Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK

KELOWNA - As measured by road-based carbon emissions, Kelowna ranks as one of the most car-addicted cities in the country, with the majority of it spewing from the tailpipes of cars and trucks.

“Kelowna grew up during the golden age of the automobile,” strategic transportation planning manager Mariah VanZerr writes in a report presented to Kelowna council Monday morning, March 19.

“For decades, development happened in ways that required people to drive to meet all of their transportation needs,” she adds. "As a result, Kelowna is one of he most car-dependent cities in Canada, with over half its carbon emissions coming from on-road transportation.”

Homelessness and public safety have only recently pushed aside transportation as top of mind for Kelowna residents and traffic congestion is still solid concern for around 60 per cent local residents.

With an additional 50,000 residents expected by 2040, VanZerr says our car dependency can’t continue the way it has.

“While some progress is being made... increasing traffic volumes and congestion and a risk to the community’s physical health, economic growth and overall quality of life,” she adds.

Endlessly adding to the road network has shown to be counterproductive, expensive and ultimately futile, VanZerr says, as previous experience in other jurisdictions has shown traffic will usually expand to fit the space provided.

“The only long-term solution is to make sure future development can easily be serviced by mass transit, shared transportation services and active transportation networks,” she concludes.

Working in Kelowna’s favour is that 50 per cent of residents and 80 per cent of jobs are already located within a five-minute walk of frequent transit service.

“If the city continues to invest in making it easier and more convenient for people to get around without a car, the city will be able to grow, without slowing down,” VanZerr adds.

VanZerr is leading development of the city’s transportation master plan, which will begin public consultations this spring. It is expected to guide development of the city’s transportation network through 2040.

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