Memorial Avenue Roundabout

In 2013 the Town of Qualicum Beach adopted the Community Transportation Plan. A roundabout was rated highly in priorities, due to the significant safety benefits and the high volume of traffic and significant pedestrian activity

This project converted a T-intersection to a roundabout at the corner of Memorial Avenue and Highway 19A. Reconstruction of this intersection sought to increase public safety, calm traffic, improve service levels and reduce idling.

The Memorial Avenue and Highway 19A intersection was our highest crash site based on ICBC data. This area was also the site of a multiple pedestrian fatality in recent years. Pedestrian warning devices were insufficient and traffic lights are statistically more dangerous than roundabouts.

Transport Canada recommends converting signalized intersections to roundabouts wherever appropriate. Their findings, as well as many others, have concluded that countries showing fewer intersection collisions have implemented roundabouts. Statistics reveal the following:

75% reduction in collisions with injuries
90% reduction in fatality collisions
39% reduction in overall collisions
At stop signs or traffic lights, the most serious accidents are right-angle, left-turn or head-on collisions. Roundabouts eliminate these types of crashes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will the roundabout affect traffic flow?

As proven with the roundabout at the Rupert Road and Memorial Road intersection, traffic moves through a roundabout much faster than traditional intersection controls. Approaching vehicles only have to yield to traffic circulating in the roundabout, so there is little to no delay.

Are roundabouts safe for pedestrians?

Yes! Many studies have shown that roundabouts reduce a pedestrian’s risk of being involved in a severe collision. Roundabouts enable slower traffic from a single direction, creating better visual engagement with pedestrians and making it so pedestrians and vehicles only encounter a single conflict at a time.

Are roundabouts safe for cyclists?

Yes! More experienced cyclists may circulate as vehicles, merging into the travel lane before the bike lane or shoulder ends. Less experienced cyclists can dismount and use the roundabout like a pedestrian.

Is the cost of constructing a roundabout more than a traditional intersection?

Generally, the initial cost does not differ, but in the long run, roundabouts cost less than traffic lights due to no maintenance costs. As well, because traffic moves through a roundabout more efficiently, it is possible that streets between roundabouts can operate well with fewer lanes, providing savings in associated construction costs.

Is the roundabout being built out into the ocean?

No. The roundabout does not extend into the ocean and will not interfere with the foreshore. A more natural estuary for Beach Creek has been re-established on the foreshore that will enhance fish access, restore the salmon habitat, cleanse stormwater and increase resiliency to extreme weather events.

The Town of Qualicum Beach is working with the provincial and federal governments as part of the required permitting process, to ensure no environmental degradation and a positive impact on the environment.

image of Jesse Recalma in front of the artwork he designed for the Memorial Roundabout in Qualicum Beach

First Nation Art Installation at Centre of Memorial Roundabout in Qualicum Beach

Before aerial view of the Memorial Roundabout

Project Timeline

Feb 2021 – Construction start
Dec 2021 – Road opening
Nov 2024 – Centre artwork installed and plantings completed

Funding

The roundabout culminates the Memorial Avenue corridor upgrades, which have received approximately $2M to date. Funding for the roundabout specicially was received from the ICBC Road Improvement Program in the amount of $82,700.

Additional Resources

2024 – Media Release – Art Work Centrepiece Installed
2021 – Media Release – Roundabout Opens
2020 – Tender Awarded
2020 – Presentation to Council
2020 – Why Roundabouts?

Questions

To contact the Town with questions or inquiries related to this project, please either:

Phone the Captial Projects Department at 250.752.6921
Use the Public Inquiry Form

Public Inquiry Form

Question or Concern?