Transportation for Liveable Communities - open meeting:
WHAT: TLC Meeting
WHEN: Monday, November 9, 2009, 6:30pm
WHERE: NEW LOCATION DUE TO STRIKE ON CAMPUS: Ray's Place Boathouse (303 Dundurn Street South)
Bus tickets available upon request.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
fare debate
Transit fare headache?
Howard Elliott
The Hamilton Spectator
(Oct 28, 2009)
Pass the Tylenol Extra Strength -- an HSR fare increase is back on the table.
Pretty much every year we go through this painful dance in which HSR staff recommends to city council that a fare increase is necessary to offset the rising cost of operations and to improve and expand service. If there's no increase, the system won't grow, will exhaust reserves, defer capital spending and possibly reduce service, the argument goes. And HSR fares are 10 to 15 per cent lower than other big city fares across Canada, so we're underpaying for the service.
And every year, transit, environmental and social justice advocates yell loud and long against fare increases. Fare hikes are guaranteed to reduce ridership, so higher fares are offset by fewer riders, and there's no real gain, they argue. Shrinking ridership also contradicts the city's sustainability master plan, Vision 2020. Because HSR ridership is largely students and people on limited or low income, fare hikes penalize the most vulnerable, and may be a disincentive for people to work rather than rely on social assistance, poverty activists add.
The thing is, all of this is true. There is convincing evidence on both sides. Little wonder the matter ended with a tie council vote last year, which resulted in a proposal for a 10 cent fare increase dying on the table.
Some other salient points:
This time around, the debate is likely to be even more contentious than last year. The city was staring at the prospect of a $15-million deficit, brought about in large part by the recession. Given the bleak state of provincial finances, there's a worry the province may not deliver entirely on its uploading commitment of about $15 million, which could make the shortfall as much as $31.5m. This may not be the year to put extra burden on the overall tax base by deferring any fare increase for a second consecutive year.
The recession has also made poverty an even bigger problem in the city, with many more families unemployed, using food banks, applying for social assistance, and, yes, using public transit because it's what they can afford. The price of a monthly pass has already increased 22 per cent since 2007. This may not be the year to put extra burden on the people living in poverty, including the working poor.
In the wake of last year's split decision on a fare increase, a disappointed Mayor Fred Eisenberger said: "These are tough times. It's a question of balance." That's as true this year as it was then.
Council needs to strike a balanced approach to the pressures on the overall city budget and all taxpayers and the pressures on the HSR and passengers. There needs to be more collaboration and communication with transit users than there has been to date. The results of an operational review of HSR need to be released and understood before a decision is taken on a fare increase. Council needs to hear from and listen to social justice and taxpayer advocates. That process begins at a Committee of the Whole meeting tomorrow. A transit fare increase may ultimately be necessary, but not before a great deal of sincere collaboration and creative thinking rule out other alternatives.
http://thespec.com/Opinions/article/661727
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
let me take you higher!
Higher fares and dirtier buses
City staff are calling for a 20 cent fare hike for the HSR and DARTS, and switching bus purchases to 40-foot diesel vehicles instead of a mix of 40 and 60 foot articulated hybrids. The proposals were released on Friday and go before councillors as part of the ‘transit day’ budget deliberations on October 29.
The 9:30 am meeting at the Sheraton Hotel was also expected to consider changes to HSR routes proposed by consultants. A presentation on those changes (not yet made public) is on the agenda, but transit staff want no action taken by councillors until staff have an opportunity to respond.
The fare hikes, on the other hand, are recommended for finalization by November 30 so they can be imposed at the start of next year.
“Foregone revenue from a delay in a fare increase beyond January 1, 2010 would be in the order of $100,000 per month,” warns the report.
Staff say their proposals respond to a council directive that limits spending increases to 2 percent for 2010 – equal to a little over $850,000 for transit. Staff say the division is facing $2.1 million in additional costs next year plus a $1.3 million drop in revenue because of fewer riders, and that the combined effect would be amount to an 8 percent hike in spending.
The report doesn’t specify the precise effect on ticket or pass prices, instead only referring to “a fare increase of an average of 20 cents per trip”. Applied across the board, the hike would translate into approximately $10 extra per month on the adult and student passes that currently sell for $79 and $63 respectively.
As recently as June 2007, these passes were $65 for adults and $50 for students. Cash fares are currently $2.40 with adult tickets costing $1.85. The seniors pass is now $205 a year. Any fare hikes approved will also apply to DARTS tickets.
The report says fare hikes “ideally” should be for the purpose of improving transit services, and not to keep down taxes.
