STEP 1 – IDEATION

The Big Moves that are being developed as part of the MTP Climate Action Update are not intended to set a new vision for the City’s transportation system. Instead, they are intended to achieve the existing vision sooner to align with the City’s 2030 climate targets.

The existing TransPort Moody vision themes are listed below:

• A compact complete city
• A walkable city
• A bicycle-friendly city
• A transit-oriented city
• Move people and goods
• Create a safe and liveable city

In Round 1 of public and stakeholder engagement, we asked participants about strategies to prioritize and ideas of actions we can take to meet Port Moody’s climate targets and transportation vision. We engaged with over 200 people through a Big Moves Webinar featuring guest speaker Chris Bruntlett (Marketing and Communication Manager at the Dutch Cycling Embassy), an online survey, a staff workshop, and a community group workshop.

The feedback gathered in round 1 informed an initial list of 28 Big Move ideas. The development of the Big Moves was guided by the Avoid-Shift-Improve (ASI) framework, which is used to develop sustainable urban mobility plans around the world and mirrors the Province’s CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 transportation framework. The ASI framework categorizes sustainability improvements as follows:

Avoid: Avoid or reduce travel or the need to travel;

Shift: Shift to more energy efficient modes; and

Improve: Improve efficiency of existing transport modes.

STEP 2 – EVALUATION

The 28 Big Move ideas were then evaluated using the following criteria:

• Implementation – rated based on how feasible it is for a Big Move to be implemented given cost and jurisdictional challenges
• Mode Shift – rated based on how much a Big Move is estimated to shift travel from vehicles to more sustainable modes
• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction – rated based on the estimated reduction in vehicle-kilometres travelled that a Big Move could support
• Traffic Safety – rated based on the potential for a Big Move to reduce traffic collisions and their associated impacts in Port Moody.
• Co-Benefits – rated based on additional benefits a Big Move could provide, such as improved transportation equity, affordability, noise and traffic stress reduction, health benefits, etc.
• Applicability/Specificity- rated based on the extent a Big Move can be implemented by 2030 to meet the City’s climate targets

Transportation equity means looking at how to design transportation systems that are fair and fit all lifestyles, financial situations, and abilities. This means considering not only what infrastructure and options exist, but who has access to them—and who may experience consequences such as air pollution, safety issues, congestions etc.

STEP 3 – REFINEMENT

Based on the results of the evaluation, five proposed Big Moves were shortlisted. At this stage of the process, we’re asking for your level of support or opposition to the following five proposed Big Moves. The results of this public feedback will be used to refine the draft Big Moves before the final MTP Climate Action Update is presented to City Council for their consideration. In no particular order, the Big Moves include:

1. Smarter Parking Initiative
2. City-wide Speed Limit Reductions
3. Reallocation of Road Space
4. Transit-Supportive Infrastructure
5. Promotion of Sustainable Transportation Options

STEP 4 – FINALIZE

The update to the Master Transportation Plan will outline how Big Move initiatives will be implemented and monitored, and provide recommendations for policies, programs, and projects to support Big Move implementation.

Action

This proposed Big Move includes a combination of three specific parking initiatives:

1. Parking Maximums: convert the minimum parking requirements to maximums for new developments outside of the transit-oriented areas, eliminating or minimizing the requirement for additional parking (Note: the BC Government recently passed Bill 47 Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act, which has already eliminated minimum and maximum parking requirements within the transit-oriented areas).
2. Paid On-Street Parking*: implement paid on-street parking at the areas that have high parking occupancy and limited parking availability. This achieving about an 85% parking occupancy rate, meaning that at any given time one out of seven parking spots on a street block remains available for someone wishing to park at that location.
3. Recreation Parking Demand Management*: better manage parking demand at busy park and recreational areas around the city. Similar to the Paid On-Street Parking idea, this approach would focus on achieving the desired parking occupancy rate and desired parking turnover in parking lots that support recreational areas.

