Construction has finished on a road rehabilitation project to improve access through the Tseycum First Nation west of Sidney. The project fulfils a commitment made by the Province through the Tseycum First Nation West Saanich Road Reconciliation Agreement, signed in 2012.

“Resurfacing this section of West Saanich Road with improvements for cyclists and pedestrians helps to ensure safe and reliable access for the Tseycum community and other area residents,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “At the same time, we are building positive working relationships with the Tseycum First Nation.”

A 500-metre-section of roadway has been resurfaced, the shoulders were widened and paved, concrete bus pads were added and a new crosswalk was installed. The wider paved shoulders provide more space for pedestrians and cyclists, and the new crosswalk provides a safe crossing location for the community. This work builds on an ongoing collaborative project between the ministry and the First Nation to rehabilitate Wsikem Creek and re-establish the salmon population, and to stabilize the bank and restore the Patricia Bay foreshore along West Saanich Road.

“As a part of our Reconciliation Agreement with the Tseycum First Nation, we’re seeing more than improved access,” said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad. “The road upgrades include construction of a barrier to protect sacred Tseycum burial sites, including funding for a Place of Reflection to acknowledge and honour Tseycum’s deep historical ties to the land.”

This $2.3 million project also included resurfacing Lochside Drive/Ocean Avenue in Sidney, which is also finished. Work at both locations was undertaken by O.K. Industries Ltd. of Saanichton.

Learn More:

For more information on previous work, go to: http://tranbc.ca/2014/09/17/how-we-helped-protect-1000s-of-years-of-bc-history-on-vancouver-island/

Tseycum First Nation West Saanich Road Reconciliation Agreement: ow.ly/O5di304zSQ6