The District of Saanich, B.C., is moving forward with plans to expropriate land along two major intersections to enhance cycling and pedestrian safety if negotiations with property owners fall through. Council approved the measure during its Jan. 6 meeting, setting the stage for potential land acquisition at Richmond Road and Haultain Street, as well as Shelbourne Street and Cedar Hill Cross Road.
In total, Saanich is targeting 48.5 square metres at Richmond and 427.4 square metres at Shelbourne. The latter project will include a Dutch-style protected intersection—a design aimed at boosting safety for cyclists and pedestrians. It prioritizes safety by separating vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians using features like setback bike lanes, corner islands, and dedicated signal phases.
Expropriation always a last resort
Mayor Dean Murdock said expropriation is always a last resort, emphasizing the district’s preference for negotiated agreements. “Whenever we can arrive at a negotiated agreement, that is always our preference,” Murdock said to the Saanich News. “Expropriation is something that we keep in our back pocket, but it’s always the last option that we would pursue.”
Discussions with the Shelbourne property owners are progressing, according to Murdock, but negotiations concerning the Richmond property have been less successful. Still, he expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached in both cases.
Coun. Colin Plant stressed that expropriation is not taken lightly. “This is not something where the municipality is acting in a way that’s not in good faith,” Plant said to The Times Colonist. “Let’s hope we don’t have to go down this path, but I do support these efforts… to make our streets safer.”
Staff have been working with property owners for several months, aiming to finalize agreements before May 1 to prevent construction delays. If expropriation moves forward, affected owners will receive compensation offers based on fair market value and have a year to challenge the payment in B.C. Supreme Court if unsatisfied.
The anticipated costs are already included in the budget for the road safety upgrades.
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