* In summer 2024, pay parking will be implemented at five locations where parking is in high demand, including Rocky Point Park, Esplanade Avenue, Murray Street, commercial area of Suter Brook Village, and Ungless Way. The goal of this pay parking program is to improve turnover of parking to increase availability for incoming users, and to encourage a shift toward more sustainable modes of transportation that help reduce traffic and emissions.

Contribution to Climate Action Plan Targets

• With parking maximums in place, new developments would have a limit on the amount of available parking they can include, providing more incentive to choose alternate forms of transportation.
• Implementing paid on-street parking and managing parking demand in recreational areas would:
  1. Reduce the circling of vehicles looking for parking.
  2. Decrease the number of vehicle kilometers travelled.
  3. Improve traffic flow.
  4. Encourage a shift from vehicular trips to more sustainable travel modes.

Consideration and Challenges

Parking Maximums

• This action would need to ensure or retain some level of accessibility parking requirements.
• As converting parking minimums to maximums may not directly lead to reduced provision of parking, the maximum requirements may need to be reviewed periodically and reduced over time and/or based on information such as the regional review undertaken in Metro Vancouver’s regional parking study

Paid On-Street Parking & Recreation Parking Demand Management

• Require a phased approach with ongoing monitoring and potential supportive policies to ensure the desired parking occupancy and turnover outcomes are achieved.
• May have minimal impact or benefit if implemented in areas where there are significant off-street parking opportunities that remain unpriced.

Additional Benefits

Parking Maximums

• Potentially supports housing affordability by reducing parking construction cost through implementing parking maximums.

Paid On-Street Parking & Recreation Parking Demand Management

• Improves overall parking management, which would facilitate more parking turnover and local business activity.
• Lowers stress for vehicle drivers looking for parking and can help manage visitation to uphold a quality experience for all visitors.
• The pay parking system will operate under a user-pay cost recovery model. New infrastructure, maintenance, equipment, enforcement, upgrades, customer services, and ongoing support for pay parking will continue to be funded by the revenue it generates. Excess revenues will support the City’s operations and services that are being used by customers paying for parking.

Action

• Reduce posted speed limits* on all local residential streets in Port Moody to 30 kilometres per hour (km/h). On a case-by-case basis, consider reducing posted speed limits on busier collector and arterial roads to 40 km/h or lower.

Contribution to Climate Action Plan Targets

• At slower driving speeds, urban traffic typically flows more smoothly, leading to lower emissions.
• Streets with slower speeds enhance safety and comfort for pedestrians, cyclists, and other modes of travel.
• The increased safety and comfort encourage the use of more sustainable travel alternatives, reducing the overall reliance on driving.

Consideration and Challenges

• Modification of bylaws and installation of significant signage.
• Implementation of traffic calming measures may be required on some streets to enhance effectiveness.
• Requires further studies to assess the impacts on transit and emergency vehicles.
• Close collaboration with municipal partners to ensure cohesive implementation.

Additional Benefits

• Improve safety and comfort for all road users.
• Reduce collisions and traffic noise.
• Improve intersection signal operations for pedestrians.

*The City of Rossland B.C. lowered speed limits within the city to 30 km/h in 2015. A number of communities, particularly medium-sized cities in Alberta, have implemented city-wide speed limit reductions. Montreal sets residential street speed limits at 30 km/h with many arterials at 40 km/h.

Action

• Reallocate a minimum of 10% of road space from vehicles to sustainable modes of travel, green infrastructure, or public spaces.

Contribution to Climate Action Plan Targets

• supports mode shift from vehicles and provides opportunities for non-motorized travel on roadways.
• provides opportunity for climate adaptation strategies- including removal of pavement or hardscape to reduce runoff and lessen the urban heat island effect.

