Summary: As a responsible…

Summary:
As a responsible tax-payer, I cannot approve paying for ripping out sustainable transportation infrastructure. As an environmentally responsible human, I cannot allow for projects to proceed without environmental impact assessment and due diligence.

A big-picture aim of infrastructure planning should be to promote a healthier, happier, and productive society. Although it might appear that a faster vehicle dependent society is faster and more productive, in the longer run, this approach is unsustainable. Some of the factors often ignored are-
- unproductive time for driving a car,
- mental and physical fatigue of driving a car,
- greenhouse gas emissions,
- local pollution due to emissions from vehicles,
- local pollution due to resuspension of road dust, which includes dust from vehicular tires and brake pads,
- corresponding need and investment of large parking spaces,
- corresponding additional urban heat island load because of big roads, parking areas and the vehicles themselves,
- corresponding increase in stormwater runoff load both in quantity and pollutant loading on surface waters,
- corresponding loss in biodiversity- both in urban areas, soils and in receiving waters,
- increased noise pollution,
- marginalization of economically weaker sections of society who cannot or do not want to rely on personal vehicles,
- expensive infrastructure management- vehicular traffic infrastructure is more expensive to build and maintain then biking and pedestrian transport infrastructure if you look at the overall picture (eg. include costs of installing and maintain underground utilities, include costs of increase healthcare due to poor mental and physical health).
Above factors are just few. A real 2-day workshop by concerned and knowledgeable citizens with wide experiences MUST be conducted to come up with better ideas with a longer term vision. Current proposed bill transfers too much power from Cities to the Province.
Expanding roads is just a band-aid type quick fix solution to alleviate traffic and reduce commute time. Main goal must be to promote a commute friendly city, and many established cities have demonstrated that it is possible – like Montreal, Amsterdam, and more recently Vancouver, Boston and Paris. Toronto was well on it’s way to do it but looks like we are back-paddling now unfortunately. For newer areas, 15-minute City model should be entertained.
To emulate these cities' successes, Ontario could consider the following strategies:
1. Integrated transit solutions: Develop a network that connects cycling, walking, and public transit, making it convenient to switch between modes. This requires investing in high-quality public transit and ensuring accessibility for all. Focus on enhancing connectivity and speed for public transport rather than individual vehicles.
2. Urban redesign: Follow 'complete streets' models where roads accommodate all users—cyclists, pedestrians, public transit, and cars—ensuring safety and efficiency for everyone.
3. Public engagement: Actively involve communities in transportation planning. Regularly assess the impact of changes on residents' lives and adjust plans to maximize positive outcomes.
4. Incentivize sustainable transportation: Encourage the use of bikes and public transit through incentives and by making them more convenient and faster than driving.
5. Leverage technology: Utilize smart city initiatives to optimize traffic flow and transportation networks, reducing congestion and enhancing the commute experience.
6. Reduce speed limits: This will enhance road safety and promote commuters to use alternative sustainable transport modes.