Board Minutes December 2012: Difference between revisions
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=== | === Signing of GVCC letter to the Federal Transportation Minister === | ||
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Here are the contents of the letter - Mr. Denis Lebel | |||
Hon. Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities Government of Canada | |||
Dear Minister, | |||
We are writing you as representatives (of some) of the largest and most active urban cycling organizations in Canada. Each of our organizations has worked for years promote the benefits of safe and functional cycling infrastructure in Canada’s cities. | |||
Over the last decade or so, all three levels of government have made significant contributions to the renewal of urban infrastructure. Federal infrastructure programs have been critical to the vitality of Canada’s towns and cities, and renewed funding for public transit has been especially welcome. We support the efforts and leadership of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in this regard, and are engaged in ongoing dialogue with them.1 | |||
We are aware that existing federal infrastructure programs will end in 2014, and of the current effort to refocus those programs. Canada Bikes - our ‘national voice’ – made a submission to the Federal Long Term Infrastructure Plan Roundtable in October 2012. | |||
In the present letter, we would like to underline our concerns directly to Minister Lebel and his staff. In sum, we strongly believe that cycling projects needs much higher recognition and commitment with regards to future infrastructure investments in Canadian cities. We recommend that two per cent of all federal infrastructure dollars being directed to cycling projects in Canadian cities and towns. | |||
The Federal Gas Tax program (made permanent by your government) and Building Canada, for instance, have supported multiple investments to municipal roads, utilities and transit improvements and the like. In some cases, those investments are channeled into cycling improvements. At their discretion, some municipalities have chosen to improve or introduce bike lanes or other cycling improvements as part of a utility upgrade, road reconstruction or resurfacing. | |||
But our research and observation indicate that – with some exceptions – such cycling improvements are too often incidental to a larger road or highway project, or clear opportunities to improve or introduce cycling-friendly design are often missed or ignored. | |||
We believe that the federal government should create explicit ‘active transportation’ and ‘complete streets’ criteria for a large portion of infrastructure dollars spent on urban transportation projects. | |||
1 Canada Bikes has recently responded in detail to the FCM submission to the Federal Long-Term Plan Roundtable. | |||
Dec. 10, 2012 | |||
 | |||
It is critical that any renewed federal infrastructure program reflect the changing shape of Canadian cities and the habits of their residents. Urban residents are driving less and own fewer cars. Current trends show a decline in total vehicle miles driven in North America. The percentage of young people with driver’s licenses is dropping. | |||
Meanwhile, walking, cycling and transit use in Canadian cities is increasing. Canadian cities and towns are striving to introduce more mixed-use and compact developments, comprehensive cycling networks, safer and more walkable neighbourhoods. Many cities are implementing ‘complete streets,’ policies and projects, where local roads accommodate bikes lanes, new or wider sidewalks and space for transit service. | |||
The benefits are many: higher real estate values, job creation, more robust local economies, reduced congestion, fitter and healthier residents, lower health care costs, reduced air pollution and fewer carbon emissions. | |||
It is imperative that a renewed Federal Infrastructure Plan reflect and encourage the emergence of a ‘new urbanism’ in our cities, with its strong emphasis on an active transportation, alternatives to the single-occupancy vehicle and the growing demand and interest in cycling in Canada. | |||
Thank you for your consideration, | |||
Regards, Ed Pullman (on behalf of) | |||
Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition | |||
HUB (Vancouver) | |||
British Columbia Cycling Coalition Kelowna Cycling Coalition GEdmonton | |||
Winnipeg | |||
Toronto Cycle Union | |||
Toronto Coalition for Complete Streets Etc. etc. | |||
cc: | |||
Olivia Chow, NDP Critic for Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities Denis Coderre, Liberal Critic for Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities. .....Federation of Canadian Municipalities | |||
== In Camera Session (__ min)== | == In Camera Session (__ min)== | ||