Published questions tagged Infrastructure, across every race in 2026 New Tecumseth Municipal Election.
Asked by Anonymous · 13 days ago
Is there a plan to complete the sidewalk on Stewart street?
Stephanie MacLellan
Mayor
Im assuming you are talking about Beeton's Stewart St? If that is the case unfortunately I actually live on Stewart St and would have to declare a conflict of interest on this discussion at Council. Best to reach out to Cllr Cox at [email protected] to ask about futures plans.
Asked by Anonymous · 13 days ago
What is the plan to finish the resurfacing of Dayfoot in Beeton between Main and Danielle Gate?
Asked by Anonymous · 17 days ago
Will you support renewed efforts to achieve train-whistle cessation at the 3rd Line crossing near Casserley Crescent?
Will you advocate for the necessary crossing safety upgrades and a formal feasibility study?
What concrete steps would you take during your term to address overnight train noise?
Peter Barbati
Councillor Ward 5
Continued consultation with C.N. regarding improvements to the crossing will help. Quite zones can be established, but not by only one interest; the Municipality. If improvements are made to the signaling system, the Municipality and C.N. can agree to a quiet zone, but that will only apply to a specific crossing or area.
I would request to reexamine the possibility of improvements to the signaling system and request a "Quiet zone" be established during overnight hours, when road traffic is minimal.
Chris Rapin
Councillor Ward 1
Argh, not sure what happened. I really try to answer these as soon as I get them.
I'm more than willing to entertain options. But saftey would be the number one consideration. If the same level of safety is maintained then it would come down to cost.
I'm fine with a study.
James Dougall
Councillor Ward 1
Yes, I support stopping the train whistles at the 3rd Line crossing. The crossing already has arms, bells, and lights, and other towns on this rail line have done it. Tottenham families shouldn't be kept up all night. If elected, I'll push council to get the process started with Transport Canada and the railway, and get it done.
Wendy Gabrek
Councillor Ward 2
Hi there ad thank you for the question. I have had similar questions from Ward 2 residents who are disturbed by the train whistle late at night. Just today, I sent out an email to staff and council requesting additional information on what we can do about this. So long as stringent safety measures are met, the Town can appeal to the railway for whistle cessation at certain hours, at certain crossings. It requires the support of the railway and of Town Council. As I already have this ball rolling, yes, I would support this and have already taken steps to make the change.
Asked by Anonymous · 20 days ago
Why is our water and wastewater bills are higher than other municipalities?
Peter Barbati
Councillor Ward 5
The cost of the Collingwood pipeline and pump system added a noticeable cost increase to municipal water and sewage users.
Stephanie MacLellan
Mayor
Hi there! Thanks for the question. Out of 15 comparable municipalities 15th being the lowest rate and 1st being the highest rate New Tecumseth is number 10. I have a chart I can share with you (this forum wont allow me to attach a pic) send an email to [email protected] and I can share that chart with you! Unfortunately for a very long time New Tec water rates were based off the cost of producing the water - seems no one took into account that over the years this major assest needs fixing, upgrading and regular maintenance. Asset management should always be factored into the cost of service delivery.
Chris Rapin
Councillor Ward 1
Thanks for the question. I believe our bills are completely based on what you use. There are no hidden costs.
Laurie Mortimer
Councillor Ward 3
There isn’t one simple reason our water and wastewater bills are where they are, and there isn’t one simple solution to lowering them.
New Tecumseth has significant infrastructure costs, including aging water and wastewater systems and the cost of securing enough water capacity for our growing community.
I also think it’s important to recognize that the current Council has successfully advocated for outside funding. Earlier this year, the Province committed up to $12.5 million toward rehabilitation of the Alliston Wastewater Treatment Plant, which helps reduce the amount that ultimately has to be funded locally.
We need to keep doing that. We also need to ensure growth pays its appropriate share through development charges, continually review operating and capital costs, and look for every opportunity to reduce pressure on existing ratepayers.
I don’t think it would be responsible for me to promise that I can simply lower everyone’s water bill. What I can promise is that I will question increases, understand what’s driving them, support every reasonable opportunity for outside funding, and make affordability part of every decision.
James Dougall
Councillor Ward 1
massive infrastructure demands, long-term external water purchasing
Jaison Waldman
Mayor
My perspective on other municipalities is limited. While I have no numbers to compare with other towns, I do share in the dissatisfaction with the costs. This is on my list of items needing to be examined.
Wendy Gabrek
Councillor Ward 2
Water and wastewater aren't profit centres for the Town. We operate on a cost-recovery basis, meaning what residents pay goes toward delivering these services, maintaining our systems and planning for future repairs and upgrades.
