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As part of an effort to improve transportation around the province, combat climate change, and improve public health, the Provincial Government has created a new process that gives municipalities greater power to allow for easier construction of off-road bike paths and large-scale recreational trails.
Proposed by the Municipal Engineers Association, the amendments being considered for the existing framework were subject to extensive public consultation and feedback. The upgraded process has been greatly streamlined in order to spare municipalities from some of the effort and funding associated with planning and constructing cycling infrastructure.
The plans are part of a four-part initiative to help the province reduce its carbon footprint while improving overall health of its citizens. It has been calculated that as of 2012, 34% of Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions were directly attributed to the transportation sector. The proposed changes tie into Ontario's greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, which aims to reduce emission levels to 37% below 1990 levels. The Province of Ontario has already invested more than $80 million in public trails since 2009, and the revised process promises ease of future growth to Ontario's extensive network of trails, which already covers a staggering 80,000 kilometres.
In addition to the improvements to the existing process, the province also plans to invest $25 million in #CycleON, an initiative that aims to get more Ontarians on bicycles. “Sustainable cities are an important part of our plans to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. By streamlining this process, we are helping municipalities move towards the kind of smart design that will help reduce carbon emissions", said Glen R. Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
What do you think about this step forward in cycling infrastructure planning? Let us know in the comments section provided below.
