TCAT Election Survey Logo 
TDSB Ward 5 - York Centre Candidates

Survey Posted:
James Pasternak


Not Returned:
Frank Bonavota
Donna Khaner


Not Sent:
Mitchell Worsoff

Candidate: James Pasternak
Office: Trustee
Board: Toronto District School Board
Ward: 5 - York Centre
Website:
Email:

List of Candidates for School Trustee by Ward

Survey Results

Active Transportation

1.Walking and Cycling to School

Despite the benefits described above, the percentage significantly in recent decades. This decline has contributed traffic congestion, and environmental pollution.

Can you describe what proportion of students walk or cycle to school in your ward?
I met with our city councillor a few weeks ago to discuss traffic congestion in Ward 10. We both agreed that driving kids to school over very short distances is a leading cause of traffic congestion and discourages walking or cycling. A new vision is needed.
 

Do you support taking measures to increase this number?

Strongly
Support
Somewhat
Support
Somewhat
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
No
Answer
Comments We’ve been a 1-car family for almost 10 years. I get to most destinations by biking, walking or taking public transit. Public education both in school and in the wider community is essential.
 

2.Walking Safety Education

Walking safety programs taught in elementary school play an important role in teaching young children how to walk safely in the city, which reduces accidents and gives children the confidence to begin to walk regularly.

Can you describe the extent to which walking safety is taught in elementary schools in your ward?
Safe pedestrian behaviour is as essential as driver safety. As the co-coordinator of Drive Wise, a free driver refresher seminar for mature motorists, I know that following simple rules of the road and adopting a defensive driving strategy can prevent collisions.
 

Do you support increasing the extent of this teaching?

Strongly
Support
Somewhat
Support
Somewhat
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
No
Answer
Comments The school has a responsibility to do everything it can to ensure the safe arrival and departure of its students.
 

3. Cycling Courses

Various levels of cycling courses can be made available at public schools. These courses give students confidence to ride their bikes in the city, and the skills to make sure they can do so safely.

Can you describe the extent to which cycling courses are provided at schools in your ward?
I am not aware of cycling courses per se. However, visiting officers promote road and bike safety on an occasional basis. Printed materials are sometimes available.
 

Do you support increasing their availability?

Strongly
Support
Somewhat
Support
Somewhat
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
No
Answer
Comments Safe cycling should be included in the current curriculum.
 

4. Bicycle Locking Facilities

In order for students to ride their bikes to school, they must be confident that there are sufficient and secure facilities for them to lock their bikes on school property. However, the provision of such facilities varies widely from school to school.

Can you describe how much provision there is for locking bikes securely on school property in your ward?
Public schools in our ward generally have bike racks.
 

Do you support improving these facilities?

Strongly
Support
Somewhat
Support
Somewhat
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
No
Answer
Comments There is little doubt that if we make bike parking easier and safer more kids will bring their bikes to school.
 

Walking

5. The School Vicinity

Issues with the area around schools can make it dangerous or uncomfortable for students to walk or cycle to school. For example, there may be a dangerous street crossing, traffic may move too quickly, there may be excessive car traffic from parents driving kids to school, sidewalks may be inadequate for the volume of walking student, or there may be a lack of bike lanes leading to the school.

Can you describe any issues with the safety and comfort of students walking or cycling in the vicinity of schools in your ward?
We need to work with city police about stricter road safety rules in school zones and improved right of way for cyclists. Traffic violation fines should double in school zones.
 

Do you support working with the City of Toronto to address these issues?

Strongly
Support
Somewhat
Support
Somewhat
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
No
Answer
Comments I have already met with our city councillor about traffic congestion and bike safety and I hope to stay in touch with him on a regular basis.
 

6. Reducing Car Use

The use of cars to get to and from schools by parents, students, and teachers increases congestion and pollution, and causes danger and discomfort to students and teachers who walk or cycle to school. As well, excessively large school parking lots reduce green space for students and have negative environmental impacts.

Do you support taking measures to reduce the use of cars for transportation to and from school by parents, students, and teachers? If the answer is yes, please describe what measures you would support.

Strongly
Support
Somewhat
Support
Somewhat
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
No
Answer
Comments Constructive engagement is the best way to encourage alternative transportation methods for parents, students and teachers alike.

Sometimes teachers and parents must travel significant distances to get to a school. Even families nearby might need to drive in poor weather or if the student has a physical limitation I would encourage walking and cycling through education.
 


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