Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has approved motions to form a transportation standing committee, and for staff to work with jurisdictional partners to develop a list of potential transportation priorities informed by the CRD’s declaration of a climate emergency that best serve community needs. Additionally, CRD staff will be researching options for a transportation governance model that will provide long-term advocacy and action.
“Today’s decisions reflect the Board’s desire to address one of our region’s biggest challenges: transportation and its resulting climate impacts,” said CRD Board Chair Colin Plant. “The Board has identified transportation as a strategic priority and we want to work collaboratively as a region to begin improving congestion and moving towards a lower-carbon multi-modal transportation system. Forming a transportation standing committee, developing a prioritized list of regional transportation needs and identifying an appropriate transportation governance model are demonstrable outcomes of a Board wanting to work together to seek solutions.”
Sustainable integrated multi-modal transportation continues to be a significant regional priority. Staff have identified three areas of focus within the CRD’s existing service mandate to take action on transportation:
- Identify and agree on regional multi-modal priorities.
- Advocate for funding or action on approved priorities.
- Formalize coordination across jurisdictions on matters such as infrastructure investments, transportation and land use policy and behaviour change.
“In addition, the Transportation Gap Summary pointed out that traffic congestion in the AM and PM peak periods increases travel time and decreases residents’ quality of life. Because of climate, cost and geography, there is a need to focus on transportation solutions that shift mode share,” added Plant.
Next steps include direction to staff to work with partner jurisdictions and BC Transit to develop a list of regional transportation priorities including low carbon options in order to meet the CRD’s climate targets and report back to the Board for prioritization.
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492