Saanich backs youth council proposals on transit and passenger rail

Saanich council has unanimously approved a series of recommendations from the Student Youth Council aimed at improving regional transportation and youth engagement. The endorsed motions include support for the Reconciliation Corridor Initiative, which explores the return of passenger rail service between Vic West and Langford. Additionally, the council is advocating for the provincial government to expand free transit access to all youth up to age 18 and integrate transit education into school curriculums.

During a July 6 meeting, Saanich council unanimously approved three recommendations from the Student Youth Council (SYC) that prioritize regional connectivity and transit accessibility. A key component of the approval is the council's endorsement in principle of the Reconciliation Corridor Initiative, which is investigating the potential return of passenger rail service on the Island Corridor between Vic West and Langford. This endorsement reflects a growing municipal interest in restoring rail infrastructure to address regional transportation needs.

The council also moved to advocate for broader transit access by directing Mayor Dean Murdock to request that the provincial government expand the Get On Board program. The goal is to provide fare-free public transit for all youth up to age 18, a move supported by the Victoria Transit Riders Union as a vital step for the province. Furthermore, the council is calling for the integration of public transit education into the school curriculum to better prepare students for using regional transit systems.

These policy recommendations were developed by the SYC, an independent pilot project launched in November 2025 involving students from multiple high schools. Transportation was identified as the top priority for the group after a survey of 319 students highlighted significant interest in mobility issues. As a result of the pilot's success, Saanich council is now considering the creation of a permanent youth advisory committee to provide a consistent platform for young residents to influence municipal policy and transit planning.