HawthorneVillager.com

Commutes and traffic will always be just as they are today so long as the cost to use the roads is free.

Nobody is going to take a bus or a train when they can drive for the same or less cost, with the added convenience of going when and where they want, and generally in less time.

This is just what happens when you make everything free. Free roads and subsidized transit just means more demand for both. When people calculate that they can buy a bigger home in the burbs for the same price as the city (adding extra fuel costs for commuting), people are going to take the bigger house.

The only solution is to toll all the roads, and remove (or at least reduce) the transit subsidies. Driving will get substantially more expensive, driving people to transit. With transit costs also going up, people will look again at moving closer to work as the economics would now support it. It would reverse urban sprawl.

The side bonus would be that as people get out of their cars, those who choose to pay would no longer be in constant gridlock.

And none of this will ever happen.

In this mythical simple solution, what happens to the price of real estate "closer to work"? Supply and demand.

Already we have $350-$400k condos in North York. Higher in the core. I'd expect if you implemented something like this, those condos would run for $600-700k. I suspect the opposite might occur, the businesses would move further out. Making new cities (like Mississauga). This actually might be a good idea.

Additional tolls just impact the lower income people. We all pay for roads. We all pay income tax, sales tax, gas tax. Look at the 407? Nobody uses it and traffic is still gridlock everywhere else. Only the wealthy can afford the tolls.

Put tolls on the highways, people will use the other roads. They aren't going to all decide to move into Toronto. The gridlock will just become worse on the inner streets while the highways remain empty. Look at Hwy 7 vs. 407 in the mornings.

There are some simple solutions to gridlock.

1) Tax breaks for businesses that move outside of the city creating employment in outlying communities. (Cambridge, Barrie, Pickering)
2) Tax breaks for businesses that enable teleworking solutions for their employees
3) Tax breaks for businesses that allow time shift solutions for their employees (4x10 hour days etc.)

_________________

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As per the disagreement between Tony and myself I sought clarification on the current Britannia construction timeline, and as of this morning, the plan is for no construction until AFTER the Pan Am games, according the regional transportation staff and the email they sent me this morning.

Possibly. The change would take years, so I would expect to see developers meeting the increased demand, keeping prices in check. Certainly, businesses would be encouraged to open offices closer to where they can find talent. You might get a bit of both. People moving closer to the city, and businesses meeting them in the middle.

The key thing here is that supply/demand is sorting out the most efficient solution.



Cars are not a right. Can’t afford it, too bad. Move to an area where you don’t need one, walk, or work harder. I would expect a gas or income tax cut if we went for tolls at this scale, so those taxes would no longer be needed to support the infrastructure. That in turn would allow those who shunned the car even more disposable income for other things.

It would also put pressure on the 407 to lower rates. They’re a monopoly now, but if there was competition, people could choose the lowest rate option and take differing routes.





And none of those will work. You might get a few businesses to respond, but you will never see the massive shift needed to solve the problem of over used roads. You can’t give something away for free (roads) and expect to control demand for it.

I disagree with Dtc on the premise that long distance commuters are not a huge part of the problem; however I'm not really interested in debating it. In contrast, I fully agree with the suggestion of tax breaks for companies supporting telecommuting. Obviously encouraging people to simply not commute in any form would be the best solution for traffic congestion. I do have some concerns about the impact on productivity rates though.

I have been telecommuting almost 5 years now. Productivity is subject to the person in question. I get a lot more done outside of an office atmosphere for my style of work (BOFH), simply because there is no one tapping on my shoulder to ask for help with something else.

I had a job opportunity for a place in Waterloo and simply couldn't rationalize spending so much money on gas for the pleasure of working, so I declined. I hope more business see the virtue of telecommuting, but without a doubt, some people are simply not compatible with it.

Hi btimmis,

Good afternoon, and thank you. What is the name of the regional staff member you say is telling you this? This is contrary to what I and the regional councillors have been told (as of 2 days ago), and is contrary to Halton region's timeline. I would like to know the source of your information to see if it is true with that staff member.


Thank You,
Tony

Tony Lambert
Town & Regional Councillor
Wards 1,6,7 and 8
http://www.tony-lambert.ca

I'll pm you with that information as I did not tell the staff member in question that I would be publicly posting their comments.

