Transportation challenges continue to near the top the list of issues for people in Saanich North and the Islands.
Our Community Dialogue series brings community members together to have a deeper discussion about a topic. As someone who is responsible for creating good public policy and influencing government decision-making, these Dialogues are very powerful opportunities for me to listen.
So, transportation was the focus of conversation in the constituency office this past Saturday morning.
This was the second Dialogue on transportation that I have hosted. Although some of the issues with transit, ferries and congestion were familiar, each one of these gatherings is unique.
Long shopping list
Our community space was filled with about 30 people from the Saanich Peninsula and the Gulf Islands. Members of the three municipal councils and three community associations, along with citizens from all corners of the riding represented our diversity.
In transportation there is always a comprehensive list of topics to address. Specific asks for investments in better transit, a need for social change around the car-culture and a call for political will. People want to see leadership. They want multi-modal options. There is a strong desire for a forward-looking vision for integrated community and transportation planning, locally and regionally.
When we look to other regions who provide efficient, reliable and convenient options we must ask what is holding us back from getting those services? Frankly, it comes down to making the investment. So, conversation must move to action.
Cost of the car
Finally, it is time to have a real discussion about how we account for the costs of the automobile. Are our cars really the most convenient form of transportation? Could we use our time better? Can we organize our lives around other modes of transportation? Also, what does the future of transportation look like for you?
I regularly hear complaints about the poor quality of road surfaces. How much does it cost our society to repair and replace all our roads? The budgets are thin. So, how does government (local and provincial) provide the services we need? And, how do we do it without breaking the bank?
More questions than answers?
Does it feel like there are more questions than answers? When we open the discussion up to the public, we hear the endless ideas. Some are possible, some are not. In the end, we will have to increase the community discussions about changing behaviour. We will have to engage the public on acceptable options. And, decision-makers must have the will to invest in better options.
The conversation continues…
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