Consideration and Challenges

• Involves reallocating road space on streets that offer direct routes for those taking transit or using active transportation modes, or in areas rich in destinations.
• A 10% reallocation target is comparable to targets in other Metro Vancouver municipalities and is considered a minimum target. Further work may refine this target.
• Many residents see the reduction of regional through-traffic as a priority. Road space reallocation done at strategic locations may contribute toward reducing these types of trips.
• Considerable coordination challenges with TransLink may be experienced, and there may be financial implications in the form of reduced Operations, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation (OMR) funding received. TransLink approval is also required when making any changes to speed or capacity on Major Road Network.

Additional Benefits

• Significant safety and comfort improvements for those using active transportation modes.
• Improvements in bus reliability, and local economic vitality.
• Reduction in traffic, noise, and air pollution.

Action

Provide additional overpasses across rail and Skytrain lines for walking and cycling near SkyTrain stations, and explore and implement transit priority measures along major road corridors like St. Johns Street.

Contribution to Climate Action Plan Targets

• Provides active transportation connections and reliable public transit options to reduce vehicle dependency.
• Adding overpasses would promote a shift in travel modes by decreasing the walking and cycling distances required to access transit.

Consideration and Challenges

• Crossings are anticipated to have a relatively high cost, and additional funding streams or external partners including new developments may be required.
• May require acquiring additional right-of-way to support implementation.
• Connection could be enhanced with green infrastructure, and act as an extension into the park system along Burrard Inlet.

Additional Benefits

• Increases connectivity across the rail corridor and could make Rocky Point Park more accessible for several neighbourhoods and new residents, supporting mental and physical health.
• Improves walkability, which typically promotes local business activity.

Action

This proposed Big Move includes a combination of several smaller initiatives to promote sustainable transportation options, including:

1. E-Bike Purchase Incentives: encourage e-bike ownership through financial support from the City.
2. Transit Promotional Activities: incorporate city-wide educational and promotional opportunities to encourage the use of transit as an alternative mode of transportation. This may include media campaign, event, workshop, and/or online public transit promotion.
3. School Travel Planning: work closely with schools in Port Moody to develop school-specific information and promotions packages that would encourage students, parents, and teachers to make school trips with sustainable transportation modes. This would also include identifying infrastructure and safety improvements around schools.
4. Micromobility Options*: support micromobility options through regulatory updates and seek the introduction of shared micromobility providers in Port Moody. This would also include electric bikes, electric scooters, and car-sharing providers.

*The City of Port Moody began participating in the provincially-led Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project starting May 31, 2024.

Contribution to Climate Action Plan Targets

• The trip range extension that e-bikes provide, particularly in combination with bus and SkyTrain, allows many residents and families to effectively reduce or forgo car ownership entirely, lowering emissions.
• Reduces GHG emissions by shifting travel modes from single-occupancy vehicles to active transportation modes.
• Reduces GHG emissions from vehicles by providing alternative micromobility options for residents and visitors, especially for short trips.

Consideration and Challenges

E-Bike Purchase Incentives

• Requires large financial investment to encourage a significant proportion of the population to shift modes.
• May require infrastructure enhancements to provide secure bike parking.

Transit Promotional Activities

• Requires considerable coordination with TransLink.
• May require various transit promotional initiatives to attract additional ridership.

School Travel Planning

• Requires close collaboration with schools in Port Moody

Micromobility Options

• Requires regulation of micromobility options to ensure that operations are safe.
• Requires consideration for supporting those who may not be able to afford personal e-bikes or e-scooter.

Additional Benefits

• Provides alternate ways to get around Port Moody without driving.
• Helps to alleviate traffic congestion by providing alternatives to cars.
• Provides greater mobility to residents that don’t have the ability to drive due to age or physical ability.
• Improves safer zones around schools.

Missed our webinar? Watch the recording below to learn more about the project, and hear from keynote speaker Chris Bruntlett, a Canadian mobility advocate who strives to communicate the benefits of sustainable transport and inspire happier, healthier, human-scale cities.