A steady stream of lunchtime commuters crossed the Selkirk Trestle by foot or bike on Thursday (10 Aug 2023) as use of the busy corridor linking Vic West and Burnside Gorge is increasing faster than expected.
 
It's among the busiest sections of the Galloping Goose and Lochside trails that in the coming years will see $53.5 million used for widening the corridor into separated pedestrian and cycling routes, along with adding better lighting.
 
The Capital Regional District board on Wednesday (9 Aug 2023) opted for an accelerated option that will see $50 million secured through debt in order to complete the work over six years instead of two decades.
 
The CRD will repay the borrowed funds over 15 years, with the costs in the coming years translating into $28 annually for the average household...
 
Jake Romphf.

Article abridged - The remainder of this article has been deleted. Although the article refers to the Victoria portion of the Galloping Goose and Lochside trails this is of interest to Sooke residents because we contribute to that $53 million the CRD will spend. The question arises what portion of that $53 million will Sooke taxpayers have to pay towards Victoria improvements? And why are we paying for improvements that are of no benefit to Sooke?