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Transportation master plan begins with public input

Public urged to fill out Transportation survey available at bottom of this article
transportation-plan
Taking part in the first public information session surrounding the new Transportation Master Plan were, (l-r) Ryan Maiden, City project manager; Geoff Holman, Director of Public Works and Community Services; Councillor Fred Neale; and Suzette Shiu, Engineer with the IBI Group. Bob Liddycoat / Thorold News

The Ccty is in the midst of some serious planning for the future.

In addition to a revamp of the Battle of Beaverdams Park, consultants were in town last week to tackle the creation of new master plans for Transportation as well as for Parks, Trails, and Recreation.

The IBI Group, tasked with creating a Transportation Master Plan, held its first public information session last week to provide background on the project as well as gain some input.

Suzette Shiu (P.Eng.) told the ThoroldNews, "We've started the study to find out from people who live and work in Thorold what they hope the transportation system would look like in the future."

Detailed drawings were available for public view, outlining the steps and components that the study will encompass.

Those plans are still available on the website here.

Shiu said the background information available shows the planning context they're looking at as well as draft vision for the study.

"We're looking at what Thorold is like now - the road system, cycling, walking etc. - and what are the issues facing Thorold. How do we make the transportation system work for today and for 20 years from now?"

Ultimately, the plan is to anticipate those future needs and improve the system. This is also being tackled at the Regional level and the two tiers will need to coordinate efforts eventually.

"This is the first reach-out to the public, but we have invited different stakeholders to provide feedback, including neighbouring communities," said Shiu.

She explained, "We know there's growth in Thorold, including about a 40 per cent increase in population. We require some improvement to see that growth."

Shiu said that specifics will also be addressed. "We want to make the city more connected. We want to improve some of the active transportation connections, such as pedestrian and cycling connections. We will study where the growth is as well as addressing any safety concerns."

"We are really interested in the public issues. They're the ones using the system. We want to know how transportation can be improved," she re-stated.
Shiu says her firm recognizes that methods of delivery and technology will change how transportation is delivered in the future.

"There are new service providers and transit may not be like it is now. How people get around is changing, such as Uber, and we have to adapt to the new technologies," she explained.

She continued, "In the plan we'll look at costs. What can we do now, cost of individual projects and the costs and timing of those projects."

Ultimately, the city will determine how implemenation will take place, weighing needs against costs.

"We hope to be done the complete study around this time next year," concluded Shiu.

Currently, a survey is posted online and the public is encouraged to take part. It will remain online until the end of March and perhaps longer as the city website is also due to be revamped later this month.

Fill out the survey online here.