Local governments can significantly influence transportation emissions through their authority over land use and transportation planning.

• Land use planning policies can include growth management and compact growth strategies. Denser, more compact, sequential development patterns support sustainable transportation. This effect is strengthened when land use planning is coordinated with transportation planning processes.
• Engineering plans and policies are equally critical: street layout and design facilitates viable transportation choices.
• Zoning regulations and development permit guidelines can shape a form and design that encourages decisions for sustainable transportation modes.
• Local government can seize new and creative opportunities for sustainable transportation incentives with fees (e.g., DCCs) and costs (e.g., parking) to encourage efficient use of transportation infrastructure.
• Local projects and programs are tangible examples that can set the course for future successes, and engage local partners in sustainable transportation initiatives.

Plans

Regional Growth Strategy [1]
With the authority of the Local Government Act, local governments have the opportunity to coordinate settlement patterns in the region, encourage walking, bicycling and the efficient use of public transit, and promote the effective use of transportation infrastructure.

Official Community Plan [2]
Local governments have legislated tools and authority to create a transportation efficient land use pattern in the community and neighbourhoods, and to integrate efficient transportation plans. They also establish emission reduction targets and strategies to achieve them. These plans include policies that set in motion further work on Transportation Demand Management plans, and amendments to regulations to support the planned direction.

Capital Plan
Funded works and projects can reflect a strong commitment to a compact community by optimizing existing road resources for multiple transportation modes.

Transportation Plans [3]
A variety of transportation plans are prepared in coordination with land use planning processes at different scales (regional, local, neighbourhood, site). Plans can focus on managing transportation demand, and generating a mix of transportation choices.

Energy Plan
Since transportation is a significant component of energy consumption, opportunities for greater transportation efficiency and sources of energy should be included.

Policies

Development Permit Area Guidelines [4]
Transportation mode choices are shaped by site level design, both at the trip origin (e.g. home) and the trip destination (e.g. work, shopping). New development is a key opportunity to encourage low-carbon transportation choices.

Zoning Bylaw [5]
Zoning implements OCP policies for a compact community form. Zoning can strategically allow and encourage a density and diversity of uses that makes Transit Oriented Development goals successful.

Subdivision and Development Control Bylaw
Roads standards shape the design and layout of streets in the community. These standards are a key opportunity to build transportation infrastructure that serves multiple transportation modes.

Sustainability Checklist [6]
Transportation is a key element for sustainability of new development; including it in a sustainability checklist ensures that it is considered at the outset of design.

Development Cost Charges (DCCs) [7]
DCC rates can be lower in a community with a more compact form (and less roads to build). DCC rates can be an incentive for new developments to lower their environmental impact on infrastructure.

Idling Reduction Bylaw [8]
A campaign for idle reduction is an opportunity for community dialogue about GHG reduction, and an opportunity to generate awareness and support for local GHG reduction policies and programs.

Projects

Sustainability Block [9] and Smart Neighbourhoods [10]
These are a learning and showcase opportunity for a site/block design that embraces transportation choices, and success could be applied on other sites.

Community Car Share Program [11]
Most car share programs are run separately from the government, however many in Europe are run by transit agencies. Local government agencies are ideal partners in setting up or becoming partners in a community car share program.

Transit Oriented Development
A combination of policies and plans could be applied to a candidate area or corridor for improved transit service. The process would be a transit partnership opportunity, and the learning could be scaled-up for community-wide application.

Transportation Hub
This infrastructure supports low carbon mode choices and supports transportation networks.

Greenways
This demonstrates the success and value of infrastructure with multiple functions: active transportation, environmental conservation, stormwater management.

Processes

Community Engagement
Local governments need the support and active involvement from community stakeholders to develop transportation strategies and plans for GHG reduction. Transportation Demand Management strategies need shared community leadership and awareness in order to be effective.

Life Cycle Costing [12]
Lifecycle costing of roads, transit, and active transportation infrastructure (e.g. bike lanes) include complete analysis, which justifies sustainable investments that pay off in the long term.

Triple Bottom Line Evaluation
Includes multiple perspectives in evaluating transportation options and performance: ecological impacts, social equity, economic efficiency.