The District of Saanich is laying the groundwork to expropriate land along two major roadways for cycling and pedestrian improvement projects if negotiations with owners fail.
On Monday, Saanich council gave staff the green light to begin expropriation proceedings, if required, for 522 square feet of land at the corner of Richmond Road and Haultain Street and just over 4,600 square feet of space along the 3800-block of Shelbourne Street.
Mayor Dean Murdock said the district could still negotiate deals with the property owners, but with time becoming a factor, it was important to have the expropriation measure ready. Preparation work is set to be completed by May 1 before construction begins.
Murdock said he expects the district will be able to reach an agreement with the Shelbourne property owners, but there are issues with the Richmond Road property. The mayor called expropriation an “extraordinary measure.”
“Whenever we can arrive at a negotiated agreement, that is always our preference,” he said. “[Expropriation is] something that we keep in our back pocket, but it’s always the last option that we would pursue.”
On Richmond, Saanich requires about 522 square feet at the southeast intersection with Haultain in front of 2543 Richmond Rd.
The expropriation notice is expected to be served to the property owner, although council would need to provide final approval.
Coun. Colin Plant said he’s hopeful a deal will be reached with the property owner, noting fair market value would be offered for the land.
“Let’s hope we don’t have to go down this path, but I do support this to support the efforts of what we’re trying to do to make our streets safer on this corridor,” he said.
Along Shelbourne, the district requires small portions of seven properties, all of which are commercial entities between the 3600- and 3800-blocks of Shelbourne.
Those portions represent a “very insignificant reduction in the total lot,” said Murdock. “It’s just in order for us to achieve the necessary width for sidewalks, bike lanes and the lane standards. We just need that little bit of extra space.”
At the intersection of Shelbourne and Cedar Hill Cross Road, the district also requires a little more land to establish protected intersections for cyclists and additional pedestrian refuge areas, where walkers will be better protected from vehicle traffic.
A staff report noted negotiations with property owners have been ongoing for several months.
Construction is ongoing on the third phase of the Shelbourne Street improvement project, which when finished will establish an all-ages-and-abilities active transportation corridor from Torquay Avenue to the Victoria border at North Dairy Road.
The project also includes upgraded utilities, transit facilities, new pavement and safety improvements.
