Traffic Congestion
Traffic is a nightmare and costs the provincial economy billions of dollars every year. One more lane has never, and will never fix that problem. The solution is more options, not more lanes. The presence of auto congestion ruins pleasant communities like ours. Let's work together to make sure we have other safe, convenient options other than just our gas-guzzling metal boxes.
Roads
One thing that can be changed about roads that are already built is the infrastructure along them. I've worked in a City Traffic Signals division, and the signalization systems in use in Canada are archaic compared to what else is available in the Western World. I'd like to explore the feasibility of bringing better signalization systems to be implemented in Cambridge.
In the meantime, I think we can all agree that an advanced left turn signal is warranted at Queen St & Adam St/ Guelph Ave.
Rails
I once met a woman who moved to Cambridge in 1978 because she thought there was going to be GO train service to the city soon, which would have made her commute to Toronto not so bad.
Beyond that extreme scenario, going into Toronto to see the Jays, Leafs, some friends, or to see a concert is just so inconvenient. We're the only city in Southern Ontario with a population over 100,000 that has no rail service. I have a few minor issues with the current GO to Cambridge plans, but I'm keen to see trains rolling into town by 2030 or sooner, and I'd do everything I could as a Councillor to make it happen.
More Options
I'm a driver, I own a car, and I like to drive. But I've also seen the price of gas. With the cost of everything else rising, too, we literally cannot afford to have all trips be reliant on a transportation method that requires a volatile commodity like oil. It's not about making driving harder; we just need to give everyone the choice to leave the car at home. It's not 'us vs them,' it's just about allowing people to get places easily, safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
Mobility for Seniors
As a continuation of the More Options section, we will likely all reach a point in our lives where we can no longer drive. It likely won't be voluntary, and that will suck. And it does suck for those facing that reality right now. Going forward, let us evolve our transportation network to include convenient alternatives so that if a person can longer drive, they still have the freedom to go places and go about their regular life. I don't care about the spandex-clad adrenaline junkie; I just want George to be able to get to the pharmacy.