will make sidewalks, pathways, and crosswalks safer and more accessible as well as improve lighting. It will also prioritize construction of new sidewalks, make policy recommendations to ensure that pedestrians' needs are given higher consideration in all new road construction and development planning; and set out new guidelines for sidewalk widths, streetscaping and accessibility. City Council endorsed the plan in October 2008. For a complete copy of the Pedestrian Master Plan, click below:
To view individual portions of the Pedestrian Master Plan, select from the list below:
Sidewalk Priority Index The Pedestrian Master Plan includes a Sidewalk Priority Index, a database which prioritizes the construction of sidewalks to eliminate gaps in the pedestrian network. The need for a new sidewalk is prioritized by a point system, with points awarded for specific characteristics, such as whether it is required on a transit route, if a school is nearby, and if there have been pedestrian-related collisions on the street. A total of 18 characteristics were used in this priority rating system. The higher the points, the higher the need for a new sidewalk. Why Have a Plan? Victoria's mild climate and compact urban area, make walking a popular mode of transportation for many residents, and contribute to the overall health and vibrancy of the city. Pedestrian-friendly pathways improve a person's health and well-being, and encourage people to leave their cars at home. Victoria's Pedestrian Master Plan helps identify pedestrian infrastructure that requires improvement, to make walking an easy and enjoyable activity and potential transportation method for all citizens. Next Steps Council has directed staff to begin the process of implementing policy recommendations, updating design and construction standards, and proceeding with recommended improvements. The majority of the recommendations can be absorbed into existing budgets. Capital projects will be integrated into the ongoing development of the City's long-term financial plan. Background Engineering staff and the consultant, Opus Hamilton of Victoria, began their research for a draft Pedestrian Master Plan in spring 2007. Research consisted of reviewing Victoria's current design standards, policies, and maintenance practices for existing sidewalk infrastructure. This data was then compared to the best practices of other municipalities in BC. A draft plan was prepared for discussion with the City of Victoria Advisory Transportation Committee, made up of representatives from BC Transit, the Taxi Association of Greater Victoria, individual citizens, and Victoria City Councillor, Geoff Young. The Committee advises on policy matters regarding transportation modes, infrastructure, traffic calming, parking, public transit, cycling, vehicles for hire, and any other matter referred by City Council. Feedback from this meeting was used to further develop the draft plan. During summer 2007, an online survey was conducted, asking the community to identify gaps in Victoria's current sidewalk infrastructure and the types of improvements they would like to see. The online survey was successful, resulting in over 600 residents participating. This input informed the development of the Sidewalk Priority Index. A draft plan was presented at a Public Consultation Fair held in November 2007 at Victoria City Hall. Engineering staff and consultants were on hand to discuss the plan's recommendations and the Sidewalk Priority Index, as well as answer questions. Participants were asked to provide feedback by filling out an online survey. Input obtained from this public consultation helped inform the Pedestrian Master Plan we have today. The Pedestrian Master Plan is aligned with the following plans:
Frequently Asked Questions For frequently asked questions about the Pedestrian Master Plan, click here. Contact Us For more information on the Pedestrian Master Plan, contact: Brad Dellebuur
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