In Ontario, we are facing an increasingly complex transportation challenge. 80-90% of personal trips in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) are made by single-occupant vehicles, and transportation systems are disjointed, contributing to extreme congestion and significant challenges related to parking, infrastructure, and high greenhouse gas emissions.
The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) is committed to advocating for smarter, safer, and more sustainable transportation solutions. The recent proposal, Bill 212 – Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024, proposed by The Ministry of Transportation on October 21st would prohibit the installation of bike lanes when motor vehicle lanes are removed, as well as exclude highway 413’s environmental impact process and assessment. OSPE believes this is a step in the wrong direction for Ontario’s future.
This proposed legislation risks reinforcing a car-centric approach to urban planning that prioritizes vehicles over pedestrians and cyclists. Limiting bike lane installation and removing environmental assessment processes for major highway projects does nothing to reduce gridlock. In fact, it actively ignores the growing demand for more sustainable, safe, and diverse transportation options.
The Need for Multi-Modal Transportation
The key to solving Ontario’s traffic woes is not about maintaining the status quo of car-dominated roadways. Instead, we need to embrace multi-modal transportation — an approach that supports different forms of transport that cater to the needs of the people in each community.
OSPE firmly believes that each municipality should have the ability to design and implement transportation infrastructure that suits its communities’ unique needs. Different neighbourhoods face different challenges, and the solutions must be tailored accordingly.
For instance:
- In High-Density Areas:
-
- In areas with dense populations, the answer is often mass transit. Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, when feasible, can move large numbers of people quickly and efficiently, easing traffic congestion and reducing pollution in densely populated downtown areas.
- In Low-Density Areas:
-
- For areas with less robust public transit infrastructure, solutions like On-Demand Transit (ODT) are proving to be successful. Edmonton, for example, boasts the largest ODT network in Canada, providing flexible, cost-effective transportation where traditional transit may not be viable.
Urban Core: Addressing the Safety of Vulnerable Road Users
Perhaps the most compelling reason for rethinking transportation policy is safety. Ontario, like many other regions, has seen tragic incidents involving vulnerable road users — particularly cyclists. Just this year, six cyclists were killed on Toronto’s streets. Bill 212 disregards the safety of these individuals, which is not only unacceptable; but dangerous.
Limiting bike lanes undermines efforts to make our roads safer for all users. By encouraging more cycling and creating designated lanes, we protect cyclists, reduce traffic congestion, and make the streets safer for everyone — drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
Empowering Municipalities
One of the biggest concerns with the proposed legislation is that it would limit municipalities’ ability to make decisions based on their communities’ specific needs. Cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton face different transportation challenges, and it’s essential that the local governments have the flexibility to address these issues on their own terms.
Instead of restricting municipalities’ ability to install bike lanes, we should empower them to make decisions that reflect the realities of their communities. Each city should be able to create a transportation strategy that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and accessibility for everyone — not just motorists.
The Way Forward: A Commitment to Forward-Thinking Policies
OSPE has commented on the current ongoing consultation pertaining to Bill 212 and urges the Government of Ontario to reconsider the proposed legislation and adopt a more forward-thinking approach to transportation. We believe that a balanced strategy, which supports both cyclists and motorists, is key to addressing gridlock, improving safety, and enhancing the quality of life for all Ontarians.
Rather than reverting to outdated, car-centric policies, we must invest in a diverse range of public transportation options, including cycling infrastructure, to make our roads safer and our cities more sustainable. We owe it to our communities to develop solutions that will support our growing population, reduce emissions, and ensure that all road users can navigate the streets safely and efficiently.
As we look to the future, we hope that the Ontario government will adopt a progressive transportation strategy that prioritizes safety, environmental considerations, sustainability, and municipal autonomy. After all, the future of Ontario’s transportation system must be one that works for everyone — whether they are driving, cycling, walking, or taking transit.
Comment (1)
Thank you OSPE for highlighting a reasonable approach to addressing Ontario’s widely varying transportation needs by enabling regional solutions aligned to regional needs. The focus on safety, both for people and the environment, is laudable. This of course leads to a prosperous vibrant society and enables economic strength and sustainability. We, citizens of Ontario, require a strong advocate on these matters and I appreciate OSPE stepping up to speak on this topic as well as others.
Leave a Comment