Horgan was in service, not in a role of power
As a political junkie of the conservative stripe, in my opinion, John Horgan was the best premier in B.C.’s history, perhaps not for what he accomplished (he was only premier for five years), but for how he handled the job.
Unlike almost every other politician, Horgan was approachable and possessed a humility almost unheard of in the political ranks. He was passionate about doing the best thing for British Columbians, not the best thing for himself.
The only other politician I can think of who came close was Peter Lougheed of Alberta, who also possessed the directness required of an elected public servant in the course of his duties.
While he did not say it outright, I am sure that Horgan would agree with Lougheed’s motto that he (Lougheed) and the Alberta Conservatives were in service, not power (Lougheed threatened to kick anyone who referred to their “power” out of caucus).
That was the way both men governed, and they both knew that they were there to govern, not rule.
Horgan will be fondly remembered, in years to come, as he has been since he vacated the leadership of the B.C. NDP.
Already, he is missed.
M.D. (David) Hansen
Victoria
Listen to the experts on planning roads
Some commenters have expressed skepticism about traffic evaporation, the concept that automobile traffic decreases when you remove traffic lanes. This phenomenon has been documented in dozens if not hundreds of cities around the world over the past few decades.
There have been numerous examples where a bridge or highway is out of commission, and people predict traffic Armageddon that fails to materialize.
When traffic lanes are removed, driving becomes less attractive so some drivers opt to drive at less busy times, others take transit, walk or cycle, while others simply forgo their trip altogether.
Traffic evaporation is particularly strong when high-quality transit service is added, as will be the case on McKenzie with the planned rapid bus service.
There has been a real shift in thinking among transportation planners and engineers in the past few decades. The standard practice used to be to forecast future demand, then build road capacity to meet that demand.
Over the past 30 years, planners and engineers have come to realize that demand for driving is very much dependent on how much road capacity is provided: if you build more roads, traffic will increase to fill those extra lanes (induced demand), while if you limit or reduce road capacity, the amount of driving on that corridor will decrease (traffic evaporation).
I hope Saanich will listen to the experts who know that the only sustainable way to increase capacity on this corridor is by replacing an inefficient car lane with a transit lane that can carry many more people using the same road space.
Steven Murray
Victoria
Traffic evaporation will really happen
This space has been flooded with letters claiming that installing a bus lane on McKenzie Avenue by removing a “car lane” would “obviously” lead to more traffic congestion and that those who claim that “traffic evaporation” is indeed a thing live in a world of “rainbows and unicorns”.
In science, the obvious answer is often the wrong answer. If we were to believe our eyes, the sun revolves around the Earth; the Earth is, of course, flat, and a ball of lead accelerates towards the ground “faster” than a feather.
And yet, we know that none of these examples are true.
The same applies to traffic. We have known for many decades that increasing the number of “car lanes” simply attracts more traffic and that, on the other hand, removing them does indeed lead to a phenomenon known in the specialized literature as “traffic evaporation.”
And as this traffic evaporates, the quality of life of the surrounding area increases, as does the life expectancy; the number of traffic accidents decreases; the air quality improves; society’s inequalities diminish; the incidence of diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease decreases; the social isolation of elders also decreases; the connection of children with their environment increases, leading to a better development and learning … and there are many other positive effects.
Transforming a “car lane” on McKenzie into a dedicated bus lane is the right thing to do. I understand that change is difficult and often scary, but the benefits of something like this are not to be overlooked.
Traffic may indeed increase for a short while, but it will be a temporary effect. We know from many studies done around the world that induced traffic will disappear and people will choose better transportation alternatives, including the fast bus service that will be right there.
And to the District of Saanich: Please don’t let those who don’t understand (or don’t care) about the science twist your arm into not doing this.
Alfredo Franco Cea
Victoria
Leave thoroughfares as they were intended
The mayor of Saanich should beware the concerns of the majority of the people. Look at what happened when the majority of the public favours something or someone in the last two elections in North America.
The McKenzie Street plan is not supported by the “majority,” therefore not a smart move. In addition, it’s needless.
To all municipal governments: As your mother used to tell you “stay off the roads”!
Leave thoroughfares that function as they were intended when constructed alone and do not impose any more 30 km/h speed zones.
Recently while I was driving on Cordova Bay Road, I got behind a 30 km/h person, the traffic behind me was forever, each motorist seething with road rage. No more road changes, please.
About 12,000 vehicles use Cordova Bay Road every day. So please, stay off our roads!
Jim Laing
Saanich
A student’s thoughts on the McKenzie plan
I understand the concerns about increased traffic from those who must drive cars. However, it’s a tried and true fact that can be attested to in many urban areas, particularly in Europe, that the only way to reduce traffic congestion is through providing quality alternatives to driving.
More people on buses and bikes equals fewer cars on the road. It’s really that simple.
It’s baffling that people argue against buses and cycling infrastructure when it’s clearly a more space and energy efficient transportation method.
Furthermore, it’s one that would allow those who must drive, to do so with less traffic, as there would be fewer cars on the road.
I agree that the plan needs work. B.C. Transit needs to be up to the task of providing more frequent service. Many students choose to drive simply because bus service is unreliable.
B.C. Transit needs to prioritize increasing quality bus service — only then would a bus lane be truly merited. Starting with mixed-use lanes (as is currently used), and then transitioning to bus lanes as B.C. Transit increases service, would be the best way to go.
As a student, my peers and I depend on buses and cycling for our transportation.
In a cost of living crisis, we simply cannot maintain a status quo which requires the majority of people to have cars, as the added expense is often too much for people.
Everyone has a right to transportation, and that includes the many people who can’t afford cars.
Elizabeth Duchesne
Saanich
Put more buses to use, then change the roads
“The definition of insanity is repeating your action time and again yet expecting a different result.” When it comes to transportation planning in the Capital Regional District there is ample evidence that this canard is true.
Saanich has followed Victoria’s example and put the cart before the horse, deciding that if they make life ever tougher for vehicle drivers, those drivers will flock to the buses and the glut of vehicles on our roads will magically disappear.
What buses? Those mythical, unicorn-powered coaches that ply the McKenzie corridor every 10 minutes between UVic and points west? Mann Avenue has recently been turned from one of Saanich’s better feeder routes to the West Shore into a narrow “no parking” zone that has angered residents and non-residents alike, yet there are no new buses to “replace” the hated single-occupant cars that use it.
The solution is so simple that this writer is amazed it even needs to be said: “Put the horse in front of the cart!” Give us decent buses on attractive routes at decent intervals and many of us will be happy to leave our cars at home (provided there is a place to park them).
Regardless of good intentions, you simply cannot force people out of their cars and into something else that does not yet exist!
Saanich, Victoria and the rest need to revamp the bus system to make it attractive. Only then can they deal with their bugaboo about cars.
How about pooling a portion of the federal infrastructure money to build up the bus system? Now, there’s an idea!
K.M. Frye
Saanich
Light rail transit would ease traffic
Light rail transit is a wonderful way to move large numbers of people efficiently. It is expensive but certainly pays back exponentially. It allows people more time, cuts frustration, and is the assured answer to traffic chaos.
Victoria is growing. We need an LRT.
In the interim, counterflow lanes, alternating lanes during rush hour traffic, like in the Massey Tunnel would help alleviate some of the chaos.
Victoria should not look for short-term solutions, it should start thinking LRT.
Linda McIntyre
Cobble Hill
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