Winter riding
I received this from Councillor Grimes office. He is writing to Rick Helary, Manager of Road Operations. Councillor Grimes has been supportive of clearing the Martin Goodman Trail since the beginning.
Good Morning Rick
This issue arises each year and i just want to confirm that again this year transportation will plough the trail beyond the Humber Bridge. As you know the bike lanes continue into Humber Bay Shores Park East and West and though officially the Martin Goodman trail ends at the old city of Toronto Border, over the last few years we have had transportation agree to plough the reminder of the bike lands as this is a major route for cyclist to access downtown all year round.
Councillor Grimes is requesting if you will please confirm the trail in ward 6 will be ploughed.
Thank you
Sheil
Councillor Mark Grimes' Office
Ward 6, Etobicoke Lakeshore
City Hall
100 Queen Street West, Suite C48
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Tel: 416-397-9273 Fax: 416-397-9279
www.markgrimes.ca
Councillor Mark Grimes is committed to building a community with an active, liveable lifestyle. Etobicoke Lakeshore offers its residents and visitors the beauty of waterfront parks, a flourishing arts community and the use of outstanding recreational facilities.
We as cyclists need to ensure this intiative is supported. Currently the clearing of the Martin Goodman Trail is a trial basis. Transportation can cancel it at any time as a budgetary measure. We should write the Councillors whose wards the trail goes through and show that we support keeping it cleared and would like to see it have a permanent budget.
I have heard that staff are only wanting to clear the Western section of the MGT as far as Winderemere this year -- and to completely cut snow clearing on the MGT (Eastern and Western sections) from future budgets as it still has the status of "Pilot Project."
We may have to make deputations to the budget committee to keep the snow cleared next winter.
You have heard correctly. It is a pilot project and Transportation wants to cut it. They wanted to cut all plowing. They have only agreed to plow what they have because of pressure put on them.
Those who ride the Martin Goodman need to get in touch with their Councillors and let them know. Those whose wards border the trail need to contact their Councillors too. We need the snow cleared this winter.
We also need the clearing moved from a pilot status to a winter budget cost.
The bike lanes are not being cleared. I passed the Lakeshore and Strachan Ave. lanes this morning. The road was cleared right to the line.
We need to start contacting our councillors about this. Snow clearing crews are paid to clear the entire road. Either cut what they are paid as a cost cutting measure or get them to clear the whole. This issue comes up every year. It makes a big difference to the commute when the lanes are cleared.