savary island, july 19, 2008 transportation alternatives for island communities ione smith, m.sc.....
TRANSCRIPT
Savary Island, July 19, 2008
Transportation Alternatives for Island Communities
Ione Smith, M.Sc. . Special Projects Coordinator . Smart Growth BC
Erin Welk, M.A. . Planner . Smart Growth BC
Presentation Outline
I. What is Smart Growth?
II. Harnessing Growth
Pressures
III. Island Case Studies
Smart Growth BC
Founded in 1999, Smart Growth BC is a charitable
non-profit organization with a mandate to create
more livable communities in British Columbia.Staff expertise includes graduate-level degrees in:
• Land Use Planning• Education• Environmental Science• Landscape Design• Tourism Planning• Architecture
What is Smart Growth?What is Smart Growth?
•A method of community planning based upon a set of land use principles aimed at creating more sustainable, livable communities;
•Dozens of professional land use organizations across North America and beyond are using smart growth principles;
•We offer services and tools for communities of all shapes and sizes through:
•Outreach•Research•Education and Professional Development•Implementation Strategies•Mission-based Consulting
Smart Growth BC publications…
Our Role Today
•Facilitate discussion;
•Highlight on-island transportation options;
•Offer land use planning expertise;
•Provide neutral, third-party perspective.
II. Harnessing Growth Pressures
Growth Pressures in Communities Across BC
•Population Growth;
•Shifting Economy;
•Wealth Transfer from Outside;
•Retirement and Seasonal Residences;
•Transportation Demand.
Impacts from Unchecked Growth
• Human Health• Water Quality• Water Provision• Air Quality• Open Space• Traffic• Car-Dominated
Landscapes• Lack of Transit
Options
• Economic Dispersion• Housing Affordability• Infrastructure Needs• Location of Services• Fossil Fuel
Consumption• Crime/Safety• Goods Distribution• Lack of Community
Identity• Overall Livability
ConsequencesConsequences
180%
240%
0%
50%
100%
150%
200%
250%
Population Urbanised Land Area
Three Decades of Growth in BC
III. Island Case Studies
Transportation Demand Management
Smart Growth Principle
Rationale: Pedestrian and cycling friendly areas provide safe and convenient access to daily activities, reduction in GHG, and significant health benefits.
Provide a Variety of Transportation Choices
Lasqueti Island
• Area: 74 km2 (same size and shape as Manhattan)
• Population: 350 residents
• Access by private boat or foot passenger ferry (50 mins from Vancouver Is.)
• Unpaved roads• Not serviced by BC
Hydro• Pay parking in French
Creek (on Vancouver Is.)
Lasqueti Island OCP - 2005• Foot passenger ferry system has contributed to the
rural character of the community and should remain as only foot passenger in the future.
• Car pooling and other alternative forms of transportation should be used by the community and visitors to reduce the overall number of vehicles and traffic on the island.
• Residents are encouraged to remove their own derelict vehicles and abandonment of vehicles is considered “ socially irresponsible” and not endorsed by the community.
• The Local Trust Committee, MoT, Regional District, RCMP, businesses and citizens should combine efforts to coordinate the removal of unwanted and derelict vehicles on a regular basis.
Keats Island
Area: 7km2
465 parcels of land
Population: <50 year round residents
Population is mostly seasonal/weekends
Close proximity to Greater Vancouver
Regular boat shuttle from Gibsons
Water taxi will drop passengers off at any requested point
•Support land use patterns that reduce dependency on automobile use.•Alternative transportation, such as golf carts, is encouraged.•Minimize the need for cross-island vehicle transportation.•A “cross island shuttle”, land taxi or trucking service is supported.•Owners are strongly encouraged to have derelict vehicles removed from the island.
Keats Island OCP - 2002
Keats Island OCP - 2002Keats Island OCP - 2002
• Intrusion or expansion of roads and vehicle access into water-access-only lots is strongly discouraged.
• The rustic, narrow, winding, gravel “country lane” roads on Keats Island contribute to the island’s unique rural character and ambience.
• The Ministry of Transportation is requested to not increase road widths, straighten road alignments, or pave any existing constructed gravel roads.
Isolated Island LicensingIsolated Island Licensing
• Since 2006, ICBC offers licensing for golf carts and small utility vehicles used as general transportation on isolated islands.
• Small utility vehicles are not all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) which are designed for the rider to sit astride.
• The use of ATVs on roadways is limited to farming or industrial purposes and regulated through a police-issued Operation Permit.
Victoria Island, MB
100 km North of Winnipeg on Lake Winnipeg
Area: 18 km2
Permanent population: 227
Summer population: 10,000
No campgrounds or picnic areas.
Golfing, tennis, sailing, boating, swimming for residents.
Primarily a ‘resort’ community.
•Motor vehicle access has been restricted since 1933.•Only community in North America where vehicles are completely prohibited in July and August (except for emergency vehicles and taxis). •No cars allowed on many roads year-round. •A large parking lot is provided for nearly 2,000 on mainland. •Summer residents can take a taxi, ride bikes or walk to their cabins. •Result is increased safety for all residents, especially children, increased in air quality (less dust), and reduction in noise.
Victoria Island, MB
Summary of Best Practices
• Transportation planning must be based on a community vision. Dialogue is necessary and some compromise on all sides is helpful.The plan must come from the community in order to be successful.
• OCP bylaws and policies must be in place that encourage alternatives to driving (golf carts and small utility vehicles).
• Affordable and convenient parking must be made available on mainland.
• It is ideal if a water taxi can drop people/goods off at many spots on the island.
• Efficient land taxi and/or transit shuttle is required for those who are unable to walk/bike.
• Stakeholders must work together to remove derelict cars.
• Examine land use and transportation relationships when making any development decisions.
Thank You!
For more information
604-915-5234
314-402 West Pender St
Vancouver BC V6B 1T6