For Immediate Release: June 12, 2007

TCAT hires first official coordinator

The Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation (TCAT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Fred Sztabinski as Project Coordinator. In this newly created position, Sztabinski will work to raise TCAT's profile and the profile of active transportation at City Hall.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to work with TCAT's diverse and knowledgeable team of organizers and supporters," Sztabinski said.

"Together, we will work to ensure that active transportation is integrated into municipal decision-making processes. When sites are redeveloped or roads are rebuilt, the needs of pedestrians and cyclists should automatically be considered. TCAT will work with municipal staff, councillors and the public to ensure that this happens."

Sztabinski recently completed the Master's program in Planning at the University of Toronto. His Master's research project, which focused on developing a provincial policy to support the planning and construction of active transportation infrastructure, received the Canadian Institute of Planners 2007 President's Scholarship for the most outstanding research submission.

Sztabinski has previously worked at the Ontario Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal, the Canadian Urban Transit Association and Smart Commute. His work has been consistently aimed at raising the profile of more sustainable modes of transportation and promoting travel choice alternatives to the private car.

"More roads for drivers and improved transit service cannot do it alone. The fate of Toronto's already-burdened transportation network will also rely on active transportation becoming an attractive and viable option for more and more residents around the city," Sztabinski said.

For further information, contact:
Chris Ouellette
Tel: 416-230-8860
E-mail:chris@chrisouellette.ca
Web: http://torontocat.ca/

TCAT was formed in 2006 to give a unified voice to those working for a better cycling and pedestrian environment. The TCAT plan emerged out of consultation with environmental, health and transportation groups from across Toronto. The result is a practical yet visionary plan for how Toronto City Council can make active transportation a central part of transportation planning.

TCAT gratefully acknowledges funding from the Toronto Community Foundation through the Clean Air Partnership.