“Less desirably, in a challenged fiscal environment, fare increases are applied to meet fiscal goals for program budgets versus strategic goals,” explains the report. “Fare increases where the new revenue is used to offset increases to the general tax levy are detrimental to the sustainability of transit programs.”
Transit taxes are area-rated and only apply to portions of the city that receive HSR service with the vast majority collected from residents of the former city of Hamilton. A $300,000 home there pays $266 a year on their tax bill, while similar valued homes in Ancaster pay $58, in Waterdown $60, Dundas $63 and Stoney Creek $85.
Other recommended measures include purchasing only low-floor ramp vehicles for DARTS rather than the lift-equipped high floor design. Staff are also calling for a delay to increases in the Taxi Scrip program that have been recommended by council’s Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
Dropping the policy of buying hybrid buses, including some large articulated vehicles, will save $200,000 explains the report, while abandoning the purchase of lift-equipped DARTS buses will conserve an additional $100,000. There is no discussion in the report on the implications of these moves for either air quality or transit services.
Changes to DARTS to meet new provincial human rights rules are to be discussed in a separate report that staff promises for “the near future” but say won’t affect next year’s transit budget.
“However, there will be substantive financial impacts on future budget years beyond 2010 to achieve compliance with the pending AODA legislation as it is currently contemplated,” the report warns.
At this point, no formal opportunities are being provided to allow transit users to comment on the proposed changes, although council committees usually accept individual requests to speak if made by noon on the day prior to the scheduled meeting.
CATCH (Citizens at City Hall) updates use transcripts and/or public documents to highlight information about Hamilton civic affairs that is not generally available in the mass media. Detailed reports of City Hall meetings can be reviewed at www.hamiltoncatch.org. You can receive all CATCH free updates by sending an email to info@HamiltonCATCH.org.
City staff are calling for a 20 cent fare hike for the HSR and DARTS, and switching bus purchases to 40-foot diesel vehicles instead of a mix of 40 and 60 foot articulated hybrids. The proposals were released on Friday and go before councillors as part of the ‘transit day’ budget deliberations on October 29.
The 9:30 am meeting at the Sheraton Hotel was also expected to consider changes to HSR routes proposed by consultants. A presentation on those changes (not yet made public) is on the agenda, but transit staff want no action taken by councillors until staff have an opportunity to respond.
The fare hikes, on the other hand, are recommended for finalization by November 30 so they can be imposed at the start of next year.
“Foregone revenue from a delay in a fare increase beyond January 1, 2010 would be in the order of $100,000 per month,” warns the report.
Staff say their proposals respond to a council directive that limits spending increases to 2 percent for 2010 – equal to a little over $850,000 for transit. Staff say the division is facing $2.1 million in additional costs next year plus a $1.3 million drop in revenue because of fewer riders, and that the combined effect would be amount to an 8 percent hike in spending.
The report doesn’t specify the precise effect on ticket or pass prices, instead only referring to “a fare increase of an average of 20 cents per trip”. Applied across the board, the hike would translate into approximately $10 extra per month on the adult and student passes that currently sell for $79 and $63 respectively.
As recently as June 2007, these passes were $65 for adults and $50 for students. Cash fares are currently $2.40 with adult tickets costing $1.85. The seniors pass is now $205 a year. Any fare hikes approved will also apply to DARTS tickets.
The report says fare hikes “ideally” should be for the purpose of improving transit services, and not to keep down taxes.
“Less desirably, in a challenged fiscal environment, fare increases are applied to meet fiscal goals for program budgets versus strategic goals,” explains the report. “Fare increases where the new revenue is used to offset increases to the general tax levy are detrimental to the sustainability of transit programs.”
Transit taxes are area-rated and only apply to portions of the city that receive HSR service with the vast majority collected from residents of the former city of Hamilton. A $300,000 home there pays $266 a year on their tax bill, while similar valued homes in Ancaster pay $58, in Waterdown $60, Dundas $63 and Stoney Creek $85.
Other recommended measures include purchasing only low-floor ramp vehicles for DARTS rather than the lift-equipped high floor design. Staff are also calling for a delay to increases in the Taxi Scrip program that have been recommended by council’s Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
Dropping the policy of buying hybrid buses, including some large articulated vehicles, will save $200,000 explains the report, while abandoning the purchase of lift-equipped DARTS buses will conserve an additional $100,000. There is no discussion in the report on the implications of these moves for either air quality or transit services.
Changes to DARTS to meet new provincial human rights rules are to be discussed in a separate report that staff promises for “the near future” but say won’t affect next year’s transit budget.
“However, there will be substantive financial impacts on future budget years beyond 2010 to achieve compliance with the pending AODA legislation as it is currently contemplated,” the report warns.
At this point, no formal opportunities are being provided to allow transit users to comment on the proposed changes, although council committees usually accept individual requests to speak if made by noon on the day prior to the scheduled meeting.
