BEAT. The Path to Health. S u m m a r y P r o c e e d i n g s. BEAT Summit Kelowna: Active Transportation Planning for Your Community

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1 BEAT The Path to Health S u m m a r y P r o c e e d i n g s BEAT Summit Kelowna: Active Transportation Planning for Your Community Tuesday October 14, :00 a.m. 4:00 pm Coast Capri Hotel, Kelowna The BEAT is a joint initiative of the BC Recreation and Parks Association and the Union of BC Municipalities

2 Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS...2 BACKGROUND...3 SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS...5 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS...6 GUEST SPEAKERS...8 AT QUOTIENT - COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT...12 SUMMARY OF PLENARY DISCUSSION...14 SUMMIT FEEDBACK SUMMARY...15 APPENDIX A: SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS

3 Background The Built Environment & Active Transportation initiative, known as BEAT, focuses on creating more supportive environments for physical activity by addressing community design, policy and transportation planning. BEAT is a joint project of the BC Recreation & Parks Association and the Union of BC Municipalities. Funding is provided by the BC Healthy Living Alliance, with support from ActNow BC. The BEAT summit in Kelowna was a one day event that brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to network, collaborate and identify new strategies for increasing active transportation in BC communities. Participants learned about approaches for engaging their communities, conducted a walkability and bikeability community assessment, and heard updates on provincial funding opportunities. Summit participants hailed mostly from the Okanagan, but there was also representation from the Kootenays, the North, the Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island. SUMMIT ATTENDANCE AT A GLANCE: Percent Kootenays North Okanagan Other Vancouver Van. Island Academic 3% Non-profit 17% Parks & Recreation Dept 20% Education 2% Planning/Design 4% Health 12% Developers 0% Provincial Government 11% Mayors & Councils 6% Planning Dept 23% Regional Districts 2% The summit was full to capacity (at 60 BEAT Summit Coast Capri, Kelowna BC, October 14,

4 participants) and brought together a diverse audience that included parks and recreation, planning, regional districts, elected officials, provincial government, health professionals, private sector planning and design, education, and researchers. A keynote address was delivered by Michael Haynes, the Director of TransActive Solutions, followed by presentations by local planning and health professionals. In the afternoon, an Active Transportation Quotient workshop was held, in which participants assessed the walkability and bikeability of a Kelowna neighbourhood. The Okanagan summit kicked off the BEAT Summit Series as the first of four regional summits to be held across BC over the next two years. The summit in Kelowna was timely and well received. The majority of respondents (92%) were either somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with the summit overall. This report summarizes the ideas presented during the summit presentations and in group discussions. A summary of key messages that emerged during day is included at the beginning of the report. A video recording of the speakers presentations, including the keynote address, can be accessed on the BEAT website at: AGENDA AT A GLANCE: 9:00 Registration & Breakfast 10:00 Welcome and Introductions 10:25 Eric Kowalski, Interior Health 10:45 Michael Haynes, Keynote 11:30 Jerry Dombowsky, City of Kelowna 11:50 Kim Flick, City of Vernon 12:15 Walkabout and Community Assessment 1:00 Lunch 1:40 Active Transportation Quotient Workshop 2:45 Plenary 3:30 Funding Opportunities, Next Steps & Closing Remarks 4 SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS

5 Summary of Key Findings As Michael Haynes noted in his keynote address, many provinces across Canada look to British Columbia as a leader in active transportation planning. However, obesity statistics in our own province tell us we still have a long way to go. Some key messages that emerged from the summit included: Guidelines and solutions are needed for small communities. Many existing resources present solutions that are targeted to large urban centres. The challenges of rural and semi-urban communities can be quite different. Guidelines and tools that address the specific opportunities and challenges of smaller communities are needed. Best Practice guidelines for the design of new active transportation infrastructure, retrofitting of existing infrastructure, land use planning tools and development policy samples are a few of the tools suggested for small communities. Report out on the BEAT grants and other successful community initiatives. Participants would like to hear more about what other BC communities are doing to promote active transportation. Suggestions included a presentation of successful policies applied in BC, and a description of projects undertaken as part of the BEAT grants awarded to 10 BC communities in spring Communities that have built active transportation friendly environments represent an opportunity to showcase how active transportation plans are implemented on-the-ground. Expand/diversify stakeholder participation. Many commented on the success of having different sectors present, and the beneficial networking opportunities this provided. However, those present identified the need to expand stakeholder involvement to include engineers, developers, and approving officers. These groups play a critical role in shaping the built environment and need to be brought to the table. Also, connections to First Nations communities should be expanded possibly through liaison with Metis ActNow, and by including First Nations Land Officers in future dialogue. Collaboration of sectors was identified as a keystone to achieving active transportation goals. BEAT Summit Coast Capri, Kelowna BC, October 14,

