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Ward 14 - Parkdale-High Park Candidates

Survey Posted:
Mark Chmielewski
Walter Jarsky
Sylvia Watson
Neil Webster
Ed Zielinski


Not Returned:
Steven Aspiotis
David Smaller


Not Sent:
Ed Veri

Candidate: Neil Webster
Office: Councillor
Ward: 14 - Parkdale-High Park
Website: www.neilwebster.com
Email: electneil@sympaticao.com

Survey Results

1) Are you familiar with the Toronto Bike Plan and will you support its implementation of as one means of reducing car dependance as outlined in Toronto's Official Plan?Strongly Support
Comments: As a recent cycling enthusiast, I was not fully aware that the city had a plan. Over the past few days I have had a chance to review the plan and find it very, very interesting. I do have some questions as to the validity of some of the solutions and can also see some things that can be improved.
 
2) Would you support requests to amend bylaws to exempt bicycles from traffic calming turn restrictions and entry restrictions on streets in your ward?Somewhat Oppose
Comments: I know how easy it is to ignore rules as a cyclist. Many of our traffic solutions are based solely on car drivers. Knowing this community I know not all traffic calming solutions for cars are relevant to cyclists. Heavily used cycling routes should be looked at closer with local community input.
 
3) Do you support measures to ensure that the City of Toronto's policy of keeping bike lanes clear of snow is carried out; and would you support expanding this policy to off road paths?Strongly Support
Comments: I have not yet "enjoyed a winter ride" but my next door neighbour is a 12 month a year cyclist, his frustration level rises substantially in the winter and more so in the spring when piles of snow clog bike lanes and sewers resulting in his having to ride in a car lane. Based on his recommendation this is an issue that not only needs my support but a strong push once I am in office.
 
4a) To build the Bikeway Network over the next three years, the Bike Plan recommends that the following amounts be spent by the Works and Emergency Services to build new bike lanes, paths and signed Bike Routes, and by Parks and Recreation to build new bike paths.
YearWorks and Emergency Services% of Works Capital BudgetParks and Recreation% of Parks Capital Budget
2004$3.0 M1.23%$1.2 M1.66%
2005$4.5 M1.85%$1.2 M1.66%
2006$6.0 M2.46%$1.5 M2.08%
** Based on 2003 Parks capital budget of .1 M
* Based on 2003 Works capital budget of .67 M
Will you support the above budget requests to implement the Bike Plan?Somewhat Support
Comments: Of course, but I would have to seriously look at these numbers, I have no current reference to how they relate to the over all city budget or the individual departments.
 
5) There are bike lanes and routes proposed for your ward over the remaining eight years of the Bike Plan. Will you be working to get these bikeway routes through the approval process and installed? View Map Strongly Support
Comments: Yes I would support these plans; on first look at the map I can suggest areas where we can improve on. Please look at my website for a bit more information. www.neilwebster.com
 
5b) The Toronto Bike Plan proposes a new off road path in the rail corridor which runs through your ward (as highlighted on the attached map). Will you be supporting the building of the railpath? (see www.railpath.ca for more info.)Strongly Support
Comment: On the condition that it works in harmony with the expanding the TTC and commuter train planning, that will take cars off of our streets.
 
6) Do you support improved integration between Cycling and The Transit system by such measures as: Bike carrying racks on TCC Buses, and, building secure bike parking facilities at TCC stations?Somewhat Support
Comments: I have seen this work great in places like Vancouver and European cities. I would support this but fear unless we educate all drivers to respect streetcar right of ways and traffic rules, this could only lead to increasing risk for cyclists.
 
7) Do you support an expanded city-funded bicycle safety program for adults and children?Strongly Support
Comments: Definitely , I would also offer a suggestion that before a drivers license and a taxi license is issued that all candidate be required to take bicycle safety courses and exams. This will go a long way in improving awareness of cyclists.
 
8) Would you support dedicating more resources to promote bicycle commuting by employees of private and public sector employers, including City of Toronto staff?Strongly Support
Comments: Yes, for public and city staff especially, they should be setting examples of responsibility.
 
9) Would you support initiatives to promote Toronto as a Bicycle Tourism destination?Strongly Support
Comments: The promoting Toronto as a Bicycle Tourism destination should be an initiative especially once we develop and implement a safe and strong Cycling program.
 
10) Would you support the extension of the former City of Toronto's Zoning Bylaw regarding Bicycle Parking Requirements (which requires bike parking facilities as well as shower and change facilities) to cover all new commercial and residential buildings across the rest of the Megacity?Somewhat Support
Comments: Showers and change facilities are the only things that stand in my way of fully supporting this. Like I said earlier this would need more study on my part to insure an educated answer.
 
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