CATCH (Citizens at City Hall) updates use transcripts and/or public documents to highlight information about Hamilton civic affairs that is not generally available in the mass media. Detailed reports of City Hall meetings can be reviewed at www.hamiltoncatch.org. You can receive all CATCH free updates by sending an email to info@HamiltonCATCH.org.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
stripes on sanders
Some new bike lanes painted on Sanders Blvd in west Hamilton. With oversized lanes and low traffic volumes, a fairly uncontroversial installation. Compare this to the situation on Dundurn South, where some shop owners have opposed new bike lanes, and the city has delayed (but not cancelled) painting lanes during road resurfacing there until the spring. Thankfully the councillor has held the line on the benefit of new cycling infrastructure; hopefully other projects in other city wards will have the support of the councillor, and not bend to the first angry opponent of cycling.
Monday, October 19, 2009
transit terminal transition
MacNab closes as new terminal takes shape
The Hamilton Spectator, (Oct 19, 2009)
Construction is set to begin bright and early this morning on Hamilton's new downtown transit terminal .
The work will close MacNab Street between King and Main for 10 months.
It includes the construction of a new terminal building, bus shelters, platforms and the reconstruction of MacNab Street between King and Main streets.
Although MacNab will be closed, local access will be available for the CIBC building and the Hamilton Convention Centre.
The new terminal is part of the city's plans to move the buses out of Gore Park and revitalize the area bounded by James and Catharine Streets, the north edge of Gore Park and the southern sidewalk along the south leg of King Street East.
HSR buses will be relocated from the south side of King Street East to the new terminal.
By removing buses from the south leg of King Street East, it's hoped to provide an opportunity to improve the pedestrian environment in that area through the Gore master plan project.
That project involves extensive public consultation and will be completed to co-ordinate with the timing of the new transit terminal.
The design of the new transit terminal features several "green" and innovative elements -- such as a "green" roof and heated platform, as well as new shelters, public washrooms and enhanced accessibility for wheelchairs and bicycles.
Friday, September 25, 2009
bike lift for the climate
The folks from hamilton350 hooked into Hamilton's Car Free week Critical Mass bike ride, with a bike-lift at the corner of King and James, downtown. The link between climate change and transportation is strong, and so is the movement to reduce our ecological footprint by replacing car trips with transit, walking and of course, cycling!
Monday, September 21, 2009
speedy streets?
CATCH News – September 19, 2009
Speed limit rules changed
The city has adopted new guidelines for speed limits on urban and rural roads that rely on drivers to determine the most appropriate velocity. The guidelines that were produced by a national road association will be supplemented with a modified policy for school zones.
The report
“The ideal speed limit would be self enforcing,” says the report
The new policy follows guidelines released this year by the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), a 95 year old organization that was originally called the Canadian Good Roads Association. It changed its name in 1970 to the Roads and Transportation Association and subsequently dropped the roads reference as it “expand its mandate to include all modes of transport for passengers and freight in the 1990s.
“TAC has a primary focus on roadways and their strategic linkages and inter-relationships with other components of the transportation system,” says the group’s website
The organization doesn’t have a policy for school zones, so city staff have devised one that will be considered for use within 150 metres of a school. It would set a maximum 40 km per hour limit but on major roads that may only apply for part of the school day.
“Arterial roads have a primary purpose of moving traffic. Lower speed limits are generally contrary to this explicit purpose”, explains the policy attached to the staff report. “However, recognizing the need to provide for the safety of school-aged pedestrians en route to school, it may be appropriate to slow the maximum permissible speed of motor vehicle traffic. The time-limited speed limit strikes a balance between the safety of school children and the need to ensure mobility through the city.”
Glanbrook councillor Dave Mitchell welcomed
Hart Solomon, the city’s director of traffic engineering and operations, told Mitchell that in some cases the new rules could mean a 10 km per hour reduction in current limits.
Downtown councillor Bob Bratina wanted to know if the policy would affect a proposed 30 km speed limit
Solomon assured him that “council always has the authority to override” the new rules.
“This policy doesn’t look at speed limits under 50 km in local areas so this would just be a special case and we’ve already anticipated that it would exist as a pilot project,” he said.
The report doesn’t directly address pedestrian or cycling safety. The city’s public health department is advocating for more walkable communities through its Hamilton Walks
The staff report shows consultation only with the Hamilton police service who “agrees completely with the concept of setting speed limits based on good engineering principles” and “does not support artificially low speed limits due to the impact on fair and appropriate enforcement.”
