New tax considered for Galloping Goose Trail upgrades
The busiest pedestrian and bike trail in Greater Victoria is in need of some major upgrades, and the Capital Regional District is considering a new tax to pay for them.
About 6.6 kilometres of the Galloping Goose Trail, between the Selkirk Trestle and Uptown, is slated for widening and increased lighting. The upgrade would create separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists along some of the more narrow sections.
The project was originally pitched in 2021, but has been stalled due to lack of funding.
The upgrades will cost $14 million, and a district-wide tax levy is under consideration to foot the bill.
“The lead option, of course, is to continue to pursue senior government funding,” said Dean Murdock, CRD transportation committee chair.
“Other forms of taxation, that may be required, or perhaps other types of fees or revenues, that could be applied in order to build up that service for maintenance and enhancement of the trails.”
A report will be released to the CRD transportation committee on July 19 exploring the funding options—including grants and taxes—and potential next steps.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.