Project Update: Safe Routes to SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary School

Phase 1 of construction for the Latoria Active Transportation Project (from Pritchard Creek Road to Whimfield Terrace) is currently underway and nearing completion. This project includes the addition of protected bike lanes and sidewalks on Latoria, aiming to create safety-focused active transportation connections that are convenient for people of all ages and abilities. Sooke School District 62 will also be notifying parents and guardians of the recommended “safe routes to school.”

This spring, the City became aware that residents of McCormick Meadows will fall into the catchment area for SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary School. Residents and students expressed concern that while they currently walk to Happy Valley School on sidewalks, they now lack a safe and direct pedestrian connection to the new school. The City evaluated options for “safe routes to school” for students walk, biking, or rolling to SĆIȺNEW̱ SṮEȽIṮḴEȽ Elementary School from the McCormick Meadows area and found a feasible interim solution.

The following interim “safe routes to school” for McCormick Meadows is under constructions and will be in place for September 2, 2025:

· A protected accessible paved multi-use path on Happy Valley Road and Latoria Road (from Lobo Vale to Pritchard Creek Road)

· A new crosswalk on Happy Valley Road at the intersection with Luxton Road including pedestrian activated flashers

While the portion of Latoria Road shown on the map will still be closed to vehicular traffic until the road is paved and painted shortly, the sidewalk and multi-use paths will be open to pedestrians. BC Hydro will be moving poles along Latoria on Sunday September 7th.


Phases 2 and 3 of the Happy Valley and Latoria Active Transportation Project will connect sidewalks and protected bike lanes from Whimfield Terrace to the Colwood border and replace the temporary multi-use path from Happy Valley Road to Pritchard Creek Road. Phases 2 and 3 are subject to grant funding applications and annual budget approvals.

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