CATCH (Citizens at City Hall) updates use transcripts and/or public documents to highlight information about Hamilton civic affairs that is not generally available in the mass media. Detailed reports of City Hall meetings can be reviewed at www.hamiltoncatch.org
Monday, September 14, 2009
It's time again to celebrate car-free mobility. It's become quite clear that using alternatives to single occupancy vehicle use supports more liveable cities by making streets safer for young and old alike, while contributing to better health and a less polluted environment.
Every year, Transportation for Liveable Comunities celebrates the good things that Hamilton offers in the way of car-freedom. This year, once again, the events span a week, but they could become events that stay with you a lifetime:
* Monday, September 21 - BUS AND HIKE TO SHERMAN FALLS - meet at the campus bus stop by McMaster Museum of art at 5:30pm sharp -bus leaves at 5:35pm (bring your MacID or bus tickets, water and a snack, proper footwear - rain or shine) - Free Waterfall and Hamilton Bike Route maps for participants. Optional Pub stop at the Phoenix upon returning by bus to campus (8-8:30 est time of arrival)
* Tuesday, September 22 - 6:00 to 9:00pm. Have a happy car free day and learn to do free basic bike repair and maintenance at Hamilton's first all-volunteer non-profit bike repair workshop: RECYCLE CYCLES. Located in the basement of Erskine Presbyterian Church (19 Pearl Street North, Hamilton) - enter at side door off Morden Street. There is no cost for the workshop, but please pre-register with randy(dot)opirg(at)gmail(dot)com or by calling 905-525-9140 ext. 26026
* Thursday, September 24 - Annual CAR FREE DRIVE IN MOVIE AT GAGE PARK - free films for the whole family at dusk at the historic bandshell - take a bus, ride, walk to the movies under the stars.
BY BUS: From Central McMaster Campus take the HSR #5 Delaware Bus (eastbound, destination Greenhill) or check out the google maps for transit in Hamilton to make your route choices
BY BICYCLE? Grab a city of Hamilton Bike Routes and Parks map from the OPIRG office (McMaster Student Centre room 229)
* Friday, September 25 - Hamilton's monthly CRITICAL MASS BIKE RIDE meets at the corner of Hess and George Streets, in Hamilton's "Hess Village" at 5:30 pm on the last friday of each month. This is the CAR FREE WEEK mass ride - dress up, bring some noise, and let your spirits soar with your bike along Hamilton's downtown streets.
* Saturday, September 26 - McMaster to Market - self guide yourself: walk from the McMaster campus to two local markets - one, Westdale's weekly organic vegetable market (Saturday's from 8am to 1pm in front of My Dog Joe Fair trade coffeehouse ), and the Makers Market, 10am to3pm at St. Paul's Church in Westdale, the fourth Saturday of the month, featuring local produce and local artisans.
Every year, Transportation for Liveable Comunities celebrates the good things that Hamilton offers in the way of car-freedom. This year, once again, the events span a week, but they could become events that stay with you a lifetime:
* Monday, September 21 - BUS AND HIKE TO SHERMAN FALLS - meet at the campus bus stop by McMaster Museum of art at 5:30pm sharp -bus leaves at 5:35pm (bring your MacID or bus tickets, water and a snack, proper footwear - rain or shine) - Free Waterfall and Hamilton Bike Route maps for participants. Optional Pub stop at the Phoenix upon returning by bus to campus (8-8:30 est time of arrival)
* Tuesday, September 22 - 6:00 to 9:00pm. Have a happy car free day and learn to do free basic bike repair and maintenance at Hamilton's first all-volunteer non-profit bike repair workshop: RECYCLE CYCLES. Located in the basement of Erskine Presbyterian Church (19 Pearl Street North, Hamilton) - enter at side door off Morden Street. There is no cost for the workshop, but please pre-register with randy(dot)opirg(at)gmail(dot)com or by calling 905-525-9140 ext. 26026
* Thursday, September 24 - Annual CAR FREE DRIVE IN MOVIE AT GAGE PARK - free films for the whole family at dusk at the historic bandshell - take a bus, ride, walk to the movies under the stars.
BY BUS: From Central McMaster Campus take the HSR #5 Delaware Bus (eastbound, destination Greenhill) or check out the google maps for transit in Hamilton to make your route choices
BY BICYCLE? Grab a city of Hamilton Bike Routes and Parks map from the OPIRG office (McMaster Student Centre room 229)
* Friday, September 25 - Hamilton's monthly CRITICAL MASS BIKE RIDE meets at the corner of Hess and George Streets, in Hamilton's "Hess Village" at 5:30 pm on the last friday of each month. This is the CAR FREE WEEK mass ride - dress up, bring some noise, and let your spirits soar with your bike along Hamilton's downtown streets.
