At this week’s Development Services Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 8th, we were joined by Paul Jankowski, President, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation. I include the presentation for your perusal at this link.
While we’re grateful there is finally a Canada Public Transit Fund MetroRegion Agreement Stream, many municipalities will apply for a limited amount of funding. At this time, we are competing against 17 other municipalities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe who will also be lobbying their submissions to the Provincial and Federal Government.
I am extremely disappointed that the east end of Markham has had to wait so long for higher order transit. I have strongly urged YRT to consider the Hwy 7 East Bus Rapid Transit extension to Cornell to have the highest priority. Markham has been approving many high density residential applications based on the area being serviced by higher order transit, and we are still waiting.
With funding applications being accepted and considered soon, now is the time for residents to speak up and let your elected leaders know we need transit funding now.
CALL TO ACTION
Consider contacting your Provincial representative MPP Minister Paul Calandra, and when Federal candidates visit you, ask them to pledge their support. Once the winner is declared, insist they continue to ask for funding for this project. Markham Council will speak loudly but we need the other two levels of Government to push for us.
Provincial Representative:
MPP Minister Paul Calandra
37 Sandiford Dr. Stouffville, ON L4A 3Z2
Tel.: 905-642-2588
Email paul.calandra@pc.ola.org
At the time I’m writing this there is a federal election underway. I encourage residents to reach out to the registered candidates and ask them to commit to transit funding for Markham.
Federal Candidates:
Helena Jaczek – Liberal candidate/Sitting MP
Helena.Jaczek@parl.gc.ca
info@votehelena.ca
Niran Jeyanesan – Conservative candidate
info@niranjey.ca
René de Vries – Peoples Party of Canada candidate
rene.devries@teamppc.ca
For an up-to-date list of candidates, please check with Elections Canada.