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Senior Member
Time for talk is over says transit expert
By: Alex Sahounov
Torstar Photo
New York City commissioner of transportation Janette Sadik-Khan takes the GO train to Port Credit. She was in Mississauga yesterday to speak about ways to improve the city's roadways.
Janette Sadik-Khan came to Mississauga to deliver a simple message: Create sustainable streets that lead to better living.
The New York City commissioner of transportation visited Clarke Hall in Port Credit last night to talk about how vibrant communities can be created by using simple solutions to improve streets. Some 180 people attended the free event, which was hosted by Port Credit organization Walk and Bike For Life.
"There's a definite link between transportation and public health," said Sadik-Khan, who has worked for the last two years at transforming New York into a more environmentally-friendly city.
It's important to act now and make changes that improve the quality of life in smaller communities, she said.
"It's not about talking, but doing...it's how we use our real estate that will determine how our cities work in the future," she said.
During the presentation, Sadik-Khan talked about several initiatives used to create sustainable streets, including dedicated bus and bike lanes, higher prices during peak hours for curbside parking and widening sidewalks.
"When we build streets, we build them to accommodate everyone," she said.
Walk and Bike For Life executive director Gil Penalosa talked about the need for governments to expand pedestrian lanes, and said public transportation is important to the quality of small cities.
"The Lakeshore corridor will never be fantastic as long as we have a four-lane road," he said. "It's not about the quantity. It's about quality."
The presentation was held the same day the City of Mississauga approved a new strategic plan that focuses on developing an environmentally-friendly and transit-oriented city.
"We're a young city...but we're committed to turning Mississauga into a very urban place," said the City's planning and development commissioner Ed Sajecki. "Pilot projects are the way to go. We'll get them started as soon as we can."
Sadik-Khan was impressed by the support from the community.
"I look forward to learning more about Mississauga...it has so much potential," she said.
The presentation was also a great way for residents to learn how they can help, said Penalosa.
"We can see the vibrancy of Port Credit, and how much people care about their community," he said. "This meeting is a showing of generosity."
mississauganews@live.com
Source
By: Alex Sahounov
Torstar Photo
New York City commissioner of transportation Janette Sadik-Khan takes the GO train to Port Credit. She was in Mississauga yesterday to speak about ways to improve the city's roadways.
Janette Sadik-Khan came to Mississauga to deliver a simple message: Create sustainable streets that lead to better living.
The New York City commissioner of transportation visited Clarke Hall in Port Credit last night to talk about how vibrant communities can be created by using simple solutions to improve streets. Some 180 people attended the free event, which was hosted by Port Credit organization Walk and Bike For Life.
"There's a definite link between transportation and public health," said Sadik-Khan, who has worked for the last two years at transforming New York into a more environmentally-friendly city.
It's important to act now and make changes that improve the quality of life in smaller communities, she said.
"It's not about talking, but doing...it's how we use our real estate that will determine how our cities work in the future," she said.
During the presentation, Sadik-Khan talked about several initiatives used to create sustainable streets, including dedicated bus and bike lanes, higher prices during peak hours for curbside parking and widening sidewalks.
"When we build streets, we build them to accommodate everyone," she said.
Walk and Bike For Life executive director Gil Penalosa talked about the need for governments to expand pedestrian lanes, and said public transportation is important to the quality of small cities.
"The Lakeshore corridor will never be fantastic as long as we have a four-lane road," he said. "It's not about the quantity. It's about quality."
The presentation was held the same day the City of Mississauga approved a new strategic plan that focuses on developing an environmentally-friendly and transit-oriented city.
"We're a young city...but we're committed to turning Mississauga into a very urban place," said the City's planning and development commissioner Ed Sajecki. "Pilot projects are the way to go. We'll get them started as soon as we can."
Sadik-Khan was impressed by the support from the community.
"I look forward to learning more about Mississauga...it has so much potential," she said.
The presentation was also a great way for residents to learn how they can help, said Penalosa.
"We can see the vibrancy of Port Credit, and how much people care about their community," he said. "This meeting is a showing of generosity."
mississauganews@live.com
Source
