Integrating TDM into Development Approvals: Ottawa's New Approach

Integrating TDM into Development Approvals: Ottawa's New Approach

Acknowledgments City of Ottawa Kathleen Wilker, TDM Jessica Wells, TDM Robert Grimwood, Sustainable Transportation Carol Franklin, Development Review & Transportation Engineering Dillon Consulting Shawn Doyle, Ottawa

Background: Changing contexts Policy context (2013 TMP) Sustainable mode share objectives New complete streets approach New multimodal LOS policy & tools Removal of auto LOS targets Support for land use intensification Community context Intensification of established/congested areas Loss of road capacity to improve walking/cycling/transit Increased cycling levels, support for health/environment Development context Challenge of reducing footprint of infill projects Requests for upzoning, reduced parking requirements

Background: Need for new TIA Guidelines 2006 TIA Guidelines not equipped to meet multiple goals Need a new paradigm: Preference for sustainable transportation Pragmatic approach to congestion Challenges of intensification Prioritize city-building over ease of movement Optimize outcomes in messy situations Dillon/Noxon retained to rethink TIA approach Triggers & process Congestion management, TDM, transit, active modes Street design, roundabouts, safety Performance measurement An opportunity for realistic, effective integration of TDM Desirable solution vs. punishment/tail wagging the dog

TDM & development: A pragmatic approach Site design & infrastructure Post-occupancy TDM measures One chance to get it right Can test, iterate, improve Lasts for decades Must be actively sustained Failure Major barriers Failure Lost opportunities Can require in zoning by-laws Cannot require in zoning by-laws Legal tools are simple, effective Legal tools are tenuous, complex Can show on a plan Require text to describe/interpret Easy to find/communicate examples Hard to find/communicate examples Developer-tenant continuity not needed Developer-tenant continuity needed Knowledge of tenant less important Knowledge of tenant more important More predictable costs Less predictable costs Agreement usually closes on occupancy Agreement may not close for years Verification is easy, simple Verification can be challenging, complex

TDM & development: A pragmatic approach Securing TDM programs through approvals is unreliable at best Still need post-occupancy expertise & assistance (e.g. TMAs) Situations do exist where City has negotiating leverage Rezoning, relaxation of parking minimums, phasing triggers Planning still a challenge & implementation still complex Success requires motivated & informed stakeholders Coercion quality Action must benefit developer, occupants & community Need to support developers, consultants & City staff Simplicity and practicality are essential

TDM & TIA Guidelines: Key directions Ensure consistency of mode share targets, site design, transportation infrastructure, parking supply, TDM Accept constraints on making TDM happen Abandon wishful thinking & arm-twisting Seek middle ground: A constructive, supportive approach Avoid rigidity & waste Choose context-sensitivity over prescriptiveness Avoid gaming the system Choose consultation and informed selection over a points-based system Use two checklists to provide guidance/direction Distinguish between physical measures & TDM measures Separate detailed TDM advice from TIA Guidelines Enable easy updates

TDM & TIA Guidelines: Process

TDM & TIA Guidelines: TDM Module TIAs for developments >60 person-trips in peak hour TDM analysis required except non-residential <60 staff/students Part 1: TDM context Mode share targets vs. business as usual ambitious? Sensitivity of adjacent land uses, TOD zone/design priority area Knowledge of eventual occupants: Sector & occupations, operating hours, demand by user type? Part 2: TDM need & opportunity Risk assessment: Impacts of failure to meet targets on occupants, neighbours, transportation system users Whether/how TDM can reduce risk of non-performance Part 3: TDM program Complete checklist, may need more detailed analysis Implementation plan, resources, monitoring

Checklist: TDM-Supportive Development Design & Infrastructure Development Design Module requires applicants to complete checklist Single document with separate checklists for residential & non-residential uses Building location, features & amenities Multimodal access, circulation, stops, parking, trip-end amenities Highlight Official Plan, zoning by-law requirements Provide guidance on priority of measures

Checklist: TDM-Supportive Development Design & Infrastructure Summary Development design & infrastructure measures Non-residential Residential WALKING & CYCLING: ROUTES Building location & access points ü ü Facilities for walking & cycling ü ü Amenities for walking & cycling ü WALKING & CYCLING: END-OF-TRIP FACILITIES Bicycle parking ü ü Secure bicycle parking ü ü Shower & change facilities ü Bicycle repair station ü ü TRANSIT Customer amenities ü ü RIDESHARING Pick-up & drop-off facilities ü ü Carpool parking ü CARSHARING & BIKESHARING Carshare parking spaces ü ü Bikeshare station location ü ü PARKING Number of parking spaces ü ü Separate long-term & short-term parking areas ü ü OTHER On-site amenities to minimize off-site trips ü

Checklist: TDM-Supportive Development Design & Infrastructure Excerpt

Checklist: TDM Measures TDM Module requires applicants to complete checklist Single document with separate checklists for residential & non-residential uses Residential: Distinguish between measures relevant to subdivisions, multi-family housing, condominiums Non-residential: Distinguish between measures targeting commuters vs. visitors Provide guidance on priority of measures

Checklist: TDM Measures (summary) TDM measures Non-residential (target markets, if any) Residential (types, if any) TDM PROGRAM MANAGEMENT Program coordinator ü ü Travel surveys ü ü WALKING AND CYCLING Information on AT routes & destinations ü ü multi-family/condo Bicycle skills training ü Valet bike parking ü visitor TRANSIT Transit information ü ü multi-family/condo Transit fare incentives /visitor ü Enhanced public transit service /visitor ü subdivision Private transit service /visitor ü RIDESHARING Ridematching service Carpool parking price incentives Vanpool service CARSHARING & BIKESHARING Bikeshare stations & memberships ü multi-family Carshare vehicles & memberships ü PARKING Priced parking /visitor ü TDM MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Multimodal travel information /visitor ü Personalized trip planning ü Promotions OTHER INCENTIVES & AMENITIES Emergency ride home Alternative work arrangements Local business travel options Commuter incentives On-site amenities

Checklist: TDM Measures (excerpt)

Thank you Download TIA Guidelines from: www.ottawa.ca/tia Request checklists from: Kathleen Wilker TDM Project Officer, City of Ottawa kathleen.wilker@ottawa.ca