* Saturday, September 26 - McMaster to Market - self guide yourself: walk from the McMaster campus to two local markets - one, Westdale's weekly organic vegetable market (Saturday's from 8am to 1pm in front of My Dog Joe Fair trade coffeehouse ), and the Makers Market, 10am to3pm at St. Paul's Church in Westdale, the fourth Saturday of the month, featuring local produce and local artisans.
Cycling Progress on Dundurn
Dundurn construction begins today
Dundurn construction begins today
Resurfacing, bike lanes cause delays through October
John Burman, Hamilton Spectator
Construction crews are scheduled to begin resurfacing Dundurn Street South today.
The work – between Hill Street a block south of Main Street West and Aberdeen Avenue – includes removal of all parking on the east side of Dundurn for bicycle lanes.
The work should be completed by the end of October.
City council approved an updated cycling master plan for Hamilton in June. And that includes the bike lanes on Dundurn.
Ward one Councillor Brian McHattie says it may be possible to add three or four parking spaces on the west side of the street.
In an e-mail to area residents, McHattie notes there is significant concern from area merchants and some residential property owners who feel the loss of parking will “result in decreased business, cause more disruption around an already congested area around Earl Kitchener School, and disadvantage motorists with mobility issues who benefit from parking closer to their destination; whether it be church, doctor’s office or business.”
“While I agree that these impacts will occur, I also believe that we need to encourage a cultural shift away from dependency on the private automobile towards cycling as a different mode of transportation,” McHattie said.
The city’s cycling master plan notes bike lanes are a good thing for Dundurn because they will provide connection to the new CP rail trail via Glenside Avenue planned early next year, link to the existing Chedoke rail trail up the escarpment, and provide connections to the downtown via Herkimer Street, Charlton Avenue and Jackson Street.
The plan also says the bike lanes will connect to the McMaster Innovation Park on Longwood Road via the extension of Frid Street via the west end of Charlton Avenue and link to the waterfront over King Street and Longwood Road in 2010.
Dundurn construction begins today
Resurfacing, bike lanes cause delays through October
John Burman, Hamilton Spectator
Construction crews are scheduled to begin resurfacing Dundurn Street South today.
The work – between Hill Street a block south of Main Street West and Aberdeen Avenue – includes removal of all parking on the east side of Dundurn for bicycle lanes.
The work should be completed by the end of October.
City council approved an updated cycling master plan for Hamilton in June. And that includes the bike lanes on Dundurn.
Ward one Councillor Brian McHattie says it may be possible to add three or four parking spaces on the west side of the street.
In an e-mail to area residents, McHattie notes there is significant concern from area merchants and some residential property owners who feel the loss of parking will “result in decreased business, cause more disruption around an already congested area around Earl Kitchener School, and disadvantage motorists with mobility issues who benefit from parking closer to their destination; whether it be church, doctor’s office or business.”
“While I agree that these impacts will occur, I also believe that we need to encourage a cultural shift away from dependency on the private automobile towards cycling as a different mode of transportation,” McHattie said.
The city’s cycling master plan notes bike lanes are a good thing for Dundurn because they will provide connection to the new CP rail trail via Glenside Avenue planned early next year, link to the existing Chedoke rail trail up the escarpment, and provide connections to the downtown via Herkimer Street, Charlton Avenue and Jackson Street.
The plan also says the bike lanes will connect to the McMaster Innovation Park on Longwood Road via the extension of Frid Street via the west end of Charlton Avenue and link to the waterfront over King Street and Longwood Road in 2010.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Sharing can get you to your destination
A new and welcome component to the sustainable transportation mix in Hamilton:
Hamilton CarShare Launch Event & BBQ - Wednesday Sept. 16, 2009
- Part 1: 11:00am – Ribbon Cutting at City of Hamilton Lot #80, King St. W. & Bay St. S.
- Part 2: 11:30am – Ribbon Cutting at First Unitarian Church parking lot 12:00pm – BBQ, Green Venture Tire Pressure Clinic (at First Unitarian Church)
city cycling staff
Dear Mayor and City Councillors,
We are writing to ask that you support cycling in Hamilton by continuing to fund the Cycling Coordinator position, currently held by Daryl Bender.
As you may recall, TLC has advocated for this city staff position in the past, and after the initial experience with the staff position in place, we think our advocacy was justified.
Prior to the hiring it was our experience that programs and infrastructure for cycling were continually falling years behind schedule, while frequent changes to part-time city staff for cycling issues made follow through difficult. This situation left TLC with the clear perception that there is a strong correlation between having a staff person, and the ability to move cycling support forward.
