The District of Ucluelet has announced the completion of Phase 1 of the Peninsula Road Safety and Revitalization Project, an initiative aimed at enhancing safety, mobility and community character along one of the town’s most important corridor.
According to a press release, Phase 1 of the project included upgrades to pedestrian, cyclist and traffic safety, as well as boulevard enhancements, accessibility improvements, safer crossings, and parking upgrades. Additional work included replacing aged stormwater infrastructure and resurfacing the roadway between Forbes Road and Main Street.
Construction began in January 2024 and was completed in October 2024.
“The completion of Phase 1 of the Peninsula Road Safety and Revitalization Project represents a significant achievement for the District of Ucluelet,” said Ucluelet Mayor Marilyn McEwen in the release. “This project is the result of extensive planning and collaboration with the community, and it is a testament to our commitment to enhancing safety and mobility of one of our most vital corridors, while still maintaining Ucluelet’s character. We are deeply grateful for the support of our residents and funders, whose contributions have been instrumental in bringing this important project to life.”
This milestone marks the culmination of years of planning and public engagement, beginning with the 2019 Peninsula Road Streetscape Study, which identified opportunities to improve safety, accessibility, and aesthetics. Feedback from the community, including input from a December 2019 open house, shaped the project’s design and priorities. The resulting Conceptual Design package, completed in 2021, secured grant funding and guided the detailed design process.
The district thanked project funders, PacifiCan, the Resort Municipality Initiative and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, for their financial support, which made this project possible.
“Critical infrastructure upgrades like these not only ensure people can travel and connect safely, but they also support local businesses and ensure that communities thrive well into the future,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan). “PacifiCan’s investment in the District of Ucluelet demonstrates how the Government of Canada is revitalizing communities and boosting economic development across British Columbia.”
The district also acknowledged Hazelwood Construction Services, the contractor overseeing the project, and McElhanney Engineering for their key role in the design and planning phases.
