Category:

“As the evidence mounted up, we were struck by the fact that the cities we want – cleaner, healthier, richer – are made possible through climate action,” said lead author of the study Andy Gouldson, a professor at the University of Leeds. “Whether high-quality public transport or segregated cycling lanes, energy-efficient buildings or better waste management, the dollars, lives and hours saved are impressive.”

The fused grid network pattern recently passed another test with top marks – the traffic safety test. Planers using it for its rainwater management advantages can now be confident that it will also enhance safety. “The city plan is organized in repeatable wards, with a square in the centre, which is visible to half of the homes in each ward”, explained Fanis Grammenos, “The square is protected from heavy traffic since through streets are located at the boundaries of the ward, leaving the centre relatively calm for casual strollers.”

“A consensus is emerging that conventional approaches to suburban development are not sustainable. From a transportation perspective, single-use, low-density residential developments with curvilinear, poorly connected road networks limit transportation options to the point that that private automobile is the only choice for many trips.This increases automobile travel and, as a result, fuel use, emissions and transportation costs. With this in mind, municipalities are re-examining neighbourhood layout and land use concepts,” stated Fanis Grammenos.

The Town of View Royal has developed a Green Infrastructure Grant Template that establishes a provincial benchmark for other municipalities to measure themselves against when applying for senior government funding. As part of the program for the 2008 Showcasing Green Infrastructure Innovation Series, the Town is sharing its template with other municipalities.

The Victoria Transport Policy Institute is an independent research organization dedicated to developing innovative and practical solutions to transportation problems. It provides a variety of resources available free at its website to help improve transportation planning and policy analysis.

This paper investigates the value travelers place on qualitative factors such as comfort and convenience, and practical ways to incorporate these values in project evaluation. This information helps identify cost-effective transit service improvements that can increase transit ridership and reduce automobile travel.

The third in the 2006 Showcasing Green Infrastructure Innovation Series was co-hosted by the University of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver. Three roadway projects were showcased: the Country Lanes Demonstration Project and Crown Street Streetscape & Fish Habitat Enhancement Project in the City, and the Sustainability Street Project at UBC.

In December 2005, the Victoria Transport Policy Institute issued a report entitled “Win-Win Emission Reductions: Smart Transportation Emission Reduction Strategies Can Achieve Kyoto Targets And Provide Other Economic, Social And Environmental Benefits”. Prepared by Todd Litman, the report was presented as a contribution to the 11th United Nations climate change conference held in Montreal.