Starting today, the public can have their say as planning for the McKenzie interchange takes an important step forward with the date for the public open house and the launch of the project website, announced Premier Christy Clark last night at the Vancouver Island Economic Summit.

“By launching this website and the public engagement process, we are taking an important next step towards making the McKenzie interchange a reality,” said Premier Clark. “The interchange will mean better traffic flow between Victoria and the surrounding communities, make it easier to visit local businesses, and get commuters home to their families faster.”

“It is important the final interchange works for the communities it serves and that is why this engagement process is so important in developing this key interchange,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “Along with input from the public, we are working closely with other stakeholders and local governments to ensure the new McKenzie Interchange reflects the needs of the people of Vancouver Island both now and well into the future.”

The launch of the project website marks the beginning of a public consultation process that will include many opportunities to provide feedback as the project proceeds through design and construction. At this time you can:

• Review early project information and monitor updates posted on the new website at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/mckenzieinterchange
• Send the project team an email at: mckenzieinterchange@gov.bc.ca
• Plan to attend the first public open house on Nov. 17, 2015, between 3 and 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Parish Hall, 753 Burnside Road West.

These comments will be considered in the design process, in conjunction with technical reviews, financial information and input from local governments and other key stakeholders. More information will be posted as it comes available, including project updates and additional ways to participate.

Quick Facts:

• $85 million in provincial and federal funding for this new interchange on the Trans-Canada Highway at the intersection with Admirals Road and McKenzie Avenue in Saanich was announced on July 22, 2015.
• The project is part of the Province of B.C.’s 10-year transportation plan, B.C. on the Move, and will help improve traffic flow in the Capital Regional District while reducing collisions and improving pedestrian and cyclist safety.