PORT COQUITLAM, BC - Nov. 15, 2023... Port Coquitlam residents have until Dec. 15 to have their say on planned transportation investments in the City over the next two decades.
The City is seeking feedback Nov. 15 to Dec. 15 from residents, businesses and other interested parties on the draft Master Transportation Plan (MTP), which will guide practical, cost-effective and well-planned investments in the City's road, transit and active transportation networks.
An online survey is posted at letstalkpoco.portcoquitlam.ca and linked to portcoquitlam.ca/mtp, which provides project background, link to the Draft MTP and a map of planned projects. City residents who complete the survey are eligible to win a $150 gift certificate to a Port Coquitlam business.
"Our draft Master Transportation Plan reflects what we've heard from the community and is a practical, data-driven plan that will maximize our transportation investments while ensuring that residents, businesses and visitors can get where they need to go in Port Coquitlam using their preferred mode of travel," Mayor Brad West said. "We're looking forward to hearing what people have to say about it."
The new plan will replace the existing MTP, adopted in 2013. The MTP update began in 2020 and has included public engagement to identify community needs and priorities, meetings with Council, staff, other agencies and interested parties, a comprehensive review of policies, plans and best practices, and project scoping and budgeting.
Reflecting this research and input, the overarching goal for transportation in Port Coquitlam is a transportation network that gives people safe and direct routes to key destination points using their preferred mode of transportation.
Focus areas are:
- Walking/Wheeling: Safe, direct and comfortable routes to walk and wheel to key destination points
- Cycling/Rolling: Safe and direct routes to cycle or roll to key destination points
- Trails: A trail network that connects to key destinations points and encourages outdoor activity.
- Urban Street Design: Attractive, people-focused urban street design that creates places to gather and supports businesses and active transportation.
- Transit: Accessible, attractive transit stops and infrastructure that encourages transit use and supports efficient service.
- Auto: Roads, corridors and intersections that support new development and population growth.
- Sustainability: Use of technology and services that reduce traffic, pollution and dependence on vehicle ownership.
A considerable focus of the draft MTP is on expanding the City's active transportation network, which includes sidewalks, multi-use and cycling paths, and pedestrian and cyclist safety features. More and more, active transportation is considered critical to ensuring transportation networks are comfortable, convenient, safe and attractive to people of all ages and ability.
"The transportation network affects all of us in some way, and we encourage the community to check out the draft Master Transportation Plan and give their feedback," said Cllr. Darrell Penner, Council's designate for public works and transportation matters. "The new plan has a 20-year lifespan so it considers our needs both in the short-term and long-term. It's also designed to be flexible and help us make informed decisions as our needs change over time."
Implementing the MTP
The MTP is a functional document, serving as a roadmap for identifying, prioritizing and implementing practical, cost-effective transportation improvements.
The plan's development included initial planning and costing for a wide variety of transportation projects. View the draft plan and projects map at: portcoquitlam.ca/mtp.
Priority 1 projects are part of the basic transportation network and are planned for implementation in the next 20 years. Priority 2 projects are enhancements to the basic network and are intended to be implemented in line with new development, through funding opportunities or grants, or with a future MTP.
The MTP projects were selected using an approach that prioritizes projects on direct routes to key destination points, improves or expands existing routes and infrastructure to support various modes of travel, and that benefit the most people for the lowest cost.
The City will use the same approach over time as new transportation requests are received.
Next Steps
The City's engagement for the draft MTP includes the survey from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15, a postcard mailout to all households and businesses, information online, and staff meetings with committees, organizations and other interested parties. Comments can also be submitted via email at [email protected].
Staff will provide a summary of feedback to Council in early 2024, along with recommendations for the final MTP for consideration.
Updates will be posted at portcoquitlam.ca/mtp.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]