The following is the City of…

The following is the City of Waterloo’s feedback regarding Bill 212, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024.

Over numerous years, the City of Waterloo, at the request of our residents, has invested in the creation of a safe, active transportation networks across the City and Region of Waterloo. Currently, there are over 230 km of multi-use trails, protected bike lanes and signed bike routes. These connect to a larger regional network of bike lanes and multi-use paths.

As you are no doubt aware, numerous studies clearly indicate that drivers are also concerned about potential collisions with people cycling on the road and do not feel that the current infrastructure is safe for walking, cycling and driving.

As requested, Waterloo staff have reviewed and analyzed the numerous road reconstruction and rehabilitation projects which reduced vehicular lanes and added safe cycling infrastructure. Staff compared a total of 21 years of collision data before road re-construction to 21 years of collision data after project construction/completion.

We are very pleased that this analysis clearly showed that the reduction of the vehicular lanes and addition of the safe cycling infrastructure resulted in an improvement in road safety.

Specifically, the addition of safe cycling infrastructure resulted in a 42% reduction in overall crashes.
As I’m sure you will agree, safety for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and people who use mobility devices – from the youngest to the oldest in our community – is of paramount importance.
Affordability is another key reason why the City of Waterloo invests in safe cycling infrastructure. Waterloo’s 230 km of networked, safe cycling infrastructure provides people with affordable mobility choices particularly for short and medium length trips.

As you know, vehicular ownership, insurance and operation costs are rising. Numerous residents have shared that the safe cycling infrastructure across Waterloo and our neighbouring municipalities has given people choice for how they move around our community. These options are helping people reduce household expenses and, for some, has enabled them to become a one-vehicle rather than a two-vehicle household.

Despite the introduction of Bill 212, Waterloo is pleased to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation Working Group comprised of engineering experts to co-design standards to facilitate the timely approval and installation of safe, secure active transportation corridors over Ministry controlled roadways and interchanges. Establishing standardized designs will greatly reduce the length of time for construction while – most importantly – significantly improving the safety of drivers and active transportation users.

We were also pleased to learn that you have extended the e-scooter pilot program until 2029. The City of Waterloo appreciates this decision and the opportunity to work in collaboration.
Finally, given the important relationship between the provincial government and Ontario municipalities, we are particularly concerned about the jurisdictional interference embedded within Bill 212.

As proposed, Bill 212 will significantly impact the City’s ability to represent our community’s needs. Local councils are best positioned to make decisions on bike lanes and local transportation planning. The City’s Transportation Master Plan and Active Transportation Committee work in tandem to create a safe, more affordable and connected transportation system.

Our plans are created based on local knowledge and community input. We develop these plans to balance traffic flow with planning priorities like active transportation, multimodal transportation and environmental and health protection.

Bill 212 however proposes serious overreach into municipal jurisdiction. I hope that you will work with your municipal partners to reconsider these aspects of Bill 212 in order to find a better way forward.

The City of Waterloo’s goal is to provide safe and reliable transportation options for all. I know you and the provincial government shares this goal. I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure our residents have affordable and safe mobility choices.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.