Minister of Transportation in Halton Hills

On Friday afternoon we had the privilege of having Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Transportation for the Province of Ontario visit Halton Hills. She was primarily here for a "Meet and Greet" organized by the Wellington-Halton Hills Liberal Party. However, in advance of that event we were able to book a meeting with the Minister at our town hall in order to present the Minister with our point of view on several local transportation issues.

Pictured here is Minister Wynne in the centre of the table. Also in attendance were members of the senior management team and Mitch Zamojc, Commissioner of Public Works at Halton Region. Councillors Somerville, Johnson, Kentner, Robson, Lewis and myself were part of the discussion that was led by Mayor Bonnette.

Approximately 10 issues were covered including the GO Transit Expansion to Acton, increased funding for ActiVan, Active transportation issues, and perhaps most important - our position and concerns with respect to the preferred route for the Greater Tororto Area West Corridor - a proposed new 400 series highway.

I was very impressed with the Minister and her almost instantaneous grasp of the issues. It must be extremely difficult to put herself into the local context when she visits municipalities all across Ontario. Her responses are always reasonable given that she can't simply make up new policies on the fly. However she will tell you if she can help or she can't help. It is very much appreciated that we get a straight answer so that we don't have false hope or start down a pathway that won't lead anywhere in the end.

As part of our meeting I was able to raise the issue of how the Ontario Highway Traffic Act needs to be brought in line with the new emphasis on Active Transportation, particularly as it relates to encouraging pedestrian activity. I have been thinking about this for a couple of years. It was frustrating when Main Street Georgetown was reconstructed with obvious crosswalks that pedestrians could not be given the priority many thought they had. Many people assumed that they had the right of way at the crosswalk whereas in fact the cars have the right of way. We, as a municipality do not have the authority to give the pedestrians the right of way unless we put up those huge, over the road, flashing lights such as they have in Acton.

I have observed in other countries and provinces that municipalities can create situations where pedestrians have the right of way and I would like to have the option here. The Minister was quick to say that this is definately something that they are hoping to address and would welcome further input. Commissioner Zamojc also indicated that this is subject of that the GTA Commissioners are also exploring. I was very encouraged and I will be pursuing this further with the Ministry.

The Minister graciously allowed me to get a picture of the two of us. The Minister is on the right side.

If you have comments about pedestrian priority or any other transportation issues I would like to hear your point of view or suggestion.