The draft Transportation Plan was brought to the community for consideration at this stage in the Official Community Plan (OCP) review. An extensive public consultation process was conducted from February 11 to February 29 (survey boxes and the on-line survey were all available until the morning of March 3). Extensive advertising in the local newspaper as well as on both local radio stations promoted the four open houses, static displays and website. In addition to these options, numerous presentations were done by request for specific groups, including students, citizen-based committees and workplaces. Staff were also present at the Rec Centre Monday to Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to answer questions.
A total of 515 surveys were returned. Of those, four were from non-Vernon residents and 10 were unsigned. This resulted in 561 valid surveys. In addition, some letters were received detailing concerns regarding various components of the plan. While not considered in the survey tabulations, their comments are duly noted and will be considered during the revision of the draft Transportation Plan.
Of the 561 valid surveys, the following results were tabulated:
0- 10 Year Strategy
Support 372 (66.3%)
Did not support 144 (25.7%)
Other 45 (8.0%)
10 - 25 Year Strategy
Support 352 (62.8%)
Did not support 171 (30.4%)
Other 38 (6.8%)
25+ Year Strategy
Corridor Protection 237 (42.3%)
No Bypass Option 266 (47.4%)
Other 58 (10.3 %)
Some of the primary themes that have emerged during the preliminary data analysis
indicate:
- an increase in transit frequency and operating hours is needed
- there is an awareness that transportation demand management (TOM) is needed and that hiring a TOM coordinator would expedite its implementation
- many people are concerned about the use of ALR land for roads, and are opposed to various new road links because of the impact on ALR lands
- there is a desire to see the 27 Street extension over Polson Park in the 0 - 10 year strategy, as opposed to the 10 - 25 year strategy
- there is a belief that the "Westside Bypass" (on the west side of Okanagan Lake) will solve Vernon's transportation issues
- much frustration with disconnected sidewalks, trails and cycle routes
- maintenance of all infrastructure - roads, sidewalks, trails - is an issue to many people
- there are frustrations with the conflict between pedestrians, cyclists and cars
- public transit to Kelowna is needed
• Corridor protection was desirable in order to get traffic out of the City Centre, support downtown revitalization and deal with increasing volumes of traffic related to population growth. It is worth noting that many who opted to support corridor protection expressed serious concerns about negative impacts on agricultural land, grasslands, noise levels and views.
• Those in favour of the no bypass option were concerned about negative impacts to agricultural land, grasslands, noise levels and views. Many were very concerned about the cost and the impacts on the livability of the area, especially Okanagan Landing. Many of those in favour of the no bypass options still expressed concern with the couplet, Scott Road extension and Turtle Mountain extension.
• Of those that selected neither option, the reasons varied considerably: many identified an eastern alignment, railway alignment or westside alignment as their preferred choice. Others felt it was too early to make any decision.
• There is a strong public sentiment to preserve the Bella Vista range as a park.
CONCLUSIONS
A public input session on the draft Transportation Plan will be held March 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the Rec Centre Auditorium. Any group representative or citizen may speak directly to Council at that time. Following the public input session, a full report, detailing the findings of the consultation process and including a draft transportation plan, will be brought to Council for
consideration.
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Don Quixote Note: This is on the Agenda for Monday's Council Meeting.
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