Every municipality is a little different when it comes to how they get their water and what it costs to treat and deliver it. Here in New Tecumseth, we rely on a combination of wells and water brought in through a 57-kilometre pipeline from Collingwood. We also have three wastewater treatment plants to operate and maintain. None of that is inexpensive, especially when you factor in provincial regulations, testing, treatment and the people needed to keep everything running safely.
Something worth pointing out is that, before the recent rate increases, New Tecumseth actually had some of the lowest water and wastewater rates in Simcoe County and among comparable municipalities. Even with the increases, we're moving closer to the middle of the pack.
We also have a projected $141 million shortfall in funding for water and wastewater infrastructure over the next 10 years. That's a significant amount of money, and it's one of the reasons we need to build our reserves and plan ahead instead of waiting until something breaks and being faced with a much larger expense.
I know nobody likes seeing their utility bills go up. I don't either. But we also can't afford to fall behind on maintaining the infrastructure we all rely on every day. We've seen what happens in communities where corners get cut and that cannot happen here in New Tec.
Asked by Anonymous · 21 days ago
What will you do to resist AI infrastructure/data centres being built in our communities if they are proposed? It seems like there is a huge disconnect between what the people want and the choices those in power are making. We don’t want data centres EVER in New Tec!
Wendy Gabrek
Councillor Ward 2
I had previously answered the same question above. Thank you :)
Peter Barbati
Councillor Ward 5
Timely issue. There are differences between Data centers and A.I. centers.
As for the disconnect, there is an agenda and communication is not part of the agenda. Masses of data are collected, collated, and used to promote policies.
In Europe, a "digital passport" is proposed to allow individuals to use the internet...all in the name of promoting safety for minors.
promoting internet safety can be as simple as mandating the use of a filterable suffix (.prn, .adu, etc.) But, although this will allow parents/guardians, libraries, companies,, educators to block access to inappropriate sites, it will not allow for the more profitable ability to control information access.
Bill 34 (Canada) has some strengths, but also some inherent weaknesses, or gray areas, which will allow the government to decide on what is and isn't acceptable.
Getting back to your initial question though, data is not something that can be held in a corral and if it is not built here, it can be built across the highway, with the exact same outcome.
Stopping a data center will not prevent government overreach, changing governments or their policies will. Bill c34 is attached here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/safe-social-media-act.html
Chris Rapin
Councillor Ward 1
I don't want them, I'll vote against them.
Laurie Mortimer
Councillor Ward 3
I will say no to large AI data centres in New Tecumseth.
This isn’t about being against AI or technology. It’s about whether this particular type of development makes sense here, and I don’t believe it does.
We already have serious infrastructure challenges ahead of us. The Town itself says our current water planning does not provide the capacity needed for growth to 2051 and that additional capacity will require significant infrastructure investment. We are currently working on additional groundwater supply, water storage and booster pumping capacity just to support the growth already coming.
I don’t support adding a large AI data centre, with potentially significant electricity and water demands, to that equation. And I don’t believe the relatively small number of permanent jobs typically associated with these facilities justifies dedicating valuable employment land and infrastructure capacity to them.
Our water, power, land and infrastructure are valuable resources. My priority is using them to support our residents, our existing businesses and employment growth that actually brings meaningful jobs to New Tecumseth.
So my answer is clear: if a large AI data centre is proposed in New Tecumseth, I will not support it.
James Dougall
Councillor Ward 1
First of all we do y have the water or electrical grid to support.. I’ll be voting no against
Jaison Waldman
Mayor
Progress requires challenging what we do and why? I support progess and advances in technology. The AI and Data Centre debate is misplaced. Currently I can't find any reason for a technology company to invest in one here, there are numerous options that are better suited. Irrespective, protecting our environment from all forms of pollution and harm is an immediate issue that we should all work on. If the technology makes sense and is not harmful then I would be open to examining the benefits in NewTecumseth.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
Do you think it was the right description to build an ice rink over a pool, even though the town desperately needed a pool?
Tony Phekoo
Councillor Ward 3
This question Was Already answered In Arena vs Pool. Here is my response below.
This is a difficult choice as one option will upset one group, and another answer will upset another. However, as difficult as it is, decisions have the be made.
As I discussed the issue with constituents, the missing pool always comes up. Residents repeatedly noted how a year-round pool should have been included when the New Tec Rec Centre was originally built. Given the fact the prior council has already approved the arena, this question seems like a purely academic exercise. My view is I would have elected for the pool since New Tecumseth already has facilities available for all residents across Alliston, Tottenham, and Beeton. The pool would serve a larger demographic, including toddler swimming lessons, school safety programs, seniors and open public recreation. In addition, I do agree Beeton deserves a new arena as the existing one has run its course and is very costly to maintain. The broader question is what is best for New Tecumseth as a whole. The inability to access a pool forces families, seniors, and swimmers to travel outside the municipality or rely on private/seasonal alternatives. Having said that one cannot dismiss the impact a 5% increase and its demands will have on the already stretched taxpayer.
