Central Saanich lowering speed limits across neighbourhoods under Vision Zero plan

Drivers in Central Saanich B.C., will soon need to slow down on many neighbourhood streets as the municipality moves ahead with a sweeping speed reduction plan aimed at improving road safety.

Under a new bylaw approved by council, Central Saanich is moving toward a default 30 km/h speed limit on most residential streets through a phased rollout that is now underway. The initiative is part of the municipality’s Vision Zero strategy, which focuses on improving road safety and creating lower-speed streets for people walking, biking and driving.

Some of the changes have already taken effect. The Martindale Valley neighbourhood now operates under a 30 km/h residential speed limit, while lower limits have also been introduced on portions of Wallace Drive, Tanner Road and Old West Saanich Road. Additional neighbourhoods are expected to see updated speed limits in the coming months as crews continue replacing and installing signs across the district.

The speed reduction program follows a review of road safety conditions throughout Central Saanich, including collision data, traffic patterns and how roads are used by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

District officials say lower speeds can reduce both the likelihood and severity of collisions by giving drivers more time to react, shortening stopping distances and reducing the force of impact when crashes do occur. The municipality also notes that slower travel speeds contribute to quieter and more comfortable residential streets.

Council directed staff to undertake a Vision Zero review in 2024, which led to the development of a municipality-wide speed management plan. The framework sets out limits based on road classification, traffic volumes, school zones, pedestrian activity and active transportation routes.

In a report to council, staff described lower speed limits as an important part of a broader effort to improve safety in residential neighbourhoods, village centres and along key transportation corridors.

The district expects to install about 100 new sign poles and 200 new speed signs as part of the rollout. Bright yellow tags will be attached to the signs to alert motorists to the changes, with enforcement beginning once all signage is in place.

Material costs for the project are estimated at about $40,000, with most of that funding expected to be covered through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s Road Improvement Program.

Municipal officials say the speed-limit reductions are only one component of a broader approach to road safety that also includes traffic-calming measures, pedestrian improvements, cycling infrastructure and speed reader boards in targeted areas.

Once the rollout is complete, most residential streets in Central Saanich will carry a 30 km/h speed limit, bringing the municipality in line with a growing number of communities across the Capital Region that have adopted lower residential speeds.