April 3, 2012
Recent TCAT activities and news items:
- Complete Streets Forum 2012 Sold Out! Register Now for Keynote Webcasts
- Complete Streets by Design Resource - Now Available
- TCAT's Deputation: Info Pillar Placement Guidelines
- Join the TCAT Steering Committee
- The Walkable City by Toronto Board of Health
- Hamilton Transportation Summit: Exploring Complete Streets on Thursday, April 5, 2012
1. Complete Streets Forum 2012 Sold Out! Register Now for Keynote Webcasts
Due to overwhelming demand, the Complete Streets Forum reached full capacity of 200+ registrants! As a result, registration is now closed. We are maintaining a waiting list in case any spots open up. To get on the list please send an email to info@tcat.ca
In order to give anyone who would like to attend the Forum the opportunity to still participate, TCAT is pleased to announce that all keynotes will be webcast live for a small fee. Webcast registrants will be able to listen to and ask questions about presentations by: 1) Gary Toth and John LaPlante, 2) Dr. David McKeown and Dr. David L. Mowat, 3) Dan Burden. Register for any of the webcasts for $10 each or for all three for $25. More information and registration here.
We are very much looking forward to this important event where professionals, the public sector and community members alike join together for evidence-based presentations and rich dialogue about achieving Complete Streets in Canada.
2. Complete Streets by Design Resource - Now Available
By definition, there is no single way to "complete a street." The design approach was inspired by Toronto precedents, maintained existing roadway widths and curbs, and was cost-effective. While public input influenced the final product, there are many alternative designs that would also accommodate road users of all ages and abilities. With funding from the Toronto Community Foundation, this tool is intended generate conversation about Complete Streets in Toronto and beyond.
TCAT printed 500 copies of the resource that we will mail out for a small fee and it is also now available online.
3. TCAT Deputation: Info Pillar Placement Guidelines
City staff created new InfoPillar Placement Guidelines to be an appendix to the Vibrant Street Guidelines. TCAT's deputation can be found here.
4. Join the TCAT Steering Committee
One of TCAT’s founding members, Charles O’Hara, has stepped down from the Steering Committee. We are all grateful to Charles for all of his hard work and dedication to TCAT over the past five years. Thank you Charles!
As a result, we are looking for a new Steering Committee member who wants to use their skills and experience to help transform Toronto streets into Complete Streets!
The Steering Committee’s role is to contribute to TCAT education and research projects, and to provide strategic advice on how to advance TCAT’s mandate and assist with securing new funding. Members are asked to commit to a minimum of 10 hours per month to TCAT, including 2 hours for monthly meetings, for at least a two-year term. Potential steering committee members should submit an expression of interest by email to info@tcat.ca no later than April 30, 2012. Please include:
- A brief description of why you wish to join the steering committee and the skills you can offer
- Your CV
For more information, please click here for the full description and background.
5. The Walkable City by Toronto Public Health
Toronto Public Health has released a " The Walkable City: Neighbourhood Design and Preferences, Travel Choices and Health." The report details the results of a study conducted in Toronto, examining residents' preferences for walkable and transit-supportive neighbourhoods, and highlights the relationship between travel choices, levels of physical activity, and body weights of residents in relationship to the walkability of their current neighbourhood.
The survey found that residents in the City of Toronto have a strong preference for walkable neighbourhoods, and that there is a strong unmet demand for more walkable neighbourhood features among residents in automobile-oriented neighbourhoods. The study also discusses the important role that that neighbourhood design plays on travel choices, physical activity and health. Read the report here, or a summary of the report and background material from the Board of Health.
6. Hamilton Transportation Summit: Exploring Complete Streets on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Hamilton Public Works - Sustainable Mobility Group and Share the Road Cycling Coalition are hosting an annual Transportation Summit in Hamilton. This year’s summit focuses on Complete Streets - streets that are designed for safe use and access for everyone. TCAT Director Nancy Smith Lea will be speaking at the Summit about Complete Streets in the GTHA.
An array of international and regional speakers and panelists will discuss how to make streets friendly and efficient for all modes of travel, in order to influence modal share, create sustainable communities and improve quality of life for all. Visit here for the pdf invitation. For more information and to register, click here.
Nancy will also be speaking at a community event hosted by Open Streets Hamilton following the Summit. The community forum will discuss "Can One Size Fit All?" with local community leaders in complete streets, active transportation, and sustainable cities. No registration is required for the event.
