I voice my absolute…

I voice my absolute disapproval for this piece of legislation, here are my thoughts and some proposed solutions to our ongoing transportation issues in this province.

1. The Fundamental Premise of the Bill is Deeply Flawed.
In its preamble, the government claims the bill aims to "fight gridlock and get drivers where they need to go faster." This approach is misguided for several reasons. First, the focus should not be solely on speeding up vehicle travel, but rather on ensuring that people can reach their destinations more efficiently. Moreover, if this legislation were rooted in sound transportation principles, it would acknowledge that simply building more highways or adding vehicle lanes does not effectively address traffic congestion.

The primary cause of urban congestion in Ontario is the prevalence of low-density, car-centric sprawl. A well-informed policy would recognize this reality and advocate for a regional strategy that embraces multi-modal transportation options to reduce the number of vehicle trips made. At the provincial level, this should involve coordinated inter-regional planning that aligns regional growth with public transit, active transportation, and, when absolutely necessary, limited vehicle access for delivery and utility work. (ie use cars only when absolutely necessary).

The idea that expediting highway development through farmland, eliminating bike lanes, and reducing active transportation infrastructure is not only misguided but also a significant misallocation of time and resources. I strongly urge you to reconsider this approach.

2. Micromanaging Local Issues is a Misallocation of Ministerial Resources

The idea of the Minister micro-managing local transportation issues, such as bicycle lanes, is not only an inefficient use of time and resources but also undermines the government’s goal of reducing red tape by adding unnecessary layers of infrastructure approvals.

Local planning decisions of this nature are best left to municipalities, which have a deeper understanding of their communities' needs. Rather than targeting one of the viable solutions to gridlock—like bicycle lanes—we need the Minister to focus on coordinating growth and transit plans between municipalities. This includes ensuring that active transportation and public transit corridors are integrated into future growth plans and that there is effective infrastructure coordination across municipal boundaries on a macro-scale.

3. Waste of Taxpayers Time and Money

It appears that the Premier and Minister have already decided to eliminate several fully constructed cycling infrastructure projects in Toronto, including the lanes on Bloor, University, and Yonge Streets. These projects, which cost taxpayers millions of dollars, are now under threat just as they have been completed. The proposed removals come with an uncertain cost and an unknown timeline for construction.

We urge you not to waste our time or subject us to months of gridlock while dismantling vital infrastructure. Let’s prioritize effective solutions that benefit our community instead.

4. Please focus on safety and effectiveness:

This proposal will place bicycles directly in traffic, potentially worsening the very issues it aims to address. Not only does this jeopardize the safety of Ontarians, but it fails to provide a viable solution to the problem at hand. Please focus on actual solutions to fix our transport problems.
For example consider the following:

a. Remove On-Street Parking in Priority Corridors

If right-of-way real estate is a concern, consider implementing growth bonuses and provincial design standards to address a significant inefficiency in our corridors: on-street parking. Removing parking would free up space for two travel lanes, as well as wider, grade-separated bike lanes and improved public realm features that can enhance local real estate values and stimulate commerce.

b. Integrated Regional Transit Planning:

Develop a comprehensive regional transit strategy that connects multiple municipalities, prioritizing the creation of reliable, frequent, and affordable public transit options—such as buses and light rail—that link urban centers with suburban areas. Additionally, allow passengers to bring their bicycles on inter-regional transit to facilitate the first and last few kilometers of their journey. By enhancing transit accessibility, we can reduce dependence on personal vehicles, thereby alleviating congestion and curbing urban sprawl.

c. Incentivize Mixed-Use Development:

Encourage municipalities to adopt zoning policies that promote mixed-use developments. This approach combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within walkable neighborhoods, reducing the need for long commutes and fostering vibrant communities. Incentives, such as tax breaks or grants for developers, can help facilitate these projects and combat urban sprawl.

d. Implement Congestion Pricing:

Introduce congestion pricing in heavily trafficked areas to manage demand during peak hours. By charging a fee for driving in certain zones during high-traffic times, we can encourage commuters to use public transit, carpool, or shift their travel times. The revenue generated can be reinvested into transportation infrastructure and public transit enhancements, further improving mobility and reducing congestion.

e. Use What We’ve Got:

Before moving forward with plans to construct a billion-dollar highway over the GTA, we must address one of the most significant public infrastructure failures in Ontario’s history: the under-utilization of Highway 407. Instead of promoting widespread sprawl, we should incentivize its use for cargo and commercial vehicles. If we do need to build a new east-west corridor, let’s focus on enhancing inter-regional transit by developing a circulator route for Metrolinx, rather than adding more highways.