To avoid the intersectional and discriminatory pitfalls of equity in outcomes, our group focuses on equity in opportunities. Our work looks at how the City of Vancouver can identify areas of inequity through the utilization of census metrics not limited to: “Job Density, Population Density, Incomes”; using statistical measurements such as the Gini Coefficient and Lorenz Curve, and unbiased survey questions which aim to first provide a descriptive analysis before providing any prescriptive suggestions.

We explore how these tools can then work parallel with policy initiatives that relate to Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) Big Moves 2.2, Expand and Improve Walking, Rolling, and Biking Networks. The Gini Coefficient and Lorenz curve aid in determining various areas of inequity in wealth. While metrics, such as the ones mentioned, allow for current and future city planning through the validated methodologies of Transit-Oriented Development and Transportation Land-Use Coordination; both of which can be a pathway for not only increasing equity in terms of access to life-enriching activities but also improving the health of community members.

There are numerous initiatives taken around the world for reducing inequities in transportation and the majority of these initiatives identify the main challenges to be that of quality, access, and poor land-use. The City of Vancouver can address quality by ensuring good roads and sidewalks as well as an ample supply of well-maintained bikes. The City can address access, by utilizing the suggested identification tools, and by increasing access to affordable and high-quality life-enriching activities such as jobs and schools. The latter might require complementary initiatives such as tax incentives to entice business growth. Poor land-use can be addressed by perhaps considering new development that has Transit-Oriented Development and Transportation Land-Use Coordination at its core, as both emphasize the importance of increasing the density of life-enriching activities for given areas.