Candidate Questionnaire
- Active Transportation Master Plan
Will you commit to supporting the implementation of Markham’s Active Transportation Master Plan and its recommended cycling and active transportation projects, policies, and implementation priorities? If elected, what specific actions would you take to advance the plan?
Yes. I was a supporter when on Council as Regional Councillor to 2022 and will support the active transportation master plan if elected again. My platform will soon be up on jackheath.ca and supports more trails and connections to the Rouge National Urban Park.
- Expanding Markham’s Cycling Network
Will you support the continued expansion of Markham’s cycling network, including protected bike lanes, separated cycle tracks, multi-use paths, neighbourhood bikeways, and other appropriate cycling facilities? What would you prioritize when determining which projects should be built?
Yes. I would prioritize completion of the Rouge Valley Trail north of 16th to Major Mac and worked on that when I was on Council, as well as south to connect with the National Park.
- Safe and Connected Cycling Routes
Many cycling routes in Markham remain disconnected or require people cycling to cross or travel along high-speed or high-volume roads. What would you do to improve connectivity between neighbourhoods, schools, transit stations, community centres, commercial areas, trails, and other major destinations?
I have advocated 4 or 5 pedestrian and cycling crossing bridges – over 16th for the Rouge Valley Trail up to York Downs, and over Donald Cousens and the CPR just north of Steeles. Others too.
- Protected Cycling Infrastructure on Major Roads
Would you support the installation of protected cycling infrastructure on appropriate arterial and collector roads, including where this requires reallocating existing road space? How would you approach balancing the needs of people walking, cycling, taking transit, and driving?
I wouldn’t want to reduce automobile capacity but would be pleased to support what you are discussing in appropriate places. My first concentration will be with #2 and #3 above.
- Road Safety and Vision Zero
What specific measures would you support to reduce serious injuries and fatalities involving people walking and cycling in Markham? Would you support measures such as safer intersections, protected crossings, traffic calming, lower vehicle speeds, daylighting, automated enforcement, and improved cycling infrastructure?
I am a long-time supporter of traffic calming and narrowing lanes on residential streets to slow traffic and add to pedestrian and cyclist safety. As to automated enforcement, you should be sending a note downtown.
- Cycling Infrastructure in New Developments and Road Projects
Will you support making high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure a standard component of new developments, road reconstruction, road widening, and major transportation projects rather than treating it as an optional addition? What policies would you support to ensure these connections are built as part of the initial project?
Yes, although I would like to know what is being left out in specific developments today. I am a practical person as to these matters.
- Maintenance and Year-Round Accessibility
How would you improve the maintenance of cycling and active transportation infrastructure, including snow clearing, pavement quality, debris removal, vegetation management, lighting, signage, and accessibility? Would you support clear service standards for maintaining important cycling routes throughout the year?
The maintenance of winter pathways and sidewalks has always been an interesting subject. I support increased standards of maintenance in this and other areas, more crews for instance, but I would need more information on the viability of cycling after snowstorms even with extra maintenance.
- Safe Routes to School and Youth Cycling
What would you do to make it safer and easier for children and youth to walk or cycle to school? Would you support expanding safe routes to school, traffic calming around schools, secure bicycle parking, protected cycling connections, and other measures that encourage active transportation for students?
Yes and no. I support the concepts you are discussing and have done so in the past but recall the traffic congestion around elementary schools when I was a Ward Councillor for #5 (1997-2003). It seems worse now with even more parents driving their children. This is partly societal. Indeed, many accidents relate to this activity. The school board has been working on designs of traffic flow and I support their efforts.
- Funding and Implementation
Active transportation projects require sustained funding and political commitment. If elected, would you support dedicated and predictable funding for cycling and active transportation infrastructure in Markham’s capital budgets? What level of priority should active transportation receive when transportation investments are being considered?
Yes. We now have Strong Mayor in regards to the budget and I look forward to his comments.
- Your Commitment to Active Transportation
If elected, what are the three most important actions you would commit to taking during your term to improve cycling, walking, and active transportation in Markham? Please provide specific commitments that residents could use to assess your progress during your term of office.- Complete the connection between the Rouge Valley Trail and Rouge National Urban Park
- Take the Rouge Valley Trail north to Angus Glen with a pedestrian and cycling bridge over 16th
- Work on completing first and last kilometre connections around major transit stations for pedestrians and cyclists.