Tony,

I would just like to voice my opinion, and I’m guessing that of most other residents of Milton.

I don’t give a rats ass if that roads under construction during the pan-am games. I don’t care if it ruins the games, or makes Milton look bad to visitors. I live here. Expand the damned road already. This traffic situation is out of control.

If some stupid velodrome is used as an excuse for 3 more years of gridlock, then scrap the damned thing. I need a road more than an overpriced bike track.

^^^
What bremer said.....

Also, after a thousand tries, do you think someone could properly extend the light at Trafalgar/Derry so there isn't a backup to Fifth or Sixth Line every morning? Frustrating to wait 10-15 minutes in the morning to see north/south Trafalgar traffic doesn't have to wait at all.

Hi new_vista_owner,

Good evening. You're right, with the additional people that have moved to Milton since the last time Halton looked at the timing of the lights at Trafalgar and Derry, this intersection should be looked at again for an adjustment so I will ask regional staff to review it tomorrow morning.

I also agree that Britannia road should be widened as soon as possible, (it's a major priority for me because it will help relieve the volume at this intersection). I'm working on it, and will update everyone shortly. Have a good night.


Best Regards,
Tony

Tony Lambert
Town & Regional Councillor
Wards 1,6,7 and 8
www.tony-lambert.ca

Tony

????

_________________
Martin Capper

HVRA member

www.cappercares.ca
www.MartinCapper.com

Hi Martin,

Good afternoon, I hope you are very well. Thanks for your question, I appreciate it. I spoke with staff because you're question is a good one which is hard data behind Metrolinx's impact on leaving Milton off the list of a GO station at Trafalgar and Derry and 2 way all day train service (like is in Oakville & Burlington which we will be bigger than in 7 years). The answer is this. Halton Region built our Transportation Master Plan on Metrolinx's, and then the Province's research on the goal of the BIG MOVE. The Province said they wanted to keep our commute times to 2008 levels which is why the region (I included because I voted for it) agreed to the next wave of development. Because we went on the assumptions that Milton will grow between 6,000 - 8,000 new people per year, it is assumed there will be more cars and therefore negative if the Province does not keep their promise to me/us.

If you want data of Metrolinx's impact on their decision in the time traveled between a certain location in Milton to a certain destination in Toronto it will be hard because that is based also on improvements to the 401 expansion which have not been given from the province. Thanks, and have a great weekend.


Be Well,
Tony

Tony Lambert
Town & Regional Councillor
Wards 1,6,7 and 8
http://www.tony-lambert.ca

Tony

I have to confess I am a little surprised by your answer on two counts. First as you said the Region's Transportation Master Plan was based on the Metrolinx report as it was at the time of preparing the TMP (ie with a 2nd GO station and with all day 2 way service) As that has now been postponed I would have thought that the Region need to know the impact of such postponement on the TMP! Secondly as I suggested earlier I would have thought the Region's advocacy to have the Metrolinx proposals reverted to the original would be better served by knowing that impact!

Martin

_________________
Martin Capper

HVRA member

www.cappercares.ca
www.MartinCapper.com

Hi Everyone,

A major regional staff report will be presented next week Wednesday July 3, 2013 to Halton Region's Planning & Public Works Committee. This report will discuss how Milton's transit will be dramatically improved over the next 4 years as several regional road construction projects are completed. I am happy to report that as part of this report, Britannia road widening from 2 to 6 lanes will begin as originally planned late next year, 2014.

Please find the report below.


<start>

Date: July 3, 2013

Report No. Re: PW-38-13 Transportation Capital Program Delivery Update

REGION The Regional Municipality of Halton

RECOMMENDATION

1. THAT Report No. PW-38-13 re: “Transportation Capital Program Delivery Update” be
received for information.

2. THAT the Regional Clerk forward a copy of Report No. PW-38-13 to the City of
Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, the Town of Oakville for their
information.

