The public transit plebiscite has started with many of us still undecided on whether we should vote yes or no to the Mayor’s council proposal for the major public transit overhaul. If you are still undecided or leaning on a no vote for any reason, think of the yes vote as an action that would actually improve your health. Here’s why:

1. Less driving means more walking: the new proposal will allow more people to use public transit to reach their destination. People who take public transit are more likely to walk for a longer period of time every day and are less likely to be overweight compared to those who drive. It might not sound like much, but walking is a actually an effective form of exercise, especially if practiced regularly.

2. Less cars means less congestion and a peace of mind: This one is a no brainer. Nobody likes to be stuck in traffic. The stress arising from wasting a significant part of your day sitting in a car instead of spending it with your friends and family (or watching TV if you may) is definitely not healthy, not mentioning the fact that you could be spending that time doing something healthier, like taking your dog out for a walk, or playing with your children. So even if you don’t ever use public transit, allowing others to do so, will help give you less congested roads, less stress and more leisure time.

3. Less cars means less air pollution: With all the people using the improved public transit, there would be less cars on the street. That translates to less greenhouse gas emissions, less impact on climate change and certainly less air pollution in our city. Think of this the next time you are walking on the side of a busy street.

4. Less cars means less chance of road injuries: Every road injury and traffic accident is one too many. Why not help reduce them by having less cars on the roads?

5. Easier access to medical and recreational facilities, friends and loved ones: Everyone deserves to be able to get around, visit their friends and access the city’s services. This is an important issue especially for seniors, people with disabilities or others with reduced mobility. A better public transit system will help everyone get around in the city more safely and comfortably.

6. Less driving can mean more cycling: The proposal promises more safe cycling routes across the Lower Mainland. The number of cyclers in the region is on the rise, and this proposal will help give it a major boost. If you are a current cycler or plan on getting on the bike more often, voting yes will give you more bike routes and longer tracks to cover. If you don’t cycle, voting yes will help take the cyclers off the roads and on cycling routes, making the roads safer for everyone.

Voting yes will benefit everyone: from drivers, to public transit users and cyclers, from young students to families and seniors. A yes vote is a vote for better health.

]]> https://vancouverpublicspace.ca/2015/03/20/six-reasons-why-voting-yes-is-good-for-your-health/feed/ 0 https://vancouverpublicspace.ca/2015/03/16/transit-referendum-vote-yes-on-the-congestion-improvement-sales-tax/ https://vancouverpublicspace.ca/2015/03/16/transit-referendum-vote-yes-on-the-congestion-improvement-sales-tax/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2015 15:00:57 +0000 http://vancouverpublicspace.ca/?p=6178 photo by Anjana Pradhananga

Skate to where the puck is going to be — so that well-worn chestnut from a national hero goes. I’m not much of a hockey fan but I do know sound planning advice when I hear it.

So it goes for transit, too. At its heart, the referendum on a regional congestion-improvement sales tax is about making sure the region is there to get the puck to score our goals in the face of the coming challenges.

We know our population will grow — people already here will have children; people will seek opportunities that compel them to move here; some will choose to settle and feel secure enough to have their loved ones join them.

No more and no less than what we hear in the stories of our friends, co-workers and neighbours when we ask how they’ve come to be here.

Transit takes time to build; so do transit-friendly neighbourhoods. Hearing about the proposal for transit, walking and cycling improvements, it’s too easy to say: “Too much. What’s in it for me? When I could buy so much right now with the money ($135 or $258 per year, depending on who you ask) we’d pay to this tax?”

Two-hundred-and-fifty-eight dollars a year sounds like a lot of money when you compare it to the abstract idea of more bus service — especially if you never use the bus, feel like you can’t even if you did want to and don’t know anyone around you who does.

But it’s the wrong question. The question should be, “What will this tax buy us as a region that you won’t be able to for yourself in 10 or 20 years?”

More transit service throughout the region means more seniors (me, or my parents?) able to live in walkable neighbourhoods they are familiar with and have friends in, regardless of their driving or economic status.

It means young people gain independent movement to enrich their learning and civic engagement, freeing up their parents (a future me?) from time spent shuttling people around.

It means less space required for parking and more green spaces, public spaces and preserved or restored natural habitat (and cleaner air).

Imagine your household saves that $258 (just one guess) for the years until these projects are realized.

You could maybe buy one thing with equivalent benefits to those that I’ve listed. But not all of them, and not without moving.

A yes vote is a yes to all those things, and more, that transit enables. I was that teenager, I might be that parent and, with time, I’ll be that senior. And I’ll vote yes, because I will want to have those choices — and I think you should have them too.

—–

A version of this piece originally appeared in the Your Ride: Vancouver column for Metro News.

Starting March 16, the fate of the livability of the city resides directly in the hands of Vancouver residents who will be asked to mail in their vote on a The Mayors Council Transportation and Transit Plan which proposes 0.5% increase in provincial sales tax. Vancouver residents are voting yes to an investment in public life; a less congested, healthier, greener and more sustainable future for Vancouverites. Vancouver’s growing population is unequivocally linked to a growing demand for rapid transportation so a yes vote ensures that the infrastructure is in place to respond to these changes.

