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Cheap gas prices take toll on public transit Fuel costs 44% less today than in 2014
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BY LISA QUEEN
lqueen@yrmg.com
ower gas prices are putting the brakes on transit use, York Region’s commissioner of transportation services says. Cheaper prices at the pumps mean some people who would have jumped on public transit are choosing to drive their own vehicles instead, Daniel Kostopoulos said. YRT/Viva’s fourth quarter ridership numbers from October to December were 5.75 million, a dip of 168,200 or 2.8 per cent compared to the same time in 2014. Overall ridership in 2015 was 22.1 million, a decrease of 321,500 riders or 1.4 per cent compared to 2014. There are a number of factors that influence transit ridership,
For a Q&A on transit in York, follow bit.ly/1H6h5dK. Comments? Email tkibble@yrmg.com
including weather, the job market and changes in transit service, such as the opening of the Davis Drive bus rapidway Nov. 29. But cheap gas appears to be the single biggest reason why ridership numbers are down, Kostopoulos said. “What we’re experiencing is not unique among GTA municipalities … ridership decreases we’ve seen across the board (are) largely driven by lower fuel prices,” he said. “Significantly lower gasoline prices are, we believe, the biggest factor that may be influencing people’s decision in riding transit See page A2.
POLITICS
STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT
The “Verano For Southlake” car raffle was launched Tuesday at Highland Automotive Professionals, which donated the vehicle for the cause. The raffle will be run by the Newmarket Lions Club. Tickets are $75. Here, Southlake Foundation president Neila Poscente approves of the prize. See the story and details on page A8. TOURISM
Mayor sole vote against electing York’s chair BY CHRIS SIMON
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csimon@yrmg.com
ost of Newmarket council wants York Region’s chairperson to be elected in 2018, with a notable exception for now. In a 7-1 vote, council approved a resolution calling on the province to pass Bill 42 and allow for the election of the regional chair by general vote, during a meeting Monday night. Mayor Tony Van Bynen voted against the motion, while Councillor Tom Hempen was absent from the meeting.
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For another story on this issue, follow bit.ly/206HD8O or email tkibble@yrmg.com
“I respect the position and the perspective of my colleagues; I support the direction, in principle,” Van Bynen said. “I can’t support the motion at this time. There will be a significant shift in the dynamics of the region and the balance that exists. It may well
See page A10.
Sinking loonie boosts York’s tourism Region’s hotspots thank drooping Canadian dollar for surge in business
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BY LISA QUEEN
lqueen@yrmg.com
ork Region’s tourism hotspots are thanking a Canadian loonie wavering in the 70-cent U.S. range for a surge in business. “The lower Canadian dollar is definitely help for us in the tourism business,” said Hugh Sibbald, general manager of The Briars Resort and Spa on Lake Simcoe just east of Jackson’s Point in Georgina. The resort is starting to take more summer bookings from Americans looking for couples, family and family reunion getaways, he said. Canadians tend to book their summer vacations last minute, but already
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some are calling to say they will be shying away from U.S. destinations this summer and are scouting out prices for staycation spots, Sibbald said. Meanwhile, despite the lack of winter weather, The Briars, which traditionally offers activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, ice fishing and nature walks in the snow, has seen visits this season from residents of the Greater Toronto Area, who would normally have headed south. “It fills my heart with joy,” Sibbald laughed.
See page A10.
DAVE PHILLIPS: Wonderland’s vicepresident, marketing and sales, looks forward to busy season.
LEARNING
GO shuttle could be boom or bust for commuters Crafty students create Valentines for Vets
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BY LISA QUEEN
lqueen@yrmg.com
ork Region is considering Aurora’s request to fund a shuttle bus service for GO train commuters after the town suggested bankrolling the service from an additional $15 million the region received in gas tax revenues from the provincial government. It’s an idea that could dovetail with a key plank of the region’s proposed updated transportation master plan, expected to be STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT approved later this year. The plan, which includes creat- The Town of Aurora wants York Region to fund a shuttle bus operaing a “world-class transit system,” tion to take its commuters to and from the area GO station due to a is trying to find ways to accommo- parking shortage that is only expected to worsen with growth. date the “last mile” of commuters’ journeys so they don’t drive their serve would encourage commutcars to train and bus stations. ers to leave their cars at home, But while overflowing GO he said. commuter parking is a problem Aurora’s existing public tran❑ For more stories on this issue: in most municipalities, a shuttle sit, provided by the region, is not bit.ly/1SHdqhl. Comments? could be a bust, said King Townmeeting the needs of commutEmail tkibble@yrmg.com ship Mayor Steve Pellegrini, who ers, he said at a town council said a similar idea failed in his meeting in November. community a couple of years ago. in adjacent neighbourhoods such “When you ask why these In Aurora, commuters who find as around Town Park, commuters don’t take public the GO parking lot at the train staAurora Councillor John Abel tion on Wellington Street west of told regional councillors. Industrial Parkway full are parking Providing an efficient shuttle See page A4.
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‘They make this country free,’ student says BY CHRIS SIMON
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csimon@yrmg.com
ailey West wants veterans to know they’re loved. The Grade 5 J.L.R. Bell Public School student and nearly 90 schoolmates recently created handmade valentine cards for veterans across the country who are living in longterm care facilities. The cards were mailed at the end of January, in time for distribution Feb. 14. “They make this country free,” she said. “I’m very thankful (they’re) helping through troubled times.”
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For more information about the program, visit veterans.gc.ca. Comments? Email tkibble@yrmg.com
Fellow student, Sadat Shafa, agrees. “They helped us through battles and wars and gave us freedom,” she said. “It makes me feel proud (to participate). It’s cool because we actually get to make cards for them.” The program, called ValenSee page A11.
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