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It's been a busy couple of weeks here at TCAT as we continue to focus our attention on how to achieve streets that are safe and comfortable for all users.
On Nov 16th, Nancy Smith Lea made a presentation about Complete Streets (available for download here) at the ACT Canada 2009 TDM Summit. At the Summit, Nancy had the opportunity to meet and strategize with advocates from across Canada who are also striving for Complete Streets policies. The most notable progress we heard of is being made by the Sustainable Alberta Association where Program Coordinator Rebecca O'Brien has been conducting well-received Complete Streets workshops to communities across Alberta since 2007.
Then on Nov 23rd, TCAT and the Toronto Cyclists Union co-hosted its second public meeting (the first featured Portland's Roger Geller) to raise awareness about Complete Streets. About 30 people came out to discuss what a complete streets policy could mean for Toronto. Nancy Smith Lea led the group through a powerpoint presentation (available for download here), developed collaboratively by members of TCAT, the Toronto Cyclists Union, Walk and Bike for Life, South Riverdale Community Health Centre and the U.S. Complete Streets Coalition. Two working groups were established to create materials for the 2010 election and to develop a plan for outreach to more stakeholders for support of the policy.
Coming up in 2010, TCAT is very pleased to announce a 2-day Complete Streets Forum on April 23-24, 2010. (Please note these dates were subsequently changed to Apr 22-23, 2010). Building on the success of TCAT's Bike Summit 2008 and 2009, the Complete Streets Forum will expand the mandate and scope of TCAT's annual policy conference. In partnership with Transportation Options and the City of Toronto, this forum will provide a unique opportunity for municipalities to jointly strategize about new ways to effectively overcome common problems and achieve buy-in for reallocating road space more equitably between cars, public transit, pedestrians and cyclists. Please save the date and stay tuned for more details coming soon!
Thanks to everyone who joined us on Nov 16th where we presented a review of TCAT's 2006 platform and preliminary priorities for 2010. The discussions that took place in the working groups were lively and productive (a photo taken at the meeting can be viewed here.) All of the feedback we received at this meeting, from the survey responses and interviews with municipal staff are currently being compiled. A draft of TCAT's 2010 platform will be completed and circulated for comment within the next couple of weeks.
Earlier this year, at the same time that the Toronto Walking Strategy was adopted, City Council directed Transportation Services staff to work with Ryerson University and the University of Toronto to design and implement two pedestrian street projects.
On Sep 15, 2009 Toronto and East York Community Council further directed Transportation Services staff to consult with the University of Toronto, area residents and the local ward Councillor to review the feasibility of closing portions of some streets within the U of T to vehicular traffic in order to implement a pilot pedestrian street project in 2010.
On Nov 24th, TCAT was invited to participate in the first consultation committee meeting. TCAT was glad to be at the table and is helping to explore options for how to best integrate cyclists into these pedestrian priority projects, a challenging yet important balancing act.
In the current issue of the Landscape Architect Quarterly “Ground”, an article written by landscape architect and health promoter Paul Young describes some of the work underway between health professionals and planners to promote active transportation infrastructure through participatory processes, including the work of TCAT.
"Health promoters and designers rely on organizations like TCAT to understand precedents so that we don’t “just do” the wrong thing."
The full article can be found on page 24. The following article titled LEED neighbourhood development may be of interest as well.
TCAT recently received a generous donation from an individual supporter. The donation was accompanied by these special instructions: "No strings attached except to use it to raise more money for TCAT." With that, we hope you will consider making a year-end gift to TCAT today to support our work.
While TCAT has been successful in generating funds for special projects, research and events, it has not yet established a stable source of funding for the core activities that our supporters rely on – the e-bulletins, policy work, maintaining regular communication with councillors and staff, speaking engagements, hosting seminars and other public events and campaign work. If any of the many activities that TCAT engages in holds value for you we urge you to donate today.
TCAT is a project of the Clean Air Partnership. Any donations in support of TCAT's work will receive a tax deductible receipt from CAP. You can donate online by clicking here. When asked the name of the charity, please type in "Clean Air Partnership". In order to make sure your donation gets directed to us, please note "TCAT" in the message/instruction section.
You may also mail or drop off a cheque to TCAT at 75 Elizabeth St. (right behind City Hall). If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how your contribution will be used, please don't hesitate to contact us.
We are dedicated to our mission to create a better city for cycling and walking. With your help TCAT can continue to grow and thrive.
If you know of other cycling or pedestrian related calendars to include, please let us know by e-mailing info@torontocat.ca
TCAT is continually looking to increase its list of supporters. It helps to be able to say how many people and organizations support the work we do when we speak with City Councillors, City staff, and the media, or put out a publication. Please send this message to any groups or individuals you think would be interested in learning more about TCAT, receiving our weekly e-Bulletin, or volunteering with TCAT.
To learn more about TCAT, visit our web site at www.torontocat.ca, e-mail info@torontocat.ca or call 416.392.0290
To subscribe to TCAT News, click here
To join TCAT on Facebook click here and become a fan today!
Please consider making a financial contribution to support TCAT's work. To find out how to make a charitable donation, click here.
Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation 2010 | Admin/Login