Wendy Gabrek
Councillor Ward 2
No. I believe an indoor pool is both wanted and needed in New Tecumseth, and I don't think we should be looking at major recreation projects in isolation from one another.
I voted to defer both the indoor pool and sports dome to the 2027 Budget deliberations (and I voted against the arena) because I want Council to look at the bigger picture: what recreation facilities do we already have? What are we missing? What will each new facility cost to build and operate? What do we need to reserve for the eventual replacement of the assets we already own? And, ultimately, what can taxpayers reasonably afford?
An indoor pool would fill a significant gap in our recreation programming, but pools also require an ongoing municipal operating subsidy. That's why the original concept of combining the pool with a fitness centre piqued my interest, as membership revenue could potentially help offset some of those ongoing costs but that's not what council originally asked for.
Further, I wasn't satisfied with the initial design given to Council. I wanted to see other configurations, locations and funding opportunities, including potential grants, before committing to a project of this size. The NTRC was identified as the preferred location, but I don't believe that should prevent us from asking whether another site or a larger multi-use recreation complex could provide better long-term value.
My vote to defer was not a vote against a pool. It was a vote to bring these major recreation projects into the same budget discussion so Council can make an informed decision about our entire recreation system and not simply approve one expensive project at a time.
Jaison Waldman
Mayor
That probably would not have been a decision I would have made. The user data would guide my thoughts.
Questions like how many people use the current Ice Rinks? What is the cost per user and what are they charged? How many different people use the icepads and what is the projected increase?
How much does it cost to run a pool? What is the capacity and staffing levels?
When comparing the two, what is the average cost for use per individual? Considering equipment or training etc. Which benefits the most families?
Why are these the only two options? Lots of questions that I would like to ask before committing millions of dollars to any project.
This is an example of what happens when people don't vote. Millions of dollars budgeted for from such a small percentage of the electorate.
James Dougall
Councillor Ward 1
No — I think the pool is needed more.
Stephanie MacLellan
Mayor
I have supported SHIFT through volunteering, advocacy and delivering support through council. I believe we have the means to care and help our most vulnerable while also keeping our downtowns safe for everyone including those without a place to sleep.
Homelessness is a growing issue across rhe country and the solution lies in the collaboration and pooling of resources from all levels of government. With the province defunding many of the services through DC reduction, our town needs to make an strong effort to lobby the province for funding.
I sit on the affordable housing committee at the County where I have advocated we need more transitional housing. I plan to continue those efforts as Mayor.
Chris Rapin
Councillor Ward 1
A pool, a dome, an arena. All cost money after the fact. We pay to build them and we then charge our residents to use them. For me I'd love to see some options that don't charge residents after they are built. Mainly a trail system that works, that actually gets us places from our front door. Parks such as an All Wheels Park that generates options for our youth and our youth at heart. Our economy today is perhaps more dire than it appears. Once development reboots and the development charges start rolling in, perhaps that is the time we revisit these big projects. I do want a pool though, but for now I use the outdoor one on an almost daily occurrence (in season) as well as the Nott, and I have been up to the base as well. We are fortunate to have so many surrounding options.
Here's an outside the box possibility -- What if we sold the NTRC to private business? and did a full reboot on our Town Recreation Centre? I'd love to explore this at least.
Laurie Mortimer
Councillor Ward 3
I don't think it should have been a one over the other. I personally believe all 3 items should have advance to the next stages to see what grants we could participate in? What partnerships could be made ie name recognition etc at a cost of course and to explore further costing. It was a real shame for how the council meeting was handled that day.
If elected I would bring it back to the table with hopes we're not too late and other elected members hopefully support it. After all your one voice and one vote amongst 8 other elected members. (We ) those selected to represent our communities and residents need to work together and find a common ground. This past council from my position, watching every meeting was not working together. It wasn't just one person they each brought good and bad over the 4 year period.
Shira Harrison McIntyre
Councillor Ward 6
The plan for the pool was brought forward at the end of the term of council, not during the budget process. This was not right. I wanted the opportunity to speak to the 2400 residents I was going to be meeting at the door to see if they want a pool (which will most likely be located in Alliston) and do they want the tax increase that will come with it? We need to get some help with a project like this and partner with other municipalities, the province or developers. Adjala-Tos hasn't given us any money for Parks & Recreation and yet their residents use our facilities. Other municipalities, like King, get money from businesses for their facilities. We need to look for other sources of money to help pay for a project of this magnitude as the tax payer can't shoulder