Item - 2016.EX15.24
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Executive Committee on May 24, 2016. The Executive Committee has referred this item to an official or other body without making a decision. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.
EX15.24 - Federal Infrastructure Funding for Active Transportation Projects in Toronto
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Referred
- Wards:
- All
Committee Decision
The Executive Committee:
1. Referred the item, and the following motion by Councillor Cesar Palacio to the City Manager for consideration of these projects alongside other requests of the federal government for infrastructure funding:
"That Recommendation 1 be amended by adding the words "Extension south of Dundas Street West as well as opportunities for an extension north of Cariboo Avenue as identified in the St. Clair Avenue West Area Transportation Master Plan currently underway" so that Recommendation 1 now reads:
1. City Council request the Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities to allocate federal infrastructure funding to active transportation projects in the City of Toronto, such projects to potentially include the West Toronto Railpath Extension south of Dundas Street West as well as opportunities for an extension north of Cariboo Avenue as identified in the St. Clair Avenue West Area Transportation Master Plan currently underway and the East Don Trail, among others."
Origin
Summary
City Council on May 3, 4 and 5, 2016, referred Item PW12.15 to the Executive Committee for consideration.
Toronto is a city that moves. Public interest in active transportation alternatives, such as walking and cycling, is growing rapidly as residents seek out healthy, sustainable and affordable modes of getting around our city.
Federal infrastructure funding can help accelerate investments in active transportation projects in Toronto. It can also help us leverage valuable synergies with public transit and environmentally sustainable infrastructure spending.
The City of Toronto has identified a number of projects designed to grow, connect and renew cycling and multi-use infrastructure in our city.
The West Toronto Railpath extension and East Don Trail are two examples of municipal projects that would benefit from federal infrastructure funding. Currently in the detailed design phase, the West Toronto Railpath Extension is estimated to cost $23 million to build, with construction scheduled for 2017. Funding for construction of the extension is not currently assigned.
The East Don Trail, a multi-use trail system under study in a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA), is estimated to cost $26 million and is currently unfunded. Both of these projects would expand active transportation options for residents across Toronto.
In light of the Government of Canada's $5 billion commitment over the next five years to strengthening green infrastructure, additional funding for active transportation projects in Toronto would accelerate their implementation and thereby positively impact neighbourhood livability, congestion, public health and efforts to reduce emissions.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-92971.pdf
(March 30, 2016) Letter from Councillor Jaye Robinson on Federal Infrastructure Funding for Active Transportation Projects in Toronto
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-93006.pdf
Communications
Motions
That Recommendation 1 be amended by adding the words "Extension south of Dundas Street West as well as opportunities for an extension north of Cariboo Avenue as identified in the St. Clair Avenue West Area Transportation Master Plan currently underway" so that Recommendation 1 now reads:
1. City Council request the Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities to allocate federal infrastructure funding to active transportation projects in the City of Toronto, such projects to potentially include the West Toronto Railpath Extension south of Dundas Street West as well as opportunities for an extension north of Cariboo Avenue as identified in the St. Clair Avenue West Area Transportation Master Plan currently underway and the East Don Trail, among others.
The Executive Committee refer the item, and the motion by Councillor Palacio to the City Manager for consideration of these projects alongside other requests of the federal government for infrastructure funding.