Appendix 1. Strategic Context

Vision, Mission and Values

Vision

The vision of the Ministry of Transportation is a fully integrated transportation system that advances economic and social growth, and moves goods and people within British Columbia and to markets beyond.

Mission

The mission of the Ministry of Transportation is to:

• create an integrated transportation network that incorporates all modes of transport, reflects regional priorities, and provides a strong foundation for economic growth; and
• maintain and improve the provincial highway system, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods provincially, nationally and internationally.

Values

• We respect regional and community goals and priorities.
• We are responsive to the needs of British Columbia business.
• We strive for excellence and innovation.
• We respect the people we serve and work with.

Planning Context

When making plans for the future, the ministry must anticipate the demand for its services in the years ahead and the availability of resources to meet those demands. Ministry staff monitors ongoing pressures and trends to make sure the ministry is ready for any changes. The ministry also pays close attention to opportunities to enhance its delivery of services and potential risks that could require it to find new ways to accomplish its goals.

Pressures and Anticipated Trends

• Economic development and population growth in British Columbia will continue to increase demand for transportation, especially in the more populous areas of the province. More vehicles will be on the road and vehicles will be driven farther.
• External trade through transportation gateways will continue to be a major component of the B.C. economy, dominated by trade with the United States.
• Resource industries will continue to need to control transportation costs to compete in world markets. Controlling such costs will require an integrated system that links resource roads to processing facilities and moves goods on provincial highways and freight railways to interprovincial and international gateways.
• Road-based transport will remain most people's preferred alternative for personal and work trips over short and medium distances. Outside urban areas, road-based transport will usually be the only option for these trips.
• Funding available from public sources will continue to lag behind the amount needed for transportation improvements to facilitate economic development and community growth.
• Aging infrastructure will need continued investment to keep B.C. competitive and, in some cases, to catch up on deferred investments from the past.
• The use of heavier commercial trucks will increase wear and tear on all highways and require bridges to be stronger.
• The 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will bring significant transportation demand, requiring improvements to be complete in time for the events.
• First Nations land claims will be resolved over an extended period of time, removing uncertainty about access to land and resources.

Opportunities

• Being open to the talents and innovative ideas of British Columbians could make transportation planning more effective. For example, Regional Transportation Advisory Committees are allowing more regional involvement in transportation decisions.
• Improving relations between the provincial and federal governments could lead to more federal government funding for transportation infrastructure in B.C.
• New models for investment could allow the private sector to fund new transportation infrastructure, reducing the cost to the provincial government and allowing British Columbians to benefit from the new infrastructure sooner than would otherwise be possible.
• A reliable transportation system could encourage major tourism growth by reinforcing B.C.'s image as a safe destination with diverse and unique travel experiences.
• Technological advances could allow the ministry to improve transportation service and competitiveness and/or reduce costs.

Risks

• Wide variation in fuel prices due to world events may result in lower fuel usage, reducing the fuel tax revenues on which the ministry relies to fund needed infrastructure improvements.
• Fluctuations in the price of oil affect the cost of oil-based products used by the ministry such as asphalt, primer, seal coat and crack sealant. For every dollar increase in the world price of crude oil, the ministry faces a corresponding cost pressure of approximately $900,000.
• Potential partners (public and private) may not finance transportation improvements to the degree anticipated, potentially delaying improvements.
• Security concerns or trade protectionism may disrupt cross-border trade in spite of infrastructure improvements.
• Competition from gateways in other jurisdictions may draw existing business away from B.C. For example, cruise ships could change their base of operations from Vancouver to Seattle.
• Potential shortages of labour in key occupations may affect infrastructure improvements by raising their costs or delaying their completion.
• Weather and related phenomena, such as slides, floods, avalanches and fire, likely will remain highly unpredictable and could cause major events that affect the transportation system.

Highlights of Strategic Shifts and Changes from the Previous Service Plan

The ministry's strategic focus is unchanged from the previous service plan. The ministry remains committed to solicit and incorporate regional input into the development of its transportation plans, and to make the best use of limited available funding to maintain and improve the provincial transportation network to drive economic growth and trade.

Consistency with Government Strategic Plan

The British Columbia Government Strategic Plan is the guiding document for government, outlining its goals and providing a broad framework for all individual ministry service plans. The Ministry of Transportation's service plan supports most strongly the government goal for "a strong and vibrant provincial economy". By meeting the goals within this service plan, the ministry will contribute to the successful achievement of the overall government strategic plan.

Government Goal: A strong and vibrant provincial economy.