The position of cycling coordinator fulfills the goals set out in the Transportation Master Plan, "intended to move the City towards the achievement of the objectives of Vision 2020 and are reflective of the 9 Strategic Directions to guide development decisions...identified as part of the GRIDS process, including Direction #6 - Expand transportation options that encourage travel by foot, bike and transit and enhance efficient inter-regional transportation connections," where it specifically states the need for a "permanent full-time staff position for Cycling and a permanent full-time position of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Coordinator."
TLC strongly believes that this position should be made a permanent staff position, especially at the time when the city is poised to begin implementation of the significant improvements outlined in the Shifting Gears Cycling master plan.
Transportation for Liveable Communities
(TLC) Hamilton
tlchamilton.org
tlchamilton@gmail.com
905-525-9140 ext. 26026
PO Box 19, 1280 Main Street West
Hamilton ON L8S 1C0
A volunteer working group of the Ontario Public Interest Research Group - McMaster
We are writing to ask that you support cycling in Hamilton by continuing to fund the Cycling Coordinator position, currently held by Daryl Bender.
As you may recall, TLC has advocated for this city staff position in the past, and after the initial experience with the staff position in place, we think our advocacy was justified.
Prior to the hiring it was our experience that programs and infrastructure for cycling were continually falling years behind schedule, while frequent changes to part-time city staff for cycling issues made follow through difficult. This situation left TLC with the clear perception that there is a strong correlation between having a staff person, and the ability to move cycling support forward.
The position of cycling coordinator fulfills the goals set out in the Transportation Master Plan, "intended to move the City towards the achievement of the objectives of Vision 2020 and are reflective of the 9 Strategic Directions to guide development decisions...identified as part of the GRIDS process, including Direction #6 - Expand transportation options that encourage travel by foot, bike and transit and enhance efficient inter-regional transportation connections," where it specifically states the need for a "permanent full-time staff position for Cycling and a permanent full-time position of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Coordinator."
TLC strongly believes that this position should be made a permanent staff position, especially at the time when the city is poised to begin implementation of the significant improvements outlined in the Shifting Gears Cycling master plan.
Transportation for Liveable Communities
(TLC) Hamilton
tlchamilton.org
tlchamilton@gmail.com
905-525-9140 ext. 26026
PO Box 19, 1280 Main Street West
Hamilton ON L8S 1C0
A volunteer working group of the Ontario Public Interest Research Group - McMaster
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Pedaling the Planet's Future
Environment Hamilton's Don McLean (pictured) speaks at the Pedal for the Planet event today outside City Hall in Burlington, Ontario. He spoke of the need for action to reduce the effects of climate change and referred to actions planned in Hamilton this coming October 24, 2009, part of the 350.org climate movement. The 350 web site spells out their cause this way:
A year ago, our greatest climatologist—NASA’s James Hansen—and his team produced a landmark series of studies. They showed that if we let the amount of carbon in the atmosphere top 350 parts per million, we can’t have a planet “similar to the one on which civilization developed and to which life on earth is adapted.”
The bad news is we’re already past that number—we’re at 390 parts per million, which is why the Arctic is melting, why drought is spreading across the planet, why people are already dying from diseases like dengue fever and malaria occurring in places where they’ve never been seen before.
A new international climate change treaty will be signed next December and the final negotiations are happening now. But Canada is blocking progress. Pedal for the Planet is a chance for Ontarians to send a clear message to Ottawa: we want our country to make us proud and start acting like a leader in global efforts to confront climate change. Cyclists from across the country will converge on Parliament Hill on September 15th.
Pedal for the Planet is an initiative of KYOTOplus, a national, non-partisan, petition-centred campaign for urgent federal government action on climate change that is supported by more than 70 health, environment, labour, youth, women, development, peace and social justice organizations.
Pedal for the Planet riders will hit cities across southern Ontario over the next two weeks, visiting Members of Parliament to ask them to sign the KYOTOplus pledge. “We’re hoping to get as many signatories as possible,” says Cane. “Canada is one of the last industrialized countries opposed to targets for deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This is an opportunity for everyone to join together to call for federal government action on climate change.”
So, there are obviously things you can do to make a difference, like using alternatives to private automobiles such as car-pooling, transit, cycling, and walking; but some, like these groups, are doing this and more: they are not letting politicians off the hook for fiddling while the planet burns.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Planet Pedals to Burlington for Kyoto Plus
CROSS-CANADA CLIMATE CHANGE CYCLING TOUR
ARRIVES IN BURLINGTON, ONTARIO
For immediate release
28 August, 2009
Burlington, ON – A welcome event for cyclists riding in Pedal for the Planet will be held at 2pm on September 1st at Burlington Civic Square in front of City Hall. The event will include speeches by local and national campaigners and there will be an opportunity to meet the cyclists. Pedal for the Planet is a unique cross-Canada bike relay encouraging individuals and organizations to speak out on climate change and sign a national petition demanding that Canada do its fair share to fight global warming.
