2008 Capital Budget - Big bump for bicycle infrastructure & Deputations November 5

Though it was a big surprise, TCAT was happy to see a very significant
increase for cycling infrastructure in the city's 2009 Capital Budget,
released last week. This year's budget was set at $5.5 million and next
year it will increase to $7.9 million. Considering the difficult
economic times, and budget freezes and reductions in other areas, this
move shows that bicycling investments are a clear priority of the mayor
and budget chief. The budget will still need to move through the
consultation and committee process before it reaches City Council for
final approval on December 10th.

Another change coming in the 2009 Capital Budget is that off-road
trails will now fall under the responsibility of Transportation
Services, instead of Parks, Forestry and Recreation where it's
traditionally fallen. The intent is to bring all the Bike Plan projects
- whether on-road or off-road - under the responsibility of one
division. Since that means some of the previous Parks projects are now
under Transportation, the $2.4 million budget increase is probably less
than that, since some of the increase is actually a transfer from
Parks. Nonetheless, we are seeing an increase in the on-road portion of
the cycling infrastructure budget, and that follows an almost doubling
in the 2008 over 2007 budget.

If you would like to make a deputation to the Budget Committee, hearings will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, November 5th at City Hall. Write or call the committee secretary at buc@toronto.ca or 416-392-7340 to put your name on the list

To view the budget presentation and detailed documents click here