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1. Do you support re-aligning municipal and regional transportation plans and investments to meet the provincial government’s CleanBC target to “reduce distances travelled in light-duty vehicles by 2030 compared to 2020″?
The Province, Capital Region, and Local Government must work together to reach climate targets. Each being a different layer of jurisdiction which allows environmentally and socially beneficial change to happen. In Victoria the primary ways to address transport related climate impacts at the municipal level are through the Victoria Electric Vehicle and Electric Mobility Strategy, supporting more compact urban planning, active transportation and public transit. The City’s Climate Leadership Plan has a target of renewable energy powering 30% of passenger vehicles in Victoria by 2030, and to support the target of 55% of resident trips made by walking, rolling, and cycling by 2030. BC’s Zero Emission Vehicle act mandates that 30% of new car sales will be electric by 2030 and 100% by 2040. The provincial target is on a similar, but slower trajectory. Higher provincial goals and accompanying supports for municipalities will benefit local efforts. Victoria is an entertainment and employment centre of the region therefore local strategies must align with the Capital Regional District’s and other municipalities planning and infrastructure efforts to ensure a cohesive low-carbon transition.The municipality’s role in development, parking, and urban infrastructure design and investment is critical in this transition. Important too is working at the regional level to ensure a robust public transportation network.
2. Do you support making the default speed limit 30 km/h for streets without centrelines, as Victoria has already supported?
Yes, there is substantial evidence to show that 30km speed limit is the best way to reduce fatalities. Victoria is following best practices with this direction.
3. Do you commit to budgeting sufficient funds to accelerate the the walking, rolling, cycling and transit portions of Go Victoria?
All levels of government have a role to play in mode shifting. The municipality has a key role in infrastructure and the built environment which requires investment. There are significant provincial and federal funding streams to draw from and I would support continuing these partnerships as well.
4. Do you support using neighbourhood-wide traffic calming to create low traffic neighbourhoods with much lower traffic volume with quick build materials?
Yes, we have recently seen some great examples of traffic calming on Government St. and through the Build Back Victoria program. These additions create opportunities for placemaking and are part of balancing the need to get from A to B and the negative impact of fossil fuels on our climate.
5. How would you support making walking safer and more enjoyable in Victoria?
There were some great examples of sidewalk widening during the pandemic. I would support continuing this project. Where hydro lines can be grounded they should be, to allow for wider sidewalks and more boulevard trees. Where concerns are raised, more street lighting should be installed. Solar lighting options do not require the same underground installation and can be more immediately installed as needed. Cross walk assessments need to be completed more frequently. Neighbourhoods change and so do the needs for more safe crossings.
6. Do you support building at least 15 km of new all ages and abilities (“AAA”) bike and roll routes throughout Victoria?
I am committed to completing AAA bike lanes in Victoria.
7. Do you support welcoming people who use wheelchairs and mobility scooters to use all ages and abilities (AAA) bike and roll routes?
I do support the opportunity for more types of wheels in the bike lanes. I am following the Provincial e-scooter pilot and expect there will be lessons to be learned and applied to a Victoria policy.
8. Do you support rapidly completing 24/7 bus lanes along Douglas Street through downtown Victoria, as well as similar measures along all of BC Transit’s proposed RapidBus routes in Victoria?
Yes, I absolutely support BC Transit’s RapidBus routes and the infrastructure to support them like high quality, well lit bus shelters.
9. With the court-imposed deadline of March 14, 2023 to keep the Island Rail Corridor intact, how would you support modern rail service for Vancouver Island?
As a councillor I would support work at the Capital Regional District to develop a modern rail service for Vancouver Island. The benefits are vast but it would create an opportunity for low income families, without access to a car to explore the island, and green spaces, which in many cases tourists currently have more access to.
10. Do you support making transit fares more affordable, both by reducing the cost of passes and individual fares and free or discounted passes for youth, seniors, and people living on low incomes?
Yes, the City of Victoria and the Province have made some good steps but I would work to further increase affordability.
11. Do you support removing the requirements for off-street vehicle parking from new and infill developments while adding requirements for car share, EV charging, bike and other micromobility parking, as well as expanding accessible parking?
I support the opportunity to rework parking requirements while ensuring there are an adequate number of accessible parking requirements. I would also endeavour to develop partnerships to reduce the cost of using electric vehicle car shares.
12. How would you activate and bring more people into public spaces within Victoria, including sidewalks, public squares, streets and parks?
Government St., Broad St. and Fernwood are great examples of what is possible. In these examples a mix of public and commercial space, city and community programming, special events and opportunities all created well visited and animated spaces. Places that are less frequented could benefit from these applications. I wouldn’t encourage economic activity in parks but in our climate more covered seating would help increase seasonal use.
13. Do you support adding substantively more accessible public bathrooms across Victoria?
All new public washrooms should by default be accessible. There should be equitable access across the city to accessible washroom facilities.
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