Echo Heights (above) is located 2km from downtown, so most residents of any development would be forced to use their vehicles. Channel Blvd would become a high-traffic roadway with hundreds more vehicle trips every day. Then there's the question of Ash Rd (below). This much narrower road could be used to funnel traffic from "affordable" housing planned for the north end of Echo Heights. Plus there's the new 15 acre subdivision (now clearcut). Hundreds of additional vehicles on either Ash Rd and/or Victoria Rd.
| Channel Blvd Just imagine 4-500 more cars driving on Channel Blvd every day. That's what's in store according to North Cow's concept plans for Echo Heights development. The mayor guesstimated there could be 150-200 residential units built there. That translates into 200-300 vehicles, many of them driving on Channel Blvd a couple of times every day. Imagine the congestation. Imagine the intersection with Victoria Rd at the end of a steep hill. This they call smart growth? Vague Plans There have been numerous vague plans to "fix" traffic problems in the area. A reconstructed intersection at Chemainus and Victoria Roads is on the cards in the next couple years. There's even been a map showing Chapman Rd extended west to the Island Highway. All in the name of cars... |
