A portion of Rockland Avenue will be solely dedicated to cyclists and pedestrians from now on.
The 900-block of Rockland Avenue between Quadra and Vancouver streets has been closed from vehicles for the last year as part of a pilot project, and now Victoria city council has voted to keep it that way.
A total of 447 surveys were submitted regarding the closure, with approximately 66 per cent in favour, 19 per cent opposed and 15 per cent neutral.
“It allows us to make that particular area next to the cathedral (Christ Church Cathedral) more of a people-focused place,” said Coun. Chris Coleman. “It defines part of a cycling pathway [and] and pedestrian pathway that makes sense to people and is safe.”
Council approved implementing short-term improvements to the greenway to make the space more inviting to the public for up to $40,000, to be included in the 2015 financial plan. Permanent improvements will be included for consideration in the 2016 financial plan.
“For the past year it's basically been a closed roadway, and I think what we're going to see now hopefully is a gathering place,” said Mayor Lisa Helps.