6 Welcome and Introductions Community Welcome Sharon Shepherd, Mayor, City of Kelowna Mayor Shepherd welcomed visitors on behalf of the City of Kelowna. In her introduction she touched on the importance of forming new partnerships. In Kelowna, several new programs have been launched under the banner of Kick Start, a collaboration of local partners from government, health, schools, businesses and community organizations. Through Kick Start, a number of programs have been implemented as well as the development of a new trails map and guide, a website, and a Healthy Active Living Resource Centre. A new partnership with Glenmore School is another example the Glenmore Walk to School initiative was launched by parents and teachers and is now supported by the City. A partnership is being developed between Glenmore, the City planning department and UBC-O to develop a routes to school map in an effort to identify safe routes to school. Kelowna is one of many BC communities that is working towards the goal of being 20% more active by Mayor Shepherd closed by expressing her wish that participants will go back to their communities and apply the expertise they have learned at the summit. I hope that planning for active transportation becomes a priority in your community. Welcome and Introduction Suzanne Strutt, CEO, BC Recreation and Parks Association Suzanne welcomed participants on behalf of the BCRPA. She emphasized that planning our communities and how we move through them contributes to our overall health, and to our quality of life. She explained that BEAT is one of 15 initiatives launched by the BC Healthy Living Alliance, all of which are focused on creating opportunities and resources for making our communities healthier places to live. This is the first of four summits, each designed to add different tools to your toolkit of knowledge and resources. The purpose of the BEAT summits is to engage community leaders and support their efforts to use community design and transportation planning to create environments that encourage active healthy living. The summit is also meant to be a platform for sharing and learning. All sectors need to make planning for active transportation a new standard. It is here that you will encounter new ideas to take home and adapt to your community's unique needs. 6 SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS

7 Welcome and Introduction Robert Hobson, President, Union of BC Municipalities Robert welcomed attendees on behalf of the Union of BC Municipalities, a copartner of the BEAT initiative. Mr. Hobson highlighted the overwhelming interest in the first round of the BEAT community planning grants, which are intended to assist communities in developing bicycle and pedestrian plans, and ultimately build capacity to access other grants which provide funding for construction. The BEAT grants were awarded to 10 BC communities who are now working on active transportation plans. Robert encouraged communities who were not successful to apply again in spring Mr. Hobson noted that we need to work with public works, engineering, and planning departments to make active transportation a regular part of local government infrastructure improvements. Working with planning departments we can ensure active transportation is built into new development programs, Development Cost Charge programs, and capital programs. Through collaboration with engineering departments we can consider how utility rights of way can be multipurpose. Active transportation does not need to be a stand-alone budget. More broadly, he noted that everyone has a role to play in health. He urged participants to Be imaginative! and to make active transportation the attractive choice. Today, we will look to participants to help determine next steps that focus more specifically on improving our built environments for active transportation. BEAT Summit Coast Capri, Kelowna BC, October 14,