REPORT

Executive Summary

The 2011 Transportation Master Plan - “The Road to Change” established a 20 year, $2.4
billion capital program to meet transportation demand to 2031.
From 2011 to 2016 segments of all 15 major Regional Road corridors will have been improved
to provide additional capacity and 153 new lane kilometres.
By end of 2016, capital improvements will have increased east/west capacity on portions of
Regional Roads from 12 lanes in 2011 to 28 lanes.
From 2011 to 2016, 14 additional lanes will have been provided as a result of North/South
Corridor Capital Improvements on portions of Regional roads.
217 kilometres of additional active transportation facilities will have been provided in
conjunction with capital road improvements identified in this report to 2016.

Purpose

This report provides an update on the transportation improvements currently being delivered
through the Regional Transportation Capital Program to meet the growing transportation demand
across the Region.

Background

Halton’s major arterial roadway network links the provincial and local networks to provide for the
movement of commuters, goods, transit and active transportation users. The capacity provided by
the Regional corridors is important to ensuring that the local, Regional, and Provincial roads
comprising the transportation system serving Halton, operates efficiently.

In October 2011, Regional Council endorsed the Transportation Master Plan “The Road to
Change” and established a 20 year, $2.4 billion Capital Road Improvement Program to meet
transportation demand across the Region to 2031. The approved 2013 Transportation Capital
Program is $289 million.

Significant improvements are currently under construction, or in the final stages of detailed
design, that will transform the Regional Road network over the next four years to 2016. The
following summarizes the major transportation improvements that will provide additional
east/west and north/south capacity within Halton and will have added a further 153 lane kilometres
to Halton’s transportation network between 2011 and 2016.

Transportation Capital Improvements

There are six major east/west and nine major north/south corridors within Halton’s transportation
network. From 2011 to 2016, segments of all 15 of these corridors will have been improved to
provide additional capacity. Many of these improvements have been under development through
Environmental Assessment, detailed design, property acquisition, regulatory approvals and
construction for over years and are nearing completion.

East/West Corridor Capital Improvements

By the end of 2016 east/west capacity on Regional roads within segments will have increased
from 12 lanes in 2011 to 28 lanes. Capacity wlll be further enhancedubyŕllle ennlpletion of grade
separations on Derry Road in early 2015 and on Britannia Road in 2017.
Completed Regional Road activities are summarized as follows:

Derry Road (Regional Road 7)
Two to four lane widening Tremaine Road to Bronte Street complete 2011.

Dundas Street (Regional Road 5)
Four to six lane widening Proudfoot Trail to Neyagawa Boulevard (Regional Road 4),
including Sixteen Mile Creek Bridge complete 2012.

Upper Middle Road (Regional Road 38)
Two to four lane widening Bronte Road (Regional Road 25) to Postmaster Drive
complete 2011.

On-going Regional Road activities are summarized as follows:

Steeles Avenue (Regional Road
Intersection reconstruction at Ontario Street- complete 2013.
Two to four lane widening James Snow Parkvl'ay (Regional Road 4) to Winston
Churchill Boulevard (Regional Road 19) complete 2015.

Derry Road (Regional Road 7)
CN Grade Separation west of Bronte Street- complete 2015.

Britannia Road (Regional Road 6)
Two to six lane widening Tremaine Road to Regional Road 25 utility relocation in
advance of construction expected to commence late 2014 subject to successful acquisition
to necessary lands - widening scheduled for completion 2017.

Road Widening Trafalgar Road to Highway 407 - under construction 2016.

Road Widening - Regional Road 25 to Trafalgar Road - under construction 2016, subject
to receipt of the necessary environmental approvals.

Dundas Street (Regional Road 5)
Four to six lane widening Oak Park to Highway 403 complete 2014.

Four to six lane widening Bronte Road to Trail complete 2015.
Intersection reconstruction at Brant Street (Regional Road 18) complete 2016.
Corridor Improvements Bronte Road to west of Brant Street- under design 2016.

Upper Middle Road (Regional Road 38)
Corridor Improvements - Ninth Line to Neyagawa Boulevard - under design 2016.
Corridor Improvements Winston Park Drive to Winston Churchill Boulvevard under
construction 2016.

New North Oakville Transportation Corridor (Regional Road 27)
New four lane corridor Regional Road 25 to Third Line complete 2015.

