I have significant concerns…

I have significant concerns with the proposed amendment to the Highway Traffic Act. If the goal is to reduce air pollution and vehicular traffic, the Province should be doing everything in its power to encourage cycling, which is a zero-emission mode of transportation and requires far less space to support. Without robust cycling infrastructure, this mode of transportation will never grow its modal share.

The proposed amendment contravenes policy 3.9.1(a) of the PPS, which states that healthy, active, and inclusive communities should be promoted by planning public streets, spaces and facilities to be safe, meet the needs of persons of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians, foster social interaction and facilitate active transportation and community connectivity. The proposed amendment also contravenes policies 2.4.2.6(b) and 2.9.1(d) of the PPS, and generally infringes upon the ability of municipalities to determine the best approach for accommodating their local mobility demands.

By severely restricting the ability of municipalities to expand cycling infrastructure, the Province will be pushing more people into cars and limiting transportation options for those who cannot drive (particularly children, youth, low-income individuals, and recent immigrants to Canada). I oppose the tabled amendment and strongly urge the Province to reverse course on the proposal.