“It’s a really engaging, positive way for people to show our government that citizens are seriously demanding climate change action – serious enough to bike across the country!” says Emma Cane of Sierra Club Canada, Ontario Coordinator for Pedal for the Planet.
A new international climate change treaty will be signed next December and the final negotiations are happening now. But Canada is blocking progress. Pedal for the Planet is a chance for Ontarians to send a clear message to Ottawa: we want our country to make us proud and start acting like a leader in global efforts to confront climate change. Cyclists from across the country will converge on Parliament Hill on September 15th.
Pedal for the Planet is an initiative of KYOTOplus, a national, non-partisan, petition-centred campaign for urgent federal government action on climate change that is supported by more than 70 health, environment, labour, youth, women, development, peace and social justice organizations.
Pedal for the Planet riders will hit cities across southern Ontario over the next two weeks, visiting Members of Parliament to ask them to sign the KYOTOplus pledge. “We’re hoping to get as many signatories as possible,” says Cane. “Canada is one of the last industrialized countries opposed to targets for deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This is an opportunity for everyone to join together to call for federal government action on climate change.”
- - - -
Follow Pedal for the Planet cyclists as they share their stories at:
http://kyotoplus.ca/pedal/
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
all racked up at University Plaza
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust
RioCan Yonge Eglinton Centre
2300 Yonge Street, Suite 500, PO Box 2386
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1E4
Tel: 416-866-3033; 1-800-465-2733
Fax: 416-866-3020
Monday, August 17, 2009
Transportation for Liveable Communities
PO Box 19, 1280 Main Street West
Hamilton ON L8S 1C0
tlchamilton.org
905-525-9140 ext. 26026
tlchamilton@gmail.com
Dear RIOCAN
As advocates for sustainable transportation, Transportation for Liveable Communities (TLC) would like to suggest that University Plaza in Dundas, ON, could benefit if adequate facilities for secure bicycle parking were provided.
We believe you will find such a policy is beneficial to you and your tenants as it will make University Plaza a more appealing destination for the many cyclists in the area.
The location of the plaza is ideal for cyclists, as it is connected through the parking lot to the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail, a busy cycling route for residents of surrounding Dundas and Hamilton neighbourhoods, and nearby McMaster University.
Currently the plaza has only one bicycle rack outside the Metro store, and no other cycling provisions for the rest of the plaza.
As both cycling advocates and regular visitors to the plaza, we request that Riocan invest in more bicycle racks at various convenient locations at the plaza. One rack in one location obviously is not adequate for the growing number of cyclists visiting the stores.
TLC has previously worked with the city councillor and the management of the nearby Fortinos outlet to ensure adequate bicycle parking, to which they have responded well, even doubling the original number of bicycle racks to meet demand.
We see our request for more racks as good business policy, as it will mean cyclists will not have to lock to hand rails, or other similarly unsuitable locations.
Representatives of TLC would be happy to meet with you to discuss how the plaza could be made more cycle-friendly, where racks could best go, and what kind of racks work best, for example.
We look forward to your reply,
Thanks,
Randy Kay
for Transportation for Liveable Communities
(Photo taken at the one bike rack at University Plaza, Dundas, May 2009)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
paving the way for flooding
Flooding from thunderstorms forced the city to close the Red Hill Creek Expressway for 48 hours. Seems even the latest engineering can't entirely contain nature's raw power. Indeed, more pavement means less opportunity for rain water to be absorbed by the earth. Perhaps Hamilton will make a start by taxing massive parking lots.
Photos from today's Hamilton Spectator on-line edition
Friday, July 24, 2009
no talk no text: just drive
Driver cellphone ban starts in October
Police expected to go easy — at firstTORONTO — Ontario’s ban on the use of cellphones, BlackBerrys and other hand-held electronic devices by drivers will take effect in October.
Transportation Minister Jim Bradley says motorists can expect an education period when the ban first comes into effect, which means police will show some leniency.
He says that’s what happened in other jurisdictions when they banned cellphones for drivers, and Ontario will follow that pattern.
Ontario drivers could be fined up to $500 if they’re caught using their hand-held cellphones or BlackBerrys to talk, email or send text messages while behind the wheel.
Bradley says hands-free devices aren’t covered by the legislation, but they are not recommended for use while driving.
Ontario is the fourth province to enact such a ban, following Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Manitoba has introduced similar legislation.
Drivers are also banned from using portable video games and DVD players but they are allowed to use their cellphones for 911 calls.
Global positioning systems are allowed, as long as they’re properly secured to the dashboard.
