LETTER: Oak Bay should embrace car-share program

This is a letter I wrote to Oak Bay council to request an update or insights into why Evo is not allowed in Oak Bay. Ten years ago, when we lived in Vancouver, we were able to be a single-car family, having both Evo and bikes (with a proper bike network) to utilize. I know of several other friends who have been able to achieve the same reduction in their lives. We moved to Oak Bay and fortunately live close to the Victoria border and still can access an Evo (if one is near Foul Bay Road). I wanted you to consider that if you embraced a car share program in this town, it would result in a significant reduction of people who can commit to eliminating a full-time vehicle. The argument for parking is not valid, and one car share can represent a vehicle for dozens of people. I get that no one will want to use this in Uplands, but the rest of Oak Bay is a great opportunity for integrating more progressive means of alternative transportation. The proven success in all the districts of Vancovuer and Victoria shows it works. I would urge council to please revisit this at an upcoming meeting. Mark “Skip” Taylor Oak Bay