Wheels are in motion to establish an Active Transportation Plan for the District of Lantzville. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

path to progress

District of Lantzville rolling ahead with new active transportation plan

Apr 14, 2025 | 4:46 PM

LANTZVILLE — A comprehensive process is pledged to form an active transportation plan in Lantzville, which a District official believes will vastly improve their chances of landing senior government grants.

George Robinson, Lantzville’s director of planning and community services, said creating an updated vision to improve non-vehicular mobility infrastructure throughout the community is an important step to take.

“All the way from the beaches of Lantzville up to the upper reaches of the Foothills neighbourhood. We’re hoping to connect the entire community together to enable good active transportation,” Robinson told NanaimoNewsNOW.

District councillors last week approved the commitment of up to $50,000 in District funds to create the new plan, with the province providing matching funding.

A request for proposals is expected to be issued shortly, with Robinson expecting a consultant to be hired by the District in the summer.

deliberate act

'He lit this fire intentionally:' passerby intervenes after cardboard ignited in vacant north Nanaimo lot

39m ago

restrictions in place

Nanaimo massage therapist accused of sexual misconduct

2h ago

died in custody

Case dismissed as alleged fatal wrong-way Nanaimo driver dies

3h ago

A gravel-packed trail connecting the top of Peterson Rd. with the Ware Rd. near the Island Hwy. represents one of Lantzville’s many trails. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Everything from Lantzville’s vast array of forested recreational trails to commuter pathways will be examined, Robinson said.

“There are opportunities for commuter networks, especially connecting Lantzville to north Nanaimo and improving the connection between the Lantzville village and, for example, Woodgrove Centre,” Robinson said.

He said the community is clearly passionate about all forms of active transportation, from trails between different neighbourhoods in Lantzville to safer non-vehicular opportunities on existing road networks.

An updated active transportation plan for Lantzville will help identify infrastructure requirements, right-of-way acquisition possibilities, as well as opportunities to enhance existing roadways, Robinson said.

He noted supportive infrastructure such as lighting, as well as trip-ending amenities like bike racks and storage will all be included in the plan.

As for the public having its say, Robinson said engaging with Lantzville residents will be “comprehensive”, stating multiple engagement opportunities will occur after a consultant is hired.

With an existing 15-year-old Trails and Journeyways Strategy requiring an update, Robinson said a new strategy will be integral in providing strong cases for leveraging provincial and senior government grants.

“I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to get something approved through council within the next year.”

Robinson noted improved active transportation offerings in Lantzville is a strategic priority of District Council and reflected in their Official Community Plan.

Lantzville District Council approved moving ahead with a new Active Transportation Plan during a Wednesday, April 9 council meeting. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Local news. Delivered. Free. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get our top local stories delivered to your email inbox every evening.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook