Item - 2015.HL1.5
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Board of Health on January 19, 2015 and was adopted with amendments.
HL1.5 - Health Evidence to Support Development of Complete Streets Guidelines
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Board Decision
The Board of Health:
1. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to continue to collaborate with the General Manager, Transportation Services and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to:
a. Incorporate the findings of the Healthy Streets Evidence Review, Jurisdictional Review, and Design Features and Benefits reports in the creation of the new Complete Streets Guidelines; and
b. Promote health equity by prioritizing Complete Street projects in high need neighbourhoods including those identified in the Toronto Strong Neighbourhood Strategy as well as those with higher rates of diabetes, low walkability, and limited cycling infrastructure.
2. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to report to the Board of Health by October 2015 on the progress in incorporating health evidence in the City of Toronto Complete Streets Guidelines.
Decision Advice and Other Information
The Board of Health:
1. Forwarded the report (December 19, 2014) from the Medical Officer of Health to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee for information; and
2. Forwarded the report (December 19, 2014) from the Medical Officer of Health to:
a. Ontario Ministers of Health and Long-Term Care and Transportation
b. Public Health Ontario
c. Canadian Diabetes Association, Canadian Public Health Association, Ontario Public Health Association, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ontario Medical Association, Ontario Public Health Association, Toronto Cancer Prevention Coalition - Occupational and Environmental Health Working Group, and Urban Public Health Network;
d. Canadian Institute of Planners, Canadian Urban Institute, Ontario Professional Planners Institute; Ontario Association of Landscape Architects; Canadian Society of Landscape Architects; and
e. 8-80 Cities, Civic Action, Clean Air Partnership, Cycle Toronto, Toronto Cycling Think and Do Tank, Toronto Centre for Active Transportation and Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA).
The Medical Officer of Health gave a presentation to the Board of Health.
Origin
Summary
Toronto Public Health, in consultation with Transportation Services and City Planning, commissioned three reports about how the design of Complete Streets is associated with better health. These reports highlight the health evidence and experiences of other cities as they shifted their focus from moving cars to moving people. Recognition that road ways are a finite urban resource has led to more egalitarian design decisions regarding the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and motorists.
Complete Streets is a concept that guides road design for all ages, abilities and modes of travel. Expanded active transportation options enable residents to build physical activity into their lives every day, thereby reducing the risk of serious chronic diseases such as diabetes, stroke and heart attacks. Implementation of Complete Streets guidelines facilitates physical activity, supports positive mental health, reduces the frequency and severity of collisions, and decreases exposures to harmful pollutants from vehicles.
The Healthy Streets: Evidence Review report (see Attachment 1) provides the results of an extensive review of scientific evidence on the health impact of providing more support for active modes of transit and encouraging safe automobile use at appropriate speeds.
The Healthy Streets: Jurisdictional Review report (see Attachment 2) contains key informant interviews of how other jurisdictions have made complete streets policy choices and their consideration of health evidence.
The Healthy Streets: Design Features and Benefits report (see Attachment 3) depicts the evidence for how specific street design choices can positively influence health outcomes. The report provides a visual representation of the project's conclusions about how the information can be used to promote healthier street design in Toronto.
Taken together, these three reports provide health evidence to be considered by Transportation Services and City Planning in the development of the City’s Complete Streets Guidelines.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2015/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-74524.pdf
Attachment 1 - Healthy Streets: Evidence Review
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2015/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-74525.pdf
Attachment 2 - Healthy Streets: Jurisdictional Review
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2015/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-74526.pdf
Attachment 3 - Healthy Streets: Design Features and Benefits - Part 1
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2015/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-74542.pdf
Attachment 3 - Healthy Streets: Design Features and Benefits - Part 2
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2015/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-74530.pdf
Communications
Speakers
Beth Savan, University of Toronto, School of Environment
Nancy Smith Lea, Toronto Centre for Active Transportation, Clean Air Partnership
Paul Hess, Professor, University of Toronto
Albert Koehl
Karen Buck
Motions
That Recommendation 3. e. be amended by adding Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) to the list of organizations being forwarded a copy of the report.
That the Medical Officer of Health be requested to report to the Board of Health by October 2015 on the progress in incorporating health evidence in the City of Toronto Complete Streets Guidelines.
Declared Interests
Councillor Christin Carmichael Greb - as her husband is an employee of the Ontario Medical Association.