Categories
Parks Toronto

A failure to communicate: a small, but meaningful example of the terrible messaging during this pandemic

The ongoing pandemic, to quote the prime minister, “really sucks.” Ontario has been subjected to various levels of lockdowns and restrictions for nearly eight months now as COVID-19 case counts continue to be high. Restaurants, bars, cinemas, and gyms are currently closed in Toronto, as are most other indoor venues. Many of us are — […]

Categories
Intercity Rail Ontario Transit

Mapping Ontario’s transit connections

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, several new inter-community transit services launched in Ontario during the last few months.

Every interurban transit connection in Ontario is included in an interactive map, which I will update regularly.

Categories
Ontario Transit

Why Durham Region is going the microtransit route during the pandemic – and what it means for other transit systems

Previously on this site, I expressed my skepticism about Durham Region’s commitment to improving transit service. But in the five years since, the region east of Toronto has done exactly that by creating a route grid along major corridors, fusing together a network from four separate municipal systems. While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has seen […]

Categories
Infrastructure Ontario Roads

Highway 401 revisited

In Woodstock, an unexpected tribute to Ontario artist Jack Chambers

Categories
About me Cycling Design Infrastructure Roads Toronto

Yonge, tomorrow

Over the past few years, I have been involved with the YongeTOmorrow project on behalf of Walk Toronto. It has been a very interesting and worthwhile experience being part of a stakeholder advisory group. Allied organizations working towards a more exciting and sustainable Yonge Street include Cycle Toronto, 8 80 Cities, and the David Suzuki […]

Categories
Brampton Ontario Transit Travels

Stranded at Bramalea GO: Metrolinx’s missed connections

While Metrolinx continues to build expensive new parking spaces, those who walk, bike, or take the bus to its stations can be made to feel like an afterthought. Especially when a connecting bus trip leaves without you, with the next bus not scheduled for two hours.

Categories
Roads Walking

Opening up the streets in Toronto and Guelph

In the last few days, I visited Toronto’s Danforth Avenue and Downtown Guelph to see how municipalities can support local businesses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On Danforth Avenue, new interim bicycle lanes were installed between Broadview Avenue and Dawes Road, spanning three business improvement areas (Broadview Danforth, Greektown, and Danforth Mosaic). With the new […]

Categories
Infrastructure Roads Toronto Transit Walking

Dysfunction junction: Union Station’s continued disruption

In 2018 and 2019, there were promises to replace the temporary concrete barriers plopped in front of Union Station. Two years later, little has changed.

Categories
Infrastructure Roads Toronto Walking

Deadly by design: The East Mall and Burnhamthorpe Road

On Tuesday, August 11, just after 11AM, a father and his two children were attempting to cross The East Mall north of Burnhamthorpe Road. They were crossing from the west side of the minor arterial street, where there is the main entrance to a long term care home, to the corner of Montebello Gardens, a […]

Categories
Infrastructure Roads Travels

A driver’s case for banning right turns on red lights

The reason why drivers should want to see the end of right turns on red.