Active Transportation Champions

Between 2009 and 2015, TCAT recognized colleagues that inspire us with an Active Transportation Champion award. TCAT’s Active Transportation Champion award is for an individual or organization that has worked to raise the profile of cycling or walking and its relationship to a high quality of urban life.

In 2014, we built on our Active Transportation Champion tradition through a strategic partnership with Metrolinx called “It’s Your Move”. The Big Move, Metrolinx’s 25-year regional transportation plan adopted in 2008, is intended to dramatically improve transportation, including walking and cycling, in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Each video in the 12-part series features a leader living in Halton, York, Peel, Durham, Hamilton or Toronto and shares personal and professional stories about the benefits of active transportation. By promoting how these leaders and residents used walking and cycling to enrich their lives and their communities, each video in turn built recognition for the importance of walking and cycling networks as we expand regional transportation to move people in the GTHA.

	Michael Black Co-founder, Walk Toronto Recipient of TCAT’s 2015 Active Transportation Champion Award Profile
	Eleanor McMahon MPP, Burlington (2014-2018) Recipient of TCAT’s 2014 Active Transportation Champion Award Profile
	Jennifer Keesmaat Chief Planner, City of Toronto (2012-2017) “We can create a direct line between active transportation and our health.” Profile
	Nadien Godkewitsch Manager, Programs, Toronto Community Foundation “It’s a really great way of sharing time together and being active” Profile
	Rob MacIsaac President and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences “Active transportation investment results in much more livable, interesting, vibrant cities” Profile
	Pam Damoff Town Councillor, Ward 2 Oakville (2010-2015) “Better design for active modes of transportation increases safety on the road for everyone” Profile
	Vito Tolone Senior Transportation Planner, City of Burlington “We’re asking Burlington residents to give active transportation a try in their everyday lives” Profile
	Nicole Arsenault Manager, Transportation Services, York University “Pedestrians and cyclists animate public spaces.” Profile
	Steve Parish Mayor of the Town of Ajax (1995-2018) “For me there is a sense of freedom on a bike that can’t be replicated, it allows you to slow down and see the world at a human pace.” Profile
	Donna Quan Director of Education, Toronto District School Board (2013-2015) “Removing the barriers to active transportation, investing in the infrastructure is so important.” Profile
	Dr. Scott Wooder President, Ontario Medical Association (2013-2014) “It’s time to make a strong commitment to cycling infrastructure. A safe cycling system benefits everyone, including drivers and transit riders.” Profile
	Susan Eng Vice President, Advocacy, CARP: the Canadian Association for Retired Persons (2008-2016) “People who live in walkable neighbourhoods are more likely to feel a stronger sense of community than residents of car-oriented neighbourhoods.” Profile
	Dr. David Mowat Medical Officer of Health, Region of Peel (2007-2014) “An investment in infrastructure for active transportation & public transit is a direct investment in the health of the population.” Profile
	Bruce McCuaig President and CEO, Metrolinx (2010-2017) “Active transportation is a huge and significant part of The Big Move.” Profile
	Monica Campbell Director, Healthy Public Policy, Toronto Public Health (2010-2017) Recipient of TCAT’s 2013 Active Transportation Champion Award Profile
	Patrick Brown & Albert Koehl Co-recipients of TCAT’s 2012 Active Transportation Champion Award Profile
	Paul Hess Associate Professor & Progam Director, Department of Geography and Program in Planning, University of Toronto Recipient of TCAT’s 2011 Active Transportation Champion Award Profile
	Paul Young Health Promoter, South Riverdale Community Health Centre Recipient of TCAT’s 2010 Active Transportation Champion Award Profile
	Jane Farrow Founding Director of Jane’s Walk Recipient of TCAT’s 2009 Active Transportation Champion Award Profile