As a car-free resident of…

As a car-free resident of Ottawa, I am concerned that the proposal’s goal to “get drivers where they need to go faster” is incredibly short-sighted and directly opposes the needs of Ontarians. It ignores the complexity of transit, our communities’ roles beyond transit, our municipal governments’ role in implementing a future that residents want, the critical goals of reducing and mitigating climate change, and ensuring communities are liveable. It also establishes a “car vs. non-car” mentality that is dangerous, inaccurate, and irresponsible.

If we do need a change in how the province intervenes in municipal transit, it needs to be about getting people where they need to go faster, safer, and in a way that supports our communities’ other functions. Achieving this goal includes pedestrianizing streets to help Ontarians and visitors explore local businesses without the dangers and barriers to access caused by cars, an investment in useful public transit, remote-friendly and flexible workplaces that reduce highly preventable commuter traffic, 15-minute cities where amenities are accessible without reliance on a car, more complete bike networks, and better pedestrian pathways that are enjoyable to use. It also may include more lanes of car traffic and adjustments to transit priority where evidence indicates, but this should be a last resort. In 2024 when we’re dealing with a housing, liveability, healthcare, education, and climate crisis, the provincial government’s proposal is completely at odds with all best practices, examples from other cities, and the wishes of Ontarians.