8 Guest Speakers Health and the Built Environment Guest Speaker: Eric Kowalski, Interior Health Authority Eric provided background on the built environment as it relates to public health outcomes. Approximately one in four British Columbians have been diagnosed with one or more chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, depression, congestive heart failure, hepatitis and asthma). Moreover, Canada ranks fifth of 34 developed nations in rates of obesity. Without societal changes, a substantial and steadily rising proportion of adults will succumb to the medical complications of obesity. Based on existing evidence there is strong support for making changes to the built environment to help promote healthy body weight and improve population health. Traits of a walkable neighbourhood include: Quality and quantity of sidewalks; Access to amenities; Well-lit streets ; Perception of safety; Consistent winter snow removal; Access to transit, parks & playgrounds; Aesthetically pleasing scenery, and Safe crosswalks/continuous sidewalks. Northwest Central Vancouver Island Vancouver Richmond North Shore/ Coast Garibaldi People living in more compact, walkable areas are less likely to be obese and more likely to meet recommended levels of daily physical activity. They are also 2½ times more likely to get the recommended minimum daily physical activity from walking and biking. What are the Health Authorities doing? Interior Health (IH) currently has a subcommittee reviewing and defining IH s role in supporting increased active transportation. Locally, a health inspection officer has been assigned full-time to provide input to community plans in the Okanagan. Interior Health also piloted PHSA s training workshop Introduction to Land Use Planning for Health Professionals in June. For a full copy of Eric s presentation see Appendix B. A video recording can be accessed on the BEAT website at North Vancouver Island North Shore/ Coast Garibaldi Fraser South Fraser North North Vancouver Island Northwest Northern Interior Thompson/Cariboo North Shore/ Coast Garibaldi South Vancouver Island Fraser East Okanagan Northeast Kootenay/ Boundary East Kootenay Northwest North Vancouver Island Central Vancouver Island Vancouver Richmond North Shore/ Coast Garibaldi Fraser South Fraser North North Shore/ Coast Garibaldi North Vancouver Island Northwest Northern Interior Thompson/Cariboo North Shore/ Coast Garibaldi South Vancouver Island Fraser East Okanagan BMI 30 < 10.0% 10.0%-14.9% 15.0%-19.9% 20% Northeast Kootenay/ Boundary East Kootenay 8 SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS

9 Active Transportation Across Canada Keynote: Michael Haynes, TransActive Solutions Michael gave a dynamic presentation that highlighted what Canadian communities are doing to create active transportation friendly environments. He explained that active transportation includes walking, cycling, inline skating, ice skating, skiing, skateboarding, and any other non-motorized modes. It also includes transit as people generally walk from the transit stop to their destination. Short trips those less than 30 minutes long (about 2.5 km of walking or 8 km of cycling) are the target distances for active transportation. Canadians make 2,000 short trips on average each year - 92% of them by car. There are three principal areas where greater effort must be made in order to achieve substantial and lasting improvements to the walkability and bikeability of Canadian communities: Programs, Infrastructure, and Policy and Funding. Michael highlighted three Canadian communities that have achieved success in one or more of these areas: Fredericton, NB In the late 1990s the City of Fredericton, in cooperation with the province, developed more than 50 km of abandoned rail lines as a trail system. These trails pass through almost every neighbourhood in the community. The City now has a dedicated Active Transportation Committee. This committee advocated for the creation of a Trails & Bikeways Plan which was completed in Okotoks, AB Okotoks implemented an award winning Municipal Plan which outlines a vision for a pedestrian and bicycle pathway system that is an integral part of both the Town s overall park system and the transportation network. Okotok s pathway system has since doubled and now includes 40 km of interconnected pathways, with 16 km cleared during the winter months. Bouctouche, NB The Bouctouche Region, population of 6,000 has shown that active transportation can also happen in rural communities. The Bouctouche Green Plan, adopted in 2006 included recommendations for the installation of bike racks; designation of dedicated bike lanes; promotion of active living in the Town s communications; and the development of an Active Transportation Plan. For a full copy of Michael s presentation see Appendix B. A video recording can be accessed on the BEAT website BEAT Summit Coast Capri, Kelowna BC, October 14,

10 On the Ground Action Guest Speaker: Jerry Dombowsky, City of Kelowna Jerry provided details about the implementation of the innovative Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program for the Central Okanagan. The City of Kelowna proper has over 250 km of bike lanes which ranks it as one of the most bike friendly cities in North America. However, the region has historically had a heavy reliance on single occupant automobile usage. The average number of kilometers driven per household, and the number of licensed vehicles is the highest in the province. Support for TDM in the region is encouraging, as evidenced in the results of citizen polling and the high support of the National Commuter Challenge. The goals of the TDM program include providing the public with options in terms of infrastructure and operations, and engaging the community through targeted social marketing initiatives which address real and perceived barriers. Kelowna regional transit has experienced rapid growth over the past 15 years, and a Bus Rapid Transit expansion is planned for next year. Currently, every bus in the Kelowna Regional Transit system is equipped with bike racks, offering support for riders over longer distances, or in case of inclement weather or injury. The implementation of the U-Pass in fall 2007, led to an immediate 50% increase in ridership on UBC-O campus specific routes. In terms of bicycle and pedestrian planning, bike lane and multi use path expansion is ongoing in Kelowna. Cost share bicycle rack programs have increased the capacity of businesses and community organizations to provide quality, secure bicycle parking. The City has also purchased and installed bike lockers at key locations which are rented on a monthly basis. These infrastructure and operations improvements are complemented by a host of promotional events which offer opportunities to generate enthusiasm and public support for active transportation. Annual events such as Bike to Work Week, Walk and Roll Car Free Day Festival, and International Walk to School Day have been well attended. Ongoing programs include the Off-Ramp Highschool Program, Kelowna Transit Ambassadors, and elementary school Bike Rodeos where children are taught bike skills and safety. For a full copy of Jerry s presentation see Appendix B. A video recording can be accessed on the BEAT website at Vernon s New Transportation Plan Guest Speaker: Kim Flick, City of Vernon 10 SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS

11 Like many small to mid sized communities, Vernon lacks the population density to support viable public transit. For communities that cannot support a viable bus or SkyTrain system, different strategies are required that are appropriate to the size of the community. She also stressed that Transportation Plans must be be contextual and appropriate. In Vernon, cycling is seasonal for most people, while buses and walking are utilized more or less year round. How can smaller communities adapt a Transportation Demand Management plan that addresses their unique needs? Kim emphasized that built form is critical to the success alternative transportation networks. Integrating active transportation options into an overall transportation framework starts with sound land use planning. Vernon s new growth strategy will direct growth to the City Centre and designated Neighbourhood Centres. One of the intended outcomes is to promote built form that is pedestrian and cycling oriented, and well connected to transit routes. Vernon s new planning strategies will likely be realized over many years or decades. How can active transportation be more viable today? Kim noted that it is important to find small wins through immediate improvements: i.e. new bike lanes; connecting key trails to complete connections; providing end of trip facilities. Also, we must lure those residents who have a choice in their mode of transportation by making facilities safe and pleasant. Finally, it is important to stick to the vision and the plan. Kim highlighted the need for collaboration of sectors to promote active transportation. Using the process of creating Vernon s new Transportation Plan as an example, she demonstrated the importance of partnerships between planning and engineering, and between politicians and staff. In closing, Kim discussed factors that affect the decision-making process at the local government level. She noted the success of Vernon s community-driven OCP process, which gave the community a forum to demand change. For a full copy of Kim s presentation see Appendix B. A video recording can be accessed on the BEAT website at BEAT Summit Coast Capri, Kelowna BC, October 14,

12 AT Quotient - Community Assessment In the afternoon session, Michael Haynes and Erik Lees led groups of participants on a walkabout and community assessment of a neighbourhood adjacent to the conference venue. The two groups looked critically at the layout and design of the study area in terms of its success in three different areas: Walkability; Bikeability, and Other Uses (includes skateboarding, inline skating, and wheelchairs). The walkabout was followed by an Active Transportation Quotient Workshop. The AT Quotient is a community assessment tool developed by Michael Haynes. Michael has utilized the AT Quotient at workshops in communities across Canada as a method of generating discussion around how a community s built environment is meeting the needs of different transportation user groups. Following the site assessment, participants broke into small groups and engaged in discussion from the perspective of one of the three user groups: walking, cycling, and other uses. The AT Quotient worksheet was filled in by each group and scores tabulated based on participants observations in the field. While not a definitive assessment tool, the walkabout permitted participants to engage in initial discussions about the on-the-ground implications of a site that was planned and designed with a focus on the automobile. In the words of one participant, it gave me an opportunity to look at the environment through a different lens I saw aspects of it in a way I had never seen before, due to the prompts from the walk leader, and observations of others. A sample of the AT Quotient worksheet Section 1: Walkability is provided on the following page. 12 SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS

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14 Summary of Plenary Discussion Questions: What do we need to bring departments together? How can we facilitate this? Do we have the right mix of participants? General Comments: Lower income neighbourhoods will benefit the most from active transportation improvements. Interested in having a report-out on successful projects carried out by the communities that received the BEAT planning grants last year. Would be helpful to look in depth at the results of one successful community. Lots of evidence, but we need more of an emphasis on how to make change. Less preaching to the choir. How do we create change through the decision-making process? A summit is a big commitment in terms of time and money. A webinar might attract more folks (i.e. engineers, developers, approving officers) and reduce the footprint of the summit. More First Nations representation is needed. We could target Metis ActNow, or the Land Officers that every First Nations community has. There is a lot of interest in developing active transportation infrastructure among First Nations there are currently 26 First Nations Active Communities who are absorbing everything they can get. We need to reach out to the really small, rural communities, i.e. those who deal with issues such as wildlife, and depend on trails only (no roads). There is a lack of guidelines that are specific to small communities. More Specific Comments: We need to bring Approving Officers to the table. The AT Quotient was helpful, but would like to spend more time on it i.e. get on a bike for half a day to explore more of the community. Some participants should do the AT Quotient in a wheelchair or use goggles that simulate sight impairments. Leave more time for speakers, especially the keynote. 14 SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS

