Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation News

posted by Joe on 10/16/2007 | 0 Comments |

BikingToronto is a TCAT supporter. Here's the latest from TCAT:

1. TCAT Supporter Survey – TCAT calls on its supporters to complete a short on-line survey

Over the next couple of months and into the New Year, TCAT will be examining its priorities, strategy, funding and governance. As a prelude to this work, TCAT wants to connect with our supporters – both organizations and individuals – to get an understanding of what our supporters expect and also what they can contribute. We also want to know where are supporters are within Toronto , so that we can track the geographic scope of our supporter base.

The survey should take no more than five minutes, and is available on-line .

If you would prefer to complete the survey on paper or through e-mail, please contact info@torontocat.ca to receive a Word version.

2. Centennial Park Masterplan – Public Meeting, November 1st, 6:00 pm

Parks, Forestry and Recreation will be holding a public meeting for interested citizens regarding the new Masterplan for Centennial Park. The Master Plan will include a concept plan and detailed multi-year implementation strategy for the revitalization of the entire 525-acre site as a public community recreation facility.

TCAT has learned that the plans do not currently incorporate the needs of cyclists – a proposed loop for bike races was opposed by staff and there is little to no bike parking. Also, the trail link across Etobicoke Creek into Mississauga is opposed by staff.

Date: Thursday, November 1^st

Time: 6:00pm.

Location: Centennial Park Olympium, 2^nd floor, 590 Rathburn Road , just West of Renforth Road

Agenda:

· Open House at 6:00 PM

· Presentation at 6:30 PM

· Workshop to follow presentation

· Wrap-up at 8:00.

For more information on the master plan and consultation process, visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/parks_gardens/centennial.htm

3. Sustainable Transportation Initiatives – City report goes to City Council October 22nd – 23rd

Earlier this month, a joint report from Transportation Services and Transportation Planning was released, and was approved the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. You can read the report at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2007/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-7193.pdf. [PDF file]

The initiatives are ‘quick wins’ for improving walking, cycling and transit over the next two years or so. Some of the projects relate to existing plans, such as the Bike Plan, forthcoming Walking Strategy, and Transit City Plan. However, many are completely new proposals from the City, such as an East-West bike route along Bloor and Danforth.

The report will go to City Council for approval next Monday/Tuesday, October 22nd – 23rd.

TCAT has submitted a letter to Council supporting the initiatives, while commenting on some omissions that would improve the report. If you would like to see a copy of this letter, please e-mail info@torontocat.ca .

What can you do to help this report gain approval?

The committee secretary has informed TCAT that there is no opportunity to make a deputation to Council on an item approved by a standing committee. Instead, contact your Councillor today by phone or e-mail. To find your councillor’s contact information go to: http://app.toronto.ca/im/council/councillors.jsp

TCAT has also learned that two potentially key supporters of the report, who could help gain the support of others, are Councillors Parker and Saundercook. So consider contacting them directly or copying them on any letters or e-mails.

***Also, please copy info@torontocat.ca on any letters you send. Thank you.

4. Queens Quay Revitalization – Public Consultation process

Last night at the first meeting of the new Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee, a former member of the committee invited new members to get involved in the Queens Quay Revitalization consultation process. This a huge project being undertaken by Waterfront Toronto, and covers the section of Queens Quay from Lower Spadina Avenue to Lower Jarvis Street. Waterfront Toronto projects generally move fast, so in order to ensure that the needs of pedestrians and cyclists are represented, TCAT encourages our supporters to get involved now.

To get involved, contact:

Andrea Kelemen

Communications and Marketing

Waterfront Toronto

20 Bay Street, Suite 1310

Toronto ON M5J 2N8

Tel: (416) 214-1344 x 248

central@waterfrontoronto.ca

You can get more information on the WaterfronToronto site:

5. Knox Contra-flow Bike Lane Installed!

As reported on bikeToronto.ca last week, there is a new bike lane in town. Knox Avenue between Eastern and Queen now has a contra-flow bike lane down this one-way street, allowing cyclist to use the route two-way.

TCAT News – Help spread the word!

TCAT is continually looking to increase its list of supporters. It helps to be able to say how many people and organizations support the work we do when we speak with City Councillors, City staff, and the media, or put out a publication. Please send this message to any groups or individuals you think would be interested in learning more about TCAT, receiving our weekly e-Bulletin, or volunteering with TCAT.

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