Calgary is reviewing the costs of transit passes and considering making adjustments. At present an annual pass for seniors costs $55/year, while a monthly pass for low-income individuals costs $40 per month. The city is considering offering a further discount for low-income individuals and making it easier for them to access recreational services, transit and tax assistance.
Canadians have on average paid less for food than people in other countries, but that will soon change. High transportation costs, low crop yields and export restrictions are responsible for recent spikes in food prices. Overall costs rose 4.5 % between November of 2010 and 2011, eggs rose 12.3% and potatoes rose 20.3%.
A report released by Canada's Commissioner on the Environment, Scott Vaughan criticizes Environment Canada for failing to regulate and punish polluting industries. The report describes a lack of knowledge and consistency within the organization. Read more at the CBC.
Several Canadian municipalities are looking at outfitting their trucking fleets with safety barriers. Cycling and pedestrian deaths from heavy trucks has gone down in Europe since guards have been implemented. The barriers cost approximately $1500 and Toronto councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker believes rails should be required despite the costs; "all of us accept today that seat belts and airbags should be mandatory," said Mr. De, who regularly cycles 20 kilometres to work.
Groups such as the Toronto Board of Trade and the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance are throwing their support behind the idea of a gas tax that would be used to fund transportation projects. Toronto currently has the worst gridlock in the country. The idea of a tax will be discussed today at the Toronto Talks Mobility - Public Forum. Vancouver similarly is dealing with congestion issues and after years of opposition to the idea, the Metro Vancouver Mayor's Council approved a 2-cents-per-litre increase on the provincial gas tax.
The province of New Brunswick set a target to have greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels by 2012. The province is on track to meet its climate change reduction goals, a remarkable accomplishment given the economic growth in the province. The province worked with citizens and encouraged partnerships to achieve this goal. Some highlights of the plan include:
With Victoria pulling parking meters off its streets, advocates are wondering where cyclists will be parking their bikes. John Lutton is hoping the city will adopt a new bicycle parking strategy that includes a requirement for developers to include bike parking in all new buildings. Ideally new developments would also include shower facilities for cyclists.
Currently municipalities receive 10 cents for every dollar collected in gas taxes, but the Globe and Mail suggests that many municipal woes - from traffic congestion to crumbling infrastructure, would be fixed if the full amount were transferred. At present, "traffic congestion in the Greater Toronto Area alone costs the economy $3.3-billion in lost productivity." Improvements to public transit would improve commuting times and create happier and healthier communities.
A comprehensive sustainable growth plan for Edmonton was approved by city council on July 20th. "The Way We Green describes a future Edmonton that is carbon-neutral, generates zero waste, is significantly less dependent on fossil fuels, has clean air and water, is able to withstand and bounce back intact from a range of possible environmental disturbances, and where in the course of everyday life, residents experience a strong connection with nature." City staff is now working on an implementation plan to be presented in the fall.
Filed in:
Climate Change,
Building & Urban Design,
News Stories,
Energy,
Reports and Studies,
Biodiversity,
Tools and Best Practices,
Food Security,
Pesticides,
Transportation,
Waste,
Water | July 25, 2011
A few of Toronto's bike lanes, Jarvis St., Pharmacy Ave. and Birchmount Rd. may be scrapped if Mayor Ford has his way. A vote will be held this week to decide if they stay or go. Despite a large amount of public support for the lanes, particularly from residents in the nearby areas, the Mayor and some councillors believe the lanes pose too much of an inconvenience to drivers.
Read more in the Toronto Sun.
