Image: Mount Newton Pathway - Phase 1
Designs are shaping up for a new pathway to walk, roll and cycle along Mount Newton Cross Road.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Central Saanich's 2021 Active Transportation Plan made the Mount Newton Pathway a priority for better walking, rolling and biking. This project is split into three phases:
In January and early February, community members can give feedback on designs for Phase 2.
Anyone who lives, works or spends time in the area is invited to share their thoughts.
See the designs & participate
There are many ways to participate—choose the options that work for you. Thank you in advance!
How your feedback helps
In late February 2026, Council will review community feedback alongside input from SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation, Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee and others as they consider the design options. The next step will be detailed design work.
If the detailed project budget is approved, crews could break ground on Phase 2 construction as early as 2027 or 2028.
Comparing design concepts
We are asking for feedback on three conceptual designs. All three options have a 3-metre-wide, bi-directional pathway that continues along a single side of the road. None of the options would go onto SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) lands.
The design concepts have key differences, like placement on the south versus north side of the road and separation from vehicles.
| Option 1 | Option 2A | Option 2B (recommended) | |
| Side of Mount Newton Cross Road | North side | South side | South side |
| Continues on one side of the road | Yes | Yes | Yes |
|
Estimated cost
|
$5.7M
|
$4.8M
|
$5.6M
|
|
Separation from vehicles
|
Most
2-metre-wide grass separation (about 1.3 km)
|
Least
0.6-metre-wide paint separation (about 1.3 km)
|
Moderate
2-metre-wide grass separation (about 1 km)
0.6-metre-wide paint separation (about 300 m)
|
| Potential land requirement for drainage system | Most | Least | Moderate |
|
Adjacent to SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Connects to highway pedestrian overpass | No | Yes | Yes |
|
Reduces undesirable crossing points
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Reduces conflicts for ambulance access
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Reduces conflicts for utilities
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Design concepts
