The Saanich News incorrectly reported that I voted to support the approval of a development permit amendment for Town and Country (also known as Uptown). On the contrary, I voted to oppose Mayor Leonard’s motion to approve the amendment.
In my opinion, the amendment, which included a variance of nearly 900 parking stalls, could not be supported without a contribution from the proponent toward transit and infrastructure improvements.
I share the view that a shift to fewer vehicle commuters and a greater number of transit users, cyclists, and pedestrians is healthy for the community and the environment. I do not believe that the project provides an adequate contribution toward transportation improvements to facilitate that shift.
Major centres, like Uptown, must include quality transportation alternatives to allow residents to access their goods and services without the need for a vehicle. Otherwise, we will have mega shopping centres, inaccessible without a vehicle, that further compound our traffic congestion challenges and frustrate commuters.
1 comment:
I completely agree. Saanich council lost a late chance to demand what they should have from the beginning: A bus exchange for all buses. The northbound buses (the 30/31, 50/61, and 70/71/72/73/75) along the start of the new "main street" at Saanich Rd., and the southbound 70/71/72/73/75 on Blanshard at Saanich, the 30/31 and 50/61 southbound, and 26 westbound along Saanich between Blanshard and "Main street"
Post a Comment