15 Summit Feedback Summary 1) Overall Summit The majority of respondents (92%) were either somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with the summit. When asked, what was the most useful aspect(s) of the summit?, the majority of the commentary provided by the respondents centered on the following: diversity of speakers; walkabout; opportunity to network with others in the field; opportunity to learn about active transportation and share ideas; and an opportunity to stimulate thought about what can be done in the area of active transportation. Conversely, when asked what was the least useful aspect of the summit?, there were several comments about the lack of time and the feeling that the sessions were rushed. There were a few comments about the desire to learn more about how to create change rather than focusing on challenges. 2) Summit Format Just over two-thirds of respondents (68%) would change some aspect of the format and/or content of the summit. When asked to provide examples of suggested changes to the format and/or content of the summit, the majority of the commentary provided by the respondents centered on the following: effective time management of the speakers (i.e. keep speakers to time, one less presentation); greater time allotment to learning about examples of successful initiatives with emphasis on how to make changes happen on the ground ; and more time for dialogue and networking. 3) Action on Strategic Priorities Identified The majority of participants (93%) stated that they were planning to take action on the strategic priorities identified at the summit. The proposed actions identified by respondents varied greatly but can be grouped into following four general categories of action: specific action; advocacy/ knowledge sharing; developing plan/policies/ideas; and networking/linking. The actions are listed on the next page and grouped by general category. When asked how BEAT can make it easier to for participants to return home and take action? comments from the respondents centered on the following: continued networking opportunities (i.e. distribution of participant list); and further support (assistance with development of action plans, provision of tools etc). Specific Action Look at employee benefits to increase active transportation. Apply for funding and grant opportunities. Start a local committee. Improving assessment or development permits. BEAT Summit Coast Capri, Kelowna BC, October 14,

16 Advocacy/knowledge sharing Greater public awareness of importance of active transportation. I will contact the planners I met from Fort St. John, Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach etc. to feature their promising practices in our healthy community planning guidelines. Very, very helpful and productive knowledge. I will include active transportation information in foundation newsletters and conferences/workshops. Develop plan/policies/ideas Take a fresh look at my community; revisit our policies on active transpiration. Will review Ministry of Transportation s policies regarding Active Transportation. Development approvals in Regional District (i.e. outside of municipalities). If possible, trying to adapt ideas to rural areas. I will discuss with Chamber of Commerce staff as to how our organization can help support active transportation. Development of neighbourhood plans. Continue to plan and implement master plans to better our community. We will definitely look more into active transportation opportunities, funding sources and initiatives with parks planning in the communities. I like the idea of having an active transportation plan vs. a bicycle master plan and/or pedestrian master plan. I will follow-up on creating active transportation Plan for Penticton (advocate for this). Process of developing a comprehensive community plan is currently in progress and some concepts will be covered in this. Networking/linking Follow-up discussion with other provincial agencies. Approving Officers need to discuss this issue (ministry representative). It would be great for local government to have contacts with community health workers to assist in community planning. Similar to UBCM conference, information should be available for small, medium and large municipalities. I would like a list of attendees including contact information so I could contact them with questions in the future. 16 SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS

17 Appendix A: Speaker Presentations Copies of the speakers PowerPoint presentation are included in this Appendix: Eric Kowalski, Interior Health Michael Haynes, TransActive Solutions Kim Flick, City of Vernon Jerry Dombowsky, City of Kelowna BEAT Summit Coast Capri, Kelowna BC, October 14,

18 Eric Kowalski: Health and the Built Environment 18 SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS

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21 Michael Haynes: Active Transportation Across Canada BEAT Summit Coast Capri, Kelowna BC, October 14,

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27 Jerry Dombowsky: On the Ground Action BEAT Summit Coast Capri, Kelowna BC, October 14,

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33 Kim Flick: Vernon s New Transportation Plan BEAT Summit Coast Capri, Kelowna BC, October 14,

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