Seeking public input for a greener future

By Christy Marsters

The Hants Journal

The Town of Windsor wants public input to help plan a greener future for public transportation.

A daylong workshop on alternative transportation will be held at the Hants County Branch 09 Royal Canadian Legion, starting at 10 a.m., on April 4. The Ecology Action Centre will host the event, one of three in Nova Scotia, to encourage participation in developing a municipal model for green transportations throughout the province.

Jen Powley, coordinator, said this is a federal government initiative to find alternative ways to travel by looking at how people get around and by noting the other efforts.

Windsor has been chosen to help shape the Municipalities for Green Mobility project because the town’s council seemed interested and open to the idea, Powley said. “Plus, they definitely have the will to look at some different ways of getting around.” “We want people’s input… we want people there from all walks of life,” Powley said. “To think about things not just today, not just tomorrow, … but 15 years from now.”

Mayor Paul Beazley said this is a real chance to talk about all transportation issues, needs, and wants. “And, how we might shape our community to incorporate sustainable, environment friendly, accessible modes of transportation … including motorized, pedal and foot power. The work being done ... will form part of a future.”

Louis Coutinho, chief administrative officer, said this is one of a series of public sessions on the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP), to take shape this year. “The Ecology Action Centre is only focusing on a 30-year, long term, transportation plan for the town. The purpose … is to ensure that the town plans for sustainability in matters related to passenger and freight transportation for the future.”

Public input is critical in assisting council to plan for transportation needs, as it will lead to making better decisions, Coutinho acknowledged. “Council wants to know what people in the town think about sustainability on many issues. This is one area.”

In order to continue to receive gas tax funds in 2010 and beyond, every community should have an ICSP developed, Coutinho said. “Our council is taking time to seek input into a standalone ICSP so we can use all information for future planning.”

In the end, this is about ensuring things like transit (being discussed on April 14) are available for citizens, Coutinho said. “That there are walking trails and sidewalks for active living… or perhaps rail is still a viable option for freight traffic because carbon footprints using rail are far superior to the alternatives,” he added. “It’s about ensuring we have a plan to address commuter traffic from Windsor to HRM via carpooling, commuter transit and other options… Hopefully, citizens will tell us things they want.”

The April 14 event will help determine what is needed to build a sustainable transportation system, with less use of personal vehicles, Coutinho noted. “And, encourage a greater use of public transit, bicycles and carpooling.”

The Ecology Action Centre workshop will focus solely on the issue of transportation in Windsor. However, there are several other consultations to take place as part of the ICSP. These areas will include discussions in a long-term plan for the town’s economy, environment, culture and social values. “Once the town has gathered feedback on all of these key areas a master plan (ICSP) will be developed,” Coutinho added.

Anyone interested in attending this event should register before March 26 by calling 798-1355 or emailing sthornton@town.windsor.ns.ca (with the subject line of Green Mobility in Windsor). Also, anyone who wants to attend this session but can’t afford childcare or a means of transportation to get there should contact TRAX coordinator Laena Garrison by calling 1-902-429-0924 or emailing her at trax@ecologyaction.ca.