New four lane corridor Trafalgar Road (Regional Road 3) to Ninth Line complete
2015.

New four lane corridor Trafalgar Road (Regional Road 3) to Neyagawa Boulevard ~
under construction 2016.

New four lane corridor Neyagawa Boulevard to Third Line under design 2016.

North/South Corridor Capital Improvements

Work is currently underway to provide additional lane capacity on all north/south corridors with
the exception of Appleby Line, which is currently the subject of a signal optimization study being
undertaken by staff, and an Environmental Assessment for intersection improvements at Harvester
Road being led by the City of Burlington. Brant Street is being improved as part of the
reconstruction of the Dundas Street intersection described above.

As a result of the north/south corridor capital improvements summarized below, 14 additional
lanes will have been provided in the period from 2011 to 2016.

Completed Regional Road activities are summarized as follows:
Winston Churchill Boulevard (Regional Road 19)
Two to four lane widening Steeles Avenue to 5 Sideroad complete 2012.

Tremaine Road (Regional Road 22)

Two to four lane widening Derry Road to Main Street- complete 2011.

On-going Regional Road activities are summarized as follows:

Ninth Line (Regional Road 13)

Two to four lane widening Upper Middle Road to Dundas Street complete 2014.
Environmental Assessment -Steeles Avenue to 10 Sideroad complete 2016

Trafalgar Road (Regional Road 3)
Four to six lane widening Cross Avenue to Highway 407 commence 2016.
Intersection reconstruction at 5 Sideroad complete 2013.
Intersection reconstruction at 10 Sideroad complete 2014.
Environmental Assessment -Steeles Avenue to Highway 7 - complete 2016

Neyagawa Boulevard and James Snow Parkway (Regional Road 4)
New four lane James Snow Parkway corridor Regional Road 25 to Steeles Avenue,
including a new CNR Grade Separation complete 2014.
Two to four lane widening of Neyagawa Bòulevard Dundas Street to Highway 407
complete 2015.

Regional Road 25
Two to four lane widening Derry Road to Britannia Road including new bridge
structure at Sixteen Mile Creek complete 2013.

Two to four lane widening - Highway 407 to W.A. (Bill) Johnson Biosolids Management
Centre complete 2013.

Two to four lane widening Biosolids Management Centre to Britannia Road complete
2015.
Two to four lane widening Highway 401 to 5 Sideroad/Campbellville Road complete
2013.

Tremaine Road (Regional Road 22)
New four lane corridor Main Street to Steeles Avenue including a roundabout at
Steeles Avenue complete 2014.
New four lane corridor - Steeles Avenue to 5 Sideroad / Campbellville Road -under
construction 2015.
Two to six lane widening Derry Road to Louis St. Laurent Avenue complete 2015.
Two to six lane widening Louis St. Laurent Avenue to Britannia Road complete 2016.

Guelph Line (Regional Road 1)

Reconstruction in the area of the Queen Elizabeth Highway (QEW) and Harvester Road
construction 2015.

Active Transportation Facilities

In conjunction with all of these improvements, active transportation facilities are being provided to
support alternative forms of transportation and reduce single occupant vehicle usage across the
Region. In total 217 kilometres of active transportation facilities will have been provided as part
of the improvements outlined within this report. Typically these facilities are provided in the form
of shared or dedicated on-road bike lanes and off-road multi-use pathways.

The Region’s Active Transportation Master Plan is currently under development and scheduled for
completion in early 2014. This Master Plan will provide a road map for the implementation of a
Regional network of active transportation facilities and will guide the design of facilities to be
provided in conjunction with capital road improvements.

Conclusion

The improvements currently being delivered through the Transportation Capital Program approved
by Regional Council are significantly expanding the Regional Road network and providing the
transportation capacity needed to support the growing demand across the Region. It is noted that
improvements being planned and implemented by the local municipalities are also enhancing the
overall transportation network serving Halton residents and businesses.

Staff will continue to provide Council with regular updates on the delivery of the Transportation
Capital Program.

<end>



Thank You,
Tony

Tony Lambert
Town & Regional Councillor
Wards 1,6,7 and 8
http://www.tony-lambert.ca