Whatever happened to the Oak Bay COMPLETE STREETS POLICY?

In early 2012, Oak Bay Council appointed the Alternative Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) to make recommendations on improving infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized road users.

ATAC presented its initial recommendation in June, 2012:  the adoption of a Complete Streets policy, which was enthusiastically and unanimously approved by Council.

Complete Streets are designed for all road users. This is a departure from early urban models post-1950s that considered the main function of roads to serve motor vehicles. But streets are transportation routes for everyone, paid for by everyone, and infrastructure tax dollars should accommodate all modes of travel.

Implementation of the Oak Bay policy was expected to be in phases, i.e. where all anticipated road and sidewalk upgrades would be planned and developed through a Complete Streets lens, in accordance with the new policy.

Which brings us to today, fully 16 months later. So far, there has been zero compliance with policy. Two recent examples:

1. The Engineering staff report (August 2013) on the Oak Bay High School Traffic Study focussed only on the impact for motor vehicles. The staff report cited LOS (see Level of Service, a traffic engineering evaluation rating). The report also cited potential loss of some parking spots on Cadboro Bay Road if cycle lanes were added. No consideration was given to pedestrians or cyclists. The report addressed moving vehicles and potentially losing parking along the road, rather than focussing on enhancing pedestrian or cyclist safety through improved sidewalks, bike lanes and other measures. Remember, this is a high school for children, as well as a neighbourhood learning centre, community theatre, and is the site of north-south and east-west cycling thoroughfares. 
2. A sidewalk upgrade project along Musgrave Avenue immediately adjacent to Willows Elementary School (children again), has replaced an old narrow sidewalk with......... a new narrow sidewalk.  This section of Musgrave is a chronic speeding zone and so an opportunity to slow traffic, and assist with children arriving and departing the elementary school site has been lost for the next half century. 

These are examples of work undertaken without reference to the Complete Streets policy.

Why are projects brought forward that do not comply with policy?

What is required to ensure compliance with the wishes and directions of the Mayor and Council?

Why does Oak Bay Council permit projects to proceed that contravene municipal policy?