1. Active Transportation Master Plan
Yes. I support implementing Markham’s Active Transportation Master Plan through a practical, funded schedule. In my first year, I would request a public implementation report identifying priority projects, estimated costs, responsibilities and timelines. I would advocate for coordination between Markham and York Region and annual reporting on completed connections, spending and safety outcomes.
2. Expanding Markham’s Cycling Network
Yes. I support expanding protected lanes, separated cycle tracks, multi-use paths and neighbourhood bikeways where appropriate. My priorities would be safety, closing network gaps, access to everyday destinations and value for money. Projects connecting schools, transit, community centres and neighbourhoods should receive particular attention. Routes should work for people with different ages and abilities.
3. Safe and Connected Cycling Routes
I would request a coordinated City–Region review of missing links and unsafe crossings, followed by a ranked improvement program. Priorities would include connections to schools, transit stations, community facilities, shops and trails. A route should be assessed from beginning to end: a comfortable path that ends at a dangerous intersection is not a complete connection.
4. Protected Cycling Infrastructure on Major Roads
Yes, on appropriate roads, including reallocating road space where evidence supports it. I would assess safety, transit reliability, emergency access, accessibility, deliveries and traffic impacts together. Designs should reflect each corridor’s conditions. Where suitable, pilots with clear evaluation criteria can help guide permanent improvements. Consultation should inform decisions, with safety as a central objective.
5. Road Safety and Vision Zero
I support the goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries. I would prioritize safer intersections, protected crossings, traffic calming, appropriate lower speeds and daylighting to improve visibility. I also support considering automated enforcement where legally authorized and supported by evidence. Investments should address dangerous locations proactively, with public reporting on serious collisions, vehicle speeds and completed safety improvements.
6. New Developments and Road Projects
Yes. Safe, accessible walking and cycling connections should be standard components of new developments and major road projects. I would support clear design requirements, early coordination between jurisdictions and explicit consideration of these connections during approvals and budgeting. Any proposed omission should require a public explanation. Building connections during initial construction can avoid costly retrofits and disconnected routes.
7. Maintenance and Year-Round Accessibility
Yes. I support clear service standards for priority routes, including snow clearing, surface repairs, debris removal, vegetation management, signage and lighting. Maintenance funding should accompany construction funding. I would request a published priority network, response targets and an accessible way to report problems, with performance reported annually. Accessible crossings and connections to transit should receive particular attention.
8. Safe Routes to School and Youth Cycling
I would support school travel planning with school boards, families and transportation staff. Priorities would include safer crossings, traffic calming, protected connections, secure bicycle parking and better management of school drop-off conflicts. In my first year, I would request a prioritized school-area safety improvement list. Education programs should complement street designs that make walking and cycling safer.
9. Funding and Implementation
Yes. I support dedicated, predictable capital funding, accompanied by maintenance funding and a public delivery schedule. Active transportation should be a core part of transportation investment, evaluated for safety, connectivity, accessibility and value. I would seek grants and coordinate projects with scheduled roadwork. Funding commitments should identify costs and sources, with annual reporting on delivery and outcomes.
10. Three Commitments Residents Can Measure
- In my first year, request a public, costed priority list of missing connections and dangerous crossings, identifying City and Regional responsibilities.
- Advocate each budget year for dedicated construction and maintenance funding, with a published project schedule.
- Seek an annual public progress report covering completed links, school-area improvements, maintenance performance, spending and safety outcomes.
Residents should be able to see what I proposed, how I voted and what was delivered.
Best regards,
Michael Huang
Candidate for Markham Regional Councillor
437-605-8678
votemichaelhuang.ca