Item - 2016.PW12.15
Tracking Status
- City Council considered this item on May 3, 2016 and referred this item to an official or another committee or body. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.
- This item was considered by the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on April 25, 2016 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on May 3, 2016.
PW12.15 - Federal Infrastructure Funding for Active Transportation Projects in Toronto
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Referred
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on May 3, 4 and 5, 2016, referred Item PW12.15 to the Executive Committee for consideration.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-91668.pdf
Communications (Committee)
Communications (City Council)
Motions (City Council)
That City Council amend the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee Recommendation by adding the words "and Eglinton Connects" so that the recommendation now reads as follows:
1. City Council request the Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities to allocate federal infrastructure funding to active transportation projects in the City of Toronto, such projects to potentially include the West Toronto Railpath, East Don Trail, and Eglinton Connects, among others.
That City Council refer the Item to the Executive Committee for consideration.
Councillor Fragedakis, rising on a Point of Order, stated that that she didn't understand why Council was dealing with this Item now and not the held Items ahead of it.
PW12.15 - Federal Infrastructure Funding for Active Transportation Projects in Toronto
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Committee Recommendations
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommends that:
1. City Council request the Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities to allocate federal infrastructure funding to active transportation projects in the City of Toronto, such projects to potentially include the West Toronto Railpath and East Don Trail, among others.
Decision Advice and Other Information
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee agreed to consider Items PW12.1, PW12.2, PW12.3 and PW12.15 together.
Origin
Summary
Toronto is a city that moves. Public interest in active transportation alternatives, such as walking and cycling, is growing rapidly as residents seek out healthy, sustainable and affordable modes of getting around our city.
Federal infrastructure funding can help accelerate investments in active transportation projects in Toronto. It can also help us leverage valuable synergies with public transit and environmentally sustainable infrastructure spending.
The City of Toronto has identified a number of projects designed to grow, connect and renew cycling and multi-use infrastructure in our city.
The West Toronto Railpath extension and East Don Trail are two examples of municipal projects that would benefit from federal infrastructure funding. Currently in the detailed design phase, the West Toronto Railpath Extension is estimated to cost $23 million to build, with construction scheduled for 2017. Funding for construction of the extension is not currently assigned.
The East Don Trail, a multi-use trail system under study in a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA), is estimated to cost $26 million and is currently unfunded. Both of these projects would expand active transportation options for residents across Toronto.
In light of the Government of Canada's $5 billion commitment over the next five years to strengthening green infrastructure, additional funding for active transportation projects in Toronto would accelerate their implementation and thereby positively impact neighbourhood livability, congestion, public health and efforts to reduce emissions.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/pw/bgrd/backgroundfile-91668.pdf
Communications
Speakers
Jared Kolb, Executive Director, Cycle Toronto