Transportation Options

Transportation is a hot topic with priorities and focus varying from neighborhood to neighbourhood. 

I am a multi-modal user. I drive, walk, bike, and take transit. This informs my perspective and I feel it brings a balance to the conversation that may not exist in other candidates.

The coles notes version of this blog post is that I support investment into Calgary Transit and the City’s 5A Network “Always Available for All Ages & Abilities”. A city which supports non auto-oriented networks ensures Calgary residents can navigate their neighborhoods safely and cost-effectively year round. ​

WALKING AND CYCLING

The 5A network recognizes that Calgarians are actively needing and choosing different modes of transportation to navigate our city. This includes separated cycle tracks along with sidewalk and pathway improvements. 

What does improving the 5A network look like in Ward 11 neighborhoods?​

• Retrofitting sidewalks with curb cuts, especially on busy walking corridors. Curb cuts benefit seniors, children, parents and visually impaired residents.
• Completing ‘missing links’. Does a sidewalk end on the way to a major destination or is a sidewalk needed? These are areas called missing links. They’re often identified by a well worn path through the grass.
• Provide separated cycling and scooting infrastructure. Sidewalks are not designed for cycling, neither are roads. Separated cycling tracks allow users of all ages and abilities to ride with confidence and without fear.
• Well-marked crosswalks and traffic calming are key to helping residents feel safe walking in neighbourhoods. While vehicles may not be travelling faster than before, traffic volume has increased as has the size of vehicles. Traffic calming is the number one priority for residents who live on or near major neighbourhood arterial roads.
• Snow clearing must be prioritized to and from transit stations and bus stops, at crosswalks, and along cycling routes.

​TRANSIT

Ward 11 has three transit stations, two BRT lines, and countless other bus routes. The Green Line will also be on the east edge of the ward with two stations. We have the opportunity to lead transit ridership in the city. To do this, our service must be responsive to ridership.

Transit stations must be clean and be safe. Heritage and Southland stations are desperately needing infrastructure upgrades. I will work to have parking lots and stations cleaned as well as improve accessibility for impaired users at stations.

We must not cut service due to low ridership during covid. Students, seniors, and low income Calgarians should have reliable and timely transit. Service level frequency must be maintained or increased to support users and to attract new users who will see transit as a viable option to driving.

ROADS
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I haven’t forgotten about you auto-users. I want to assure you that investment into transit and bike lanes does not directly compete with investment in roads. We need roads for emergency services, transit, and to support ride-sharing, for-hire rides, and 

I have experienced and know that snow clearing after major events needs to evolve to better support entry and exit from neighborhoods.

There are routes which are frequented by accidents (Crowchild south before Glenmore anyone?) which need traffic pattern reviews.

As a result of sprawl, road volume has increased and so traffic noise is affecting neighbourhoods more. Sound walls need to be life-cycled to improve quality of life for adjacent residents.

Calgary will always have a mix of transportation options. As demographics and priorities shift amongst residents, the City needs to adjust our deliverables to meet the needs of users. I believe all systems can complement each other, not compete. With a shift in mindset towards giving people viable options to travel for school, work, or leisure, we build a city which is inclusive and equitable.

Kourtney