Bill Stettler of Lindsay expressed a need to move forward with developing an Active Transportation Master Plan, noting that transportation is a major source of pollution and greenhouse gases. He commended Council for taking the first steps toward this important initiative, noting that now is the time for further action.
Glenda Morris shared her support for an Active Transportation Master Plan, noting the importance of its integration with planning processes for the betterment of the community. She spoke to the value active transportation brings to a community and specifically to the health, environmental and socio-economic benefits of walkability. Ms. Morris encouraged Council to move forward with this initiative.
Jamie Morris encouraged Council to move forward with developing an Active Transportation Master Plan noting it is a key factor in managing environmental and climate change issues. He noted that significant funds are directed to support our roads infrastructure, and expressed the need to ensure active transportation is considered when undergoing road reconstruction. He called for strategic leadership, noting that an Active Transportation Master Plan is the first step.
Richard Fedy, Co-President of Environmental Action Bobcaygeon, advised that they have developed an Active Transportation Plan for Bobcaygeon and are in support of including an Active Transportation Master Plan for the City in the 2020 Budget. He noted that they have experienced overwhelming support from the community of Bobcaygeon and highlighted the importance of having the character of the community shape development.
Al MacPherson spoke in support of including and Active Transportation Master Plan in the 2020 budget. He highlighted the importance of walkability and connectivity to seniors, specifically in the Lindsay area and expressed the need for strategic improvements to ensure standards and guidelines are established for developers to support a vision of connectivity. Mr. MacPherson encouraged Council to support this initiative and to be both practical and strategic in its implementation.
Chis Appleton stated that he supported the comments made by the previous speakers in regards to the need for an Active Transportation Master Plan. He further requested updates on specific budget issues of importance to the residents of Fenelon Falls, namely the importance of the downtown and options for bridge crossings and the public washrooms in Garnet Graham Park.
Art Hornibrook, President of the Kawartha Cycling Club, called for action in moving forward with an Active Transportation Master Plan to provide guidelines to the Planning and Engineering divisions of the City to ensure the inclusion of active transportation components in development and reconstruction. He noted that wider shoulders both support active transportation and enhance the life of roads. Mr. Hornibrook further noted that without an Active Transportation Master Plan in place, access to grant funding is limited.
Peter Petrosoniak, Member of the Board of Directors for the Green Trails Alliance, spoke to the need for an Active Transportation Master Plan, noting that the 2014 Provincial Policy Statement speaks to active transportation. He expressed a need for linkages within and between subdivisions, communities and towns.
Rob Ferguson advised that he is looking for opportunities within the City to relocate and highlighted the importance of walkability and connectivity when selecting a community in which to live, specifically where there is no need to drive. He further expressed the need for safe and signed cycling routes within the City.
Pete Sanderson of the Lindsay Optimist Club advised that he was in attendance to represent the voice of the youth. He advised that Wilson Fields in Lindsay receives kids for sports weekly and that they are primarily driven by parents. He noted that there is both a lack of parking and a lack of connectivity to allow for kids to walk to the location safely. He highlighted the importance to both youth and seniors of being able to get from place to place safely, without driving.