Colwood residents have a chance to influence how people and goods move around southern Vancouver Island for decades to come, as the Capital Regional District (CRD) launches a public survey for its new 30-year Regional Transportation Plan. The online survey, open from June 15 to July 5, 2026, asks people across 13 municipalities and three electoral areas to share their priorities for roads, transit, cycling, and walking infrastructure.
“Transportation affects everyone, and hearing from people across the region will help build an effective plan,” said Dean Murdock, Mayor of Saanich and Chair of the CRD Transportation Committee. “How people move across the region influences access to jobs, schools, healthcare, housing, recreation, and services. Transportation also impacts traffic congestion, safety, affordability, economic activity, and quality of life.”
This is the first major update to the plan since 2014, and it follows the creation of a new Regional Transportation Service in June 2025. That service set three key goals: get more people walking, cycling, and taking transit; cut carbon pollution; and ease traffic congestion. Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the region, and simply building more roads is limited by the existing landscape, so the plan aims to shift toward a more connected, multi-use system.
The CRD already manages popular regional trails like the Galloping Goose, Lochside, and E&N Rail Trail, which will also fall under the new transportation plan. Colwood has been busy with its own active transportation projects, including a $4.9 million Galloping Goose pedestrian and cycling bridge at Wale Road and Island Highway that opened in April 2026. Input from residents can help make sure local efforts align with the bigger regional picture.
The survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes and focuses on regional issues rather than specific streets or neighbourhood projects. It is available at GetInvolved.crd.bc.ca/MovingTogether. After feedback is gathered and analyzed, a draft plan will be shared for more public comment before going to the CRD Board for final approval in late 2027.
