FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jeffrey’s Phoney Transportation Promises: After 10 years at the Province and bailing on Kathleen Wynne, She now wants to work with the Province?
Brampton, ON July 29, 2014: Ward 3 and 4 Regional Councillor & Mayoral Candidate John Sanderson responded to Linda Jeffrey’s transportation and transit announcement with profound weariness, asking the question on the minds of many Bramptonians; “Where was Linda Jeffrey the last 10 years? Sanderson went on to say that given her record at Queen’s Park and her failure to represent the City’s interests at the Province, the former McGuinty Cabinet Minister has no credibility to address Brampton’s congestion issues to get the city moving again. “They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. I am pleased that my opponent has decided to follow my lead in calling for all-day two-way GO Train service to Brampton. The problem is, she had ten years to do it and nothing’s been done. Again, there is nothing new or innovative in my opponent’s announcement,” said Sanderson. Sanderson’s opponent also shows a complete lack of comprehension in City of Brampton and Region of Peel’s policies and procedures. “I am pleased that my opponent has acknowledged that her time at Queen’s Park has resulted in Highway 410 becoming a mess. High occupancy lanes should have been planned and put in at the time of construction, not after the fact and at a significant increased cost to the taxpayer. This represents a serious lack of judgement and forsight on my opponent’s part,” added Sanderson. If implemented, the former Minister’s recklessness on the Mississauga LRT (with 2 kms in Brampton) will negatively impact Downtown Brampton’s businesses and heritage districts. “As I said from the outset of my campaign, we need a “Made for Brampton” Transit and Transportation Plan. A plan that understands our needs and addresses our congestion challenges. We need to look closely at our infrastructure needs – and in particular our roads, transportation and transit network and the congestion we suffer through. This congestion is a burden to our local economy and affecting our quality time with family and friends,” stated Sanderson Congestion across the GTA is costing the region $7 billion dollars per year in lost productivity. “I remember when I could get across town in 15 minutes…now it takes me longer than that to go a few blocks. The current 410 is woefully inadequate and ends in a parking lot. I will work to see the 410 expanded to its logical end – Orangeville. Our place and contributions within the GTA are not fully recognized by the
Province. I will change this through building strong relationships – just like I built strong business relationships that have spanned 40 years,” added Sanderson. “It’s time to stop the talk – action is what’s needed right now for two-way all-day GO Service for Brampton. No more excuses! And no more taking from this community – it’s time to start giving. Such as an LRT that serves residents all the way to the northern city limits, with a 2
nd
phase extension to Orangeville. An LRT
alignment that respects our Downtown Heritage District – while encouraging visitors to enjoy this beautiful part of our City. Bottom line, you deserve to be relieved of the stress of commuting to your jobs. It’s time for new leadership and real change for Brampton” concluded Sanderson. John Sanderson’s response to the Ministry of the Environment’s LRT Environmental Assessment process is below
July 18, 2014 Mr. Gavin Battarino, Project Officer Environmental Approvals Access and Service Integration Branch Ministry of the Environment Attention: 2 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 12A Toronto, ON M4V 1L5 Tel.: 416-212-4279 Email: EAASIBGen@ontario.ca Facsimile: 416-314-8452 Good morning Mr. Battarino, Thank you for the opportunity to respond and to provide comments regarding the Brampton LRT system. Please note that I fully support an LRT for our city and I am confident of its many economic, social and sustainability benefits. I believe there is a better alternative to the Downtown Brampton Main Street route north of Nanwood Drive to the Brampton GO station. The current proposed route travels through one of the most beautiful heritage districts found anywhere in the GTA and would cause considerable long-term disruption to the businesses on Main Street. Also, I respectfully request Metrolinx consider an underground option for the 1.0-1.5 km that it would take to properly implement this segment of the LRT route. I would also like Metrolinx’s full consideration of the route being extended to the northern Brampton city limits. Furthermore, I believe the Province of Ontario has to begin the planning process now for the LRT to reach Orangeville. We all know that there would be additional costs, however as Canada’s 9th and one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, we deserve to have the best solution, not just the most cost effective solution for our city. I believe the proposed Terminus is in the wrong location. The area of Nelson and Main is very congested and does not have much room for expansion. I suggest the Terminus station be relocated at the north side of the existing GO/VIA station entrance. As well, all of the planning and study has failed to show how the LRT can be expanded for a future extension to the new Peel Memorial Hospital, Queen Street corridor and Bramalea City Centre. As you are aware, Brampton has been mandated to achieve much higher densities as per the Ontario Places to Grow Act. Brampton’s Downtown and the Queen Street corridor have been designated as areas that would benefit from intensification to accommodate more residents and businesses. An LRT route along Queen Street along with all-day two-way GO Train service would help achieve these goals. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your reply. Sincerely, John Sanderson Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4 City of Brampton