Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your questionnaire. I appreciate the work of Markham Cycles and the Centre for Immigrant and Community Services in encouraging informed discussion about active transportation, road safety, and the future of Markham.
Please find my responses below.
1. Active Transportation Master Plan
Yes. I support implementing Markham’s Active Transportation Master Plan and advancing its recommended projects and policies. If elected, I would work with City staff, residents, York Region, and community organizations to prioritize practical projects, improve connections between neighbourhoods and major destinations, and ensure active transportation is considered in transportation planning, road improvements, and new development.
2. Expanding Markham’s Cycling Network
Yes. I support expanding Markham’s cycling network, including protected bike lanes, separated facilities, multi-use paths, and neighbourhood cycling routes where appropriate. Priorities should include safety, connectivity, population growth, access to schools and transit, and areas where existing infrastructure is incomplete. Projects should be designed based on local conditions and community input.
3. Safe and Connected Cycling Routes
I would prioritize completing gaps in the cycling network and creating safer connections between neighbourhoods, schools, community centres, transit stations, shopping areas, parks, and trails. Routes should minimize exposure to high-speed traffic and provide safe crossings at major roads. Better connections between existing facilities can make the entire network more useful and encourage more residents to walk and cycle.
4. Protected Cycling Infrastructure on Major Roads
Yes, where appropriate. I support protected cycling infrastructure on suitable arterial and collector roads, while carefully considering the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, drivers, businesses, and emergency services. Road-space decisions should be based on safety, transportation demand, engineering evidence, accessibility, and local conditions. Good transportation planning should provide residents with safe choices rather than relying on one mode of transportation.
5. Road Safety and Vision Zero
Road safety must be a priority. I support safer intersections and crossings, appropriate traffic calming, improved lighting and visibility, speed management, better cycling infrastructure, and measures that protect vulnerable road users. I would support data-driven Vision Zero initiatives and stronger safety measures where collision patterns demonstrate a need. Preventing serious injuries and fatalities should guide transportation decisions.
6. Cycling Infrastructure in New Developments and Road Projects
Yes. Walking and cycling connections should be planned from the beginning of new developments, road reconstruction, road widening, and major transportation projects. Active transportation should not be an afterthought. I would support policies that require safe, accessible, and connected pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to be incorporated into project design and connected to the surrounding network.
7. Maintenance and Year-Round Accessibility
Infrastructure is only useful if it is maintained. I support clear maintenance standards for important cycling and active transportation routes, including snow clearing, pavement repairs, debris removal, vegetation management, lighting, signage, and accessibility. Priority routes should remain safe and usable throughout the year. I would also support better reporting and follow-up when residents identify maintenance or safety problems.
8. Safe Routes to School and Youth Cycling
Yes. Children and youth should be able to walk and cycle to school safely. I support expanding Safe Routes to School, improving crossings and sidewalks, appropriate traffic calming around schools, secure bicycle parking, and protected cycling connections where feasible. Schools should be connected to safe neighbourhood routes so that active transportation becomes a practical and healthy option for students and families.
9. Funding and Implementation
Yes. Active transportation requires predictable and sustained investment. I support dedicated funding within transportation and capital planning for cycling, walking, and related infrastructure. Investments should prioritize projects that address safety concerns, close important network gaps, connect major destinations, and provide value to residents. Active transportation should be considered an essential part of Markham’s transportation network, not simply an optional addition.
10. My Commitment to Active Transportation
My three priorities would be:
- Improve safety at high-risk intersections and along routes used by pedestrians and cyclists.
- Complete connections between neighbourhoods, schools, transit, community facilities, commercial areas, and trails.
- Make active transportation part of every major project, including appropriate cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in new developments and road improvements.
I would also listen to residents and regularly assess progress so that transportation investments respond to Markham’s changing needs.
Thank you for providing candidates with this opportunity to share their priorities with Markham residents.
Sincerely,
Ivy Lee
Candidate for Regional Councillor
City of Markham
www.ivylee.ca