A 3 phase strategy to implement 30kph zones in our residential neighbourhoods

Here’s what I’d do. This is a 3 part strategy to implement 30kph zones in our residential neighbourhoods. 

 1. Immediate action taken to begin the process. First, expand existing 30kph school zones. Next, select 2 neighbourhoods or areas within a neighbourhood for immediate conversion to 30kph. This begins with a quick determination of the most promising areas based on simple criteria. As required use modest, tactical traffic calming elements including paint, planters and fixed pylons. Do not being with consultation. Work with neighbourhood residents as it’s being done and after, while it is studied and documented and comments both in favour and opposed are compiled. Purpose : short term gains and public notification that our new Council will be taking decisive action. 

 2. Concurrent with phase 1, an open invitation to any citizen to propose to the City why they feel their street, even just their block, needs safer, slower speeds. Critically important each submission receive full consideration and a direct response, ideally resulting in City transportation and planning staff meeting to walk these streets with residents. Purpose: to identify “from the grassroots” next neighbourhoods or pockets within neighbourhoods where conversion will save lives.

 3. Medium term (but begun without delay). Create neighbourhood citizens’ assemblies modelled on Vancouver’s Grandview-Woodlands Citizens’ Assembly. https://www.grandview-woodland.ca/ For instance Harewood-South End, City Centre, Townsite-Brechin. Participants are selected by a set criteria to ensure the broadest possible neighbourhood representation. Owners, renters, business owners, landlords, professions etc, voices now underrepresented in public consultations sought by the City. Purpose: to task this body with how best to implement 30kph zones in their residential neighbourhoods.

---

Twitter thread : Walkable City Part II The 10 Steps of Walkability

#WalkableCity Part II The 10 Steps of Walkability...10 Techniques for Making Cities More Walkable @Kaid_in_DC @CityLab https://t.co/4IEdUbx612

— NanaimoCommons (@NanaimoCommons) January 4, 2019

---

Twitter thread : Walkable City by @JeffSpeckAICP

From the Prologue, Walkable City by @JeffSpeckAICP pic.twitter.com/EHjzRrD3sW

— NanaimoCommons (@NanaimoCommons) December 28, 2018

---

City Builder Glossary via @EvergreenCanada

---

---

... did you know that this plan includes building tall condo towers on this waterfront property? Did you know that almost none of this property is slated for public park and greenspace protection for future generations?

Mayor Krog and Nanaimo City Councillors, I’m concerned about starting immediate work on extending Front Street into our south downtown waterfront, 1 Port Drive.

I ask that you take the time you need to set your priorities and establish your Council’s direction for the short and mid-term, and direct City Staff to not proceed with work at 1 Port Drive.

My concerns are: this work proceeding — 

Before you’ve been able to act on your resolve to establish a new government to government relationship with the Snuneymuxw First Nation;

• Before you’ve had a chance to review and consider a “complete street” redesign of Front Street before it’s extended through the waterfront lands;
• Before you’ve had a chance to review the Port Drive Master Plan and are satisfied that it promises the highest possible public-good outcome now and for future Nanaimo generations.

Please take the time to get this right. Let’s build on the good work done to date and create a new urban waterfront neighbourhood that we and future generations can be proud of.

Sincerely
Frank Murphy

---