There are no demerit points attached to the Ontario law, unlike in other provinces.
However, Bradley says Ontario motorists using a banned cellphone could also be charged under careless driving laws and face fines, six demerit points, a driver’s licence suspension and even jail time.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
ridership down
Hamilton feels transit pinch2 per cent ridership drop costs $600,000
Nicole MacIntyre, Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton’s job losses are also hurting the city’s transit system.
Ridership is down 2 per cent — a $600,000 budget hit.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s connected to the economy,” said transit director Don Hull.
Increased unemployment means fewer people travelling in general, he said, noting other cities with high job losses have also seen a ridership dip.
If cities haven’t seen a drop, it’s likely because they’ve had new service come on line, noted Hull.
Toronto’s ridership, for example, is up nearly 3 per cent. Observers point to service enhancements that started in the last year.
Across the country, it appears transit ridership is holding steady, a welcome surprise given the poor economy, said Michael Roschlau, president of the Canadian Urban Transit Association.
He also credits service improvements and suspects the figures would be much worse without recent investments.
The association is still waiting for firm numbers, but has heard anecdotally from many communities, he said.
Roschlau cautions against cities slashing services to make up for the budget shortfalls. Cuts now will only leads to further ridership losses and mean a longer recovery, he said.
“You start to get in a downward spiral.”
Hull said the city has no plans for cuts, but hopes savings from lower gas prices will offset the lost fare revenue.
Friday, July 17, 2009
giving laundry the gears
A comment on an article about laundry at Raise the Hammer lead me to this video on Youtube.
I want one...
I want one...
SNAFU
As a system for moving people, the privately owned, single-occupancy motor vehicle has to be the most costly, dangerous, dirty and inefficient way (one "accident" can clog the main highways for hours). Given viable alternatives, who wouldn't want to switch?
The following headline kind of sums up the logic of car-centric cities:
The following headline kind of sums up the logic of car-centric cities:
Scott Gardner, the Hamilton SpectatorA city trapped in traffic paralysisMid-afternoon 403 crash chokes Hamilton roads for hours
Daniel Nolan
One mid-afternoon accident on the eastbound 403 Thursday literally turned Hamilton into a parking lot.
Major arteries across the lower city and Mountain ground to a halt in a chain reaction of congestion as traffic first backed up on the 403, then onto Main Street and then throughout the city as police closed the highway and then Linc.
Hours after the 2 p.m. accident that left a London man in critical condition, routes across the Mountain were still backed up for kilometres as drivers tried to get across the city. The Linc was closed to stop traffic reaching the 403. And police were urging Toronto-bound motorists to take the Linc, Red Hill and QEW to get around the stopper in the bottle.
But even that didn’t help as a pair of accidents on the QEW created a perfect storm of congestion.
The worst was at rush-hour last night when traffic was backed up for miles. Some reported seeing people relaxing on their cars and talking to their parked neighbours.
Hamilton police closed eight on-ramps to prevent traffic from getting onto the eastbound lanes of the 403. It shut down ramps between Upper James Street on the Lincoln M. Alexander Parkway and King Street on the 403, just a few kilometres west of the accident scene.
Those caught behind the accident were backed up and brought on to the Main Street on-ramp in front of The Hamilton Spectator.
"Everybody is just parked on the highway and we're trying to get everybody moving," said Staff Sergeant George Narozniak.
To make matters worse, the Niagara-bound lanes of the Queen Elizabeth Way in Beamsville were closed for 90 minutes following two separate collisions at about 6:30 p.m. One involved a collision between a van and a tractor on the South Service Road, between Bartlett and Sann Road. A person was airlifted to Hamilton General Hospital in serious condition.
And a third accident in Stoney Creek also caused serious injuries. Two vehicles crashed head-on at about 4:30 p.m. on the South Service Road, near Jones Road. One person was initially in critical condition, but improved last night. Two others were taken to hospital. The South Service Road was closed to traffic for a short time.
The London, Ont., man was ejected from his pickup truck when it rolled over during the Highway 403 accident, just before 2 p.m. Witnesses say his truck rolled a few times on the highway near the York Boulevard on-ramp and landed on its roof. He was taken by ambulance to the Hamilton General Hospital. He was in critical condition this morning.
A taxi cab and a SUV were also involved. The drivers were not injured and the vehicles sustained minor damage. The accident is now being probed by the OPP Traffic Support Unit.
The crash caused two other accidents. A tanker-truck and a pickup truck collided on the 403 shortly after the first crash, just west of the accident scene. There were no injuries. An OPP officer rushing to the first accident lost control of his cruiser and crashed into a ditch on Highway 6, between Highway 5 and Highway 403. The officer received minor injuries.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)