Say Yes to less congestion and more accessibility:

Time is a major opportunity cost associated with congested cities. The Mayors Council Transportation and Transit Plan promises a 20 % reduction in congestion thereby freeing up 20-30 minutes per day for drivers and transit users. Voting yes will ensure that Vancouver enjoys the following investments in transportation:

• 25% increase in bus service across the region
• 200 more kilometres of B-line routes
• More frequent all-day and peak hour service
• 50% more Seabus service
• 80 % more Nightbus service
• Upgrades to the Expo, Millennium and Canada Lines
• 2,700 kilometres of bikeways
• Better connections to transit through pedestrian improvements
• Maintaining and upgrading Major Road Networks

Say Yes to better public health:

Less congestion equates to less fatalities and injuries as a result of car collisions. Furthermore, a decrease in the amount of cars on the road gets Vancouver one step closer to reducing its carbon footprint by reducing the amount of pollution emitted into the atmosphere, thereby improving the quality of the air that we breathe in. A yes vote also fills in the gaps in the current cycling network which yields a greater number of safe cycle paths and bikeways. The new transportation plan also plans to improve cycle and walkway access to transit routes thereby incentivizing the option to use transit instead of driving. Lower commute times and an increase in walking and cycling routes inevitably catalyzes improvements in public health by increasing physical activity and decreasing the chronic diseases associated with inactivity and stress.

Both Patricia Daly, the Chief Medical Health Officer for Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, and Victoria Lee, the interim Chief Medical Health Officer for Fraser Health Authority, have officially endorsed a Yes vote in the referendum.

Say Yes to a stronger economy:

High capacity rapid transit is needed to capitalize on the economic potential of the city. More specifically, the Broadway Corridor is the second largest business and innovation center in British Columbia and therefore an increase in transportation routes will help unlock the economic growth potential of this area. The Broadway Corridor accounts for one quarter of all metro- Vancouver’s tech jobs and 40 percent of all health care jobs. The corridor connects UBC, the largest academic institution in the province, with Downtown and other key business centers. An increase in rapid transportation will enable innovation and top talent to move efficiently around the region.

What you can do for the Transit Referendum:

If you are a registered voter in BC, you will receive a mail-in ballot starting on March 16 and have until May 29, 2015 to mail in your answer to the following provincially approved question:

“Do you support a new 0.5% Metro Vancouver Congestion Improvement Tax, to be dedicated to the Mayors’ Transportation and Transit Plan?”

If you are among those who are not currently registered to vote, you can call 1-800-661-8683 or click here to ensure you are ready to vote in the referendum.

We were pleased with the overall result of the Greenest City process and are happy that Council unanimously adopted the recent staff report associated with implementing the initiative, its targets and more. Though there have been murmurings on one side of the mediasphere that the targets are too lofty, and on another that they don’t go far enough… we think they strike a good balance between being ambitious but do-able. 

In particular, we’re keen on:

• The re-energizing of active transportation – walking and cycling – as well as public transit… and that the various actions proposed in this area are clearly linked with the idea that Vancouverites need a quality public realm
• Provisions around ensuring park space is created in the neighbourhoods that need it most
• The plan to bolster our urban forest (150,000 trees to be planted)
• A bigger, richer, bolder urban agriculture strategy for the city – that sees local food infrastructure strengthened to respond to the demand for community gardens, orchards, local markets and more
• The many and various initiatives that will make Vancouver a healthier city – reduced waste, better air quality, etc.

But don’t just take our word for it – there’s a good opportunity for you to weigh in on the results. Until the end of February people can comment on the Greenest City plans, come to a Greenest City workshop or host their own workshop at home with friends and colleagues. Details are all here: http://talkgreenvancouver.ca

A final plug: another thing that is great about the Greenest City report – and the whole process so far – is that it has been strengthened by some strong, idea-generating, social media platforms. The collaborative dimension has been interesting to follow in its own right – with people proposing ideas, commenting on new solutions, and engaging in the sort of debate that leaves one wishing that Web 2.0 could be like this everyday. Better still, the City report shows how the different ideas are being woven into the final… a nice twist for those eager to see the notion of civic transparency strengthened. 

• Visit the website (http://talkgreenvancouver.ca) and read the draft Greenest City 2020 Action Plans, watch the videos, comment on the strategies and prioritize the actions. 
• Come out to a Greenest City event
• Co-host a 1-3 hour workshop with the City of Vancouver and your organization (email greenestcity@vancouver.ca to arrange)
• Host your own workshops by downloading the DIY Kitchen Table Conversations kit (http://www.talkgreenvancouver.ca/sites/default/files/DIY%20Toolkit.pdf)
• Join the online conversation on talkgreenvancouver.ca, twitter and facebook

Stay up to date on all the Greenest City news (including the recent City Council decision to adopt the Greenest City 2020 targets) by:

• Add your email to the Greenest City mailing list (add your name in the footer of http://talkgreenvancouver.ca) 
• Like Greenest City on Facebook
• Follow Greenest City on Twitter
• Watch videos on YouTube
• Check out photos on flickr

• Expanding Robson Square – Update on City Council’s Decision!
• Wednesday December 8 – Public Space Animation Workshop
• Wednesday December 8 – North East False Creek Open House

OTHER VPSN PUBLIC SPAC E MEETINGS

• Monday December 6 – Urban Design Backgrounder Meeting
• Tuesday December 7 – Transportation Issues Meeting
• Monday December 13 – Public Space & Public Health Project Meeting

RECENT UPDATES

Expanding Robson Square – Update on City Council’s Decision!

Excellent news on the public space front! The City has taken a solid step forward in securing the 800-block segment of Robson Street (between Hornby and Howe) for a public square. They have also taken steps to embed this plan within a larger public space program from the Downtown (something that will lend the planning for Granville Street and Yaletown other proposed sites a greater degree of coherence). 

The discussion unfolded at yesterday’s Council – and was very positive, giving rise to a considerable degree of consensus between the different political parties. As one Councillor noted, “we all want this square.” To this end, we are particularly pleased that the idea of an expanded Robson Square was singled out as something that requires priority attention amongst other public space initiatives – as this provides some security against the idea of an expanded Robson Square (and the golden window of opportunity that is currently in place) from being lost amidst a larger discussion of Olympic Legacies and downtown public space.

You can read our account of the discussion, as well as notes on some key items that we’ll be monitoring over the next months, in this longer post. 

Wednesday December 8 – Public Space Animation Workshop

Do you have an innovative idea about how to increase community public space through the temporary reallocation of road space in Vancouver? If you answered yes, then the City of Vancouver/VPSN Summer Spaces 2011 Ideas Workshop is for you!

In 2009, the City of Vancouver piloted a community public spaces initiative called Summer Spaces. Vancouver City Council has asked that City staff continue to refine the Summer Spaces program and prepare a Call for Proposals process for 2010. Selected proposals would be implemented in Summer 2011. The goal of Summer Spaces is to increase community public space and community interaction by temporarily reallocating road space in creative and innovative ways. 

During the workshop we’ll be discussing changes to the Summer Spaces program for 2011. We will highlight some of the innovative public space work being done in other cities and also provide an opportunity for interested community groups/individuals to begin developing proposal ideas in a collaborative forum. If you are thinking of submitting a proposal to receive City support for your idea then your attendance at this workshop is important. Space is limited so please RSVP!

The workshop is free and snacks/refreshments will be provided. The session takes place Wednesday, December. 8^th, 6:30-9pm, Mt. Pleasant Community Centre – 1 Kingsway, Multipurpose rm.#2

Please direct any questions you may have to Krisztina Kassay at summerspaces [at] vancouver.ca or call 604-829.4348.

Wednesday December 8 – North East False Creek Open House

The City of Vancouver will be holding an open house for the planning process in North East False Creek this Tuesday December 8th from 4-8pm at the Roundhouse Community Centre and all interested members of the public are encouraged to attend.

This open house will be a chance for you to share your ideas and have your comments heard on future options for the Plaza of Nations site (Canadian Metropolitan Properties) and the North East False Creek area. Staff will be on hand along with the developer to answer your questions. Along with display materials, there will be a walking tour of the site at 6pm and a presentation at 7pm. For more information about the open house and the planning work being done in North East False Creek, please view the City of Vancouver’s website on this process: www.vancouver.ca/nefc

Takes place 4pm – 8pm, Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews (at the corner of Davie and Pacific Boulevard).

OTHER VPSN PUBLIC SPAC E MEETINGS

Monday December 6 – Urban Design Backgrounder Meeting

Our last Urban Design Working Group meeting was a roaring success. One of the outcomes of that session was a follow-up gathering for volunteers who are specifically interested in working on one of our foundation documents/backgrounders on urban design and public space, or, one of upcoming position papers on current urban design ‘issues’. If you have a knack for research or writing, consider coming out to this session and lending a hand. 

:: To RSVP and get meeting details – scott [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Tuesday December 7 – Transportation Issues Meeting

It’s been a while since we’ve had a Transportation Working Group meeting that convened folks interested in walking, biking, public transit and more. This is it! If you’ve got interests in any or all of the aforementioned issues, or ideas about other connections between transportation and public space, please join us as we brainstorm some new projects and reenergize some of our current work

:: To RSVP – demian [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca

Monday December 13 – Public Space & Public Health Project Meeting

The VPSN has recently assembled a project team of volunteers who are interested in the connection(s) between public health and public space. Part of our work will be scoping out and developing a set of backgrounders to explore the points of overlap between these areas, as well as other advocacy materials and creative activities to help promote a healthy urban environment.

:: For meeting details or more info – andrew [at] vancouverpublicspace.ca.