On April 28, 2011, TCAT organized its fourth annual active transportation policy conference, called the Complete Streets Forum, at the University of Toronto Hart House.

This fall, students, staff and faculty at Ryerson University and the University of Toronto will have more outdoor public spaces to enjoy. This week, the City began implementing its Pedestrian Zone Pilot Project, which will close four streets to vehicles and instead install planters, tables and chairs.

With a municipal election on its way, we are pleased to release TCAT's 2010 platform titled Action 2014: Taking the Next Step (download in PDF format here.) TCAT's platform provides a detailed analysis of concrete steps that the city can take in all areas of its operations to improve walking and cycling in the next term of council from 2010 to 2014.

On May 6 TCAT's Program Director Nancy Smith Lea made two deputations at the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWIC). The first was in support of the City's new walking strategy. The overall visionary aspects of the strategy got lost in the committee debate and subsequent media reports that revolved around one minor recommendation.

TCAT steering committee member Gord Brown is making a presentation to the Pedestrian Advisory Committee today in support of the City's new Walking Strategy. We are pleased to report that the City has addressed the three concerns TCAT identified previously. The Walking Strategy sets the stage for a new culture of walking in Toronto. TCAT will continue to provide input to the Public Realm office and to help wherever possible to help move this excellent plan forward.

On March 6th, Nancy Smith Lea (TCAT's Research and Program Lead) and
two members of the TCAT steering committee (Gord Brown and Stephanie
Tencer) met with Elyse Parker, Director of the City's new Public Realm Office. We are very excited to finally have a dedicated, committed voice for pedestrian interests at the City.

Glen Murray answers press questions as panelists (left to right) Dylan
Reid, Martin Koob, Dr. Alan Abelsohn, and Gil Peñalosa look on at the
TCAT Press conference at Mountain Equipment Coop.

“Lack of political will and funding” to implement previously approved initiatives, says former City Chief Planner

Our Streets - inserting oneself into the municipal process: a discussion for the everyday person on how to bring pedestrian change to their neighbourhood
Date: Sunday September 30
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Cecil Street Community Centre, 58 Cecil Street (near College and Spadina)