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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?
Yes! The CleanBC vehicle targets are strong and necessary in order to meet our Provincial carbon emissions targets. Local governments should align our targets with the CleanBC plan and seek Provincial funding to build climate friendly transportation infrastructure. At the CRD table I will also push for the alignment of transportation plans and priorities with lower carbon emitting types of transportation.
2. Do you support making the default speed limit 30 km/h for streets without centrelines?
Yes, I do. Slower streets are better for livability and are a critical part of reaching the “vision zero” goal of no traffic related deaths or severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. We have localized issues of speeding across Esquimalt, and lowering speed limits, in conjunction with traffic calming and enforcement will help make our community safer. I would work to align our speed limit reduction with work underway in neighbouring municipalities including Saanich and Victoria.
3. Do you commit to budgeting sufficient funds to accelerate your active transportation network plan?
Yes! To date, the buildout of active transportation infrastructure in Esquimalt has been slow and proper funding has been lacking. Esquimalt needs to proactively seek funding from upper levels of government to fund new bike and roll lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks. As mayor, I will ensure sufficient funding to expedite the implementation of the Active Transportation Network Plan.
4. Do you support using neighbourhood-wide traffic calming to create low traffic neighbourhoods with much lower traffic volume with quick build materials?
I support neighbourhood led traffic calming initiatives, and the usage of pilot projects and placemaking approaches to increase livability, vibrancy, and pedestrian safety.
5. How would you support making walking safer and more enjoyable in Esquimalt?
I would support policies and planning approaches to build Esquimalt as a complete and walkable community. I would also expedite the buildout of sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian infrastructure. Slowing cars and calming traffic on residential streets would also make walking safer and more enjoyable.
6. Do you support building a network of all ages and abilities (“AAA”) bike and roll routes throughout Esquimalt?
Yes, everyone should be able to get safely from one side of Esquimalt to the other no matter what mode of transportation they choose. I support expediting the buildout of the Active Transportation Network.
7. Do you support welcoming people who use wheelchairs and mobility scooters to use all ages and abilities (AAA) bike and roll routes?
Yes, as Mayor I will advocate for the necessary Provincial changes to allow mobility scooters in (AAA) bike and roll facilities.
8. Do you support rapidly completing bus lanes at key locations on busy bus routes in Esquimalt, including for BC Transit’s proposed RapidBus lines, as well as effective transit priority measures along all of BC Transit’s proposed RapidBus routes across the CRD?.
I support the expedited buildout of bus rapid transit. I will work collaboratively with regional and Provincial partners to ensure Esquimalt is doing its part and actively advocating for the needed investments.
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?
The E&N rail corridor is a critical transportation opportunity for Esquimalt and our Region. I would advocate through the the municipality, the CRD, and UBCM, to preserve the E&N rail corridor for transportation
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, I support removing financial barriers to accessing public transportation. We need to make it as easy as possible for people to choose public transit over a single occupancy vehicle. I support moving towards fare-free transit for all with the first step being expanding fare-free transit for all youth under 18.
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 micromobilty parking, as well as expanding accessible parking?
I look forward to seeing the results of Esquimalt current parking study. I support reducing parking requirements if other appropriate transportation demand management strategies are in place.
12. How would you activate and bring more people into public spaces within Esquimalt, including sidewalks, public squares, streets and parks?
Aside from investments in infrastructure, I support creating a neighbourhood microgrant program to activate public spaces, hold community events, and initiate mural projects and other placemaking activities, including community mapping projects. These grants and activities would help to create lively, connected, and interesting public spaces in Esquimalt.
13. Do you support adding substantively more accessible public bathrooms across Esquimalt?
Access to public washrooms is a basic need and in Esquimalt and throughout the region we need to increase investment in accessible public washrooms.
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