Council Corner: A Snapshot of City Hall's Latest Deliberations
Feb 7 2024
The Toronto City Council February meeting, which commenced a day earlier than usual this month, is currently in progress. Typically starting on Wednesdays, this week's session kicked off Tuesday. Despite a relatively shorter agenda compared to the extensive meeting in December, the proceedings might still take some time, given the limited progress made on the items yesterday.
A significant highlight from the Mayor's agenda was the discussion on RapidTO, a framework aimed at enhancing the efficiency and reliability of Toronto Surface Transit. Notably, Councillor Vincent Crisanti (Ward 1 Etobicoke-North) successfully proposed the inclusion of the Hwy 427 bus route in the initial phases of this initiative. The motion passed with strong support, though regrettably, it faced opposition from four councillors, including Councillor Stephen Holyday (Ward 2 Etobicoke-Centre), who oversees part of the 427 Bus Route in his ward.
In addition to transit matters, the Council delved into a discussion on the preference for paper versus computer use among its members. Furthermore, Councillor Nick Mantas (Ward 22 Scarborough-Agincourt) raised a request for travel costs reimbursement due to a missed flight during a business trip last year.
Notably, Councillor Holyday's interpretation of yesterday's discussions garnered attention, as he expressed concerns about a perceived "War On Cars" in the city. Unfortunately, initiatives aimed at creating safer neighbourhoods for everyone, which involve encouraging shared road use among pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and cars, are sometimes overshadowed by political rhetoric. This can, regrettably, result in delays for essential work in our city.
In the coming days and weeks, I intend to delve deeper into this perceived "War On Cars" that has been highlighted by Councillor Holyday. It's essential to understand the various perspectives surrounding this matter and explore how initiatives aimed at improving road safety and promoting alternative modes of transportation can coexist with the needs of car users.
By gaining a more comprehensive understanding, we can contribute to informed discussions and support measures that prioritize the overall well-being and mobility of our city's residents. Stay tuned for further insights and updates on this ongoing dialogue.
To see the agenda in full - https://secure.toronto.ca/council/#/committees/2462/24386
Tune in or watch the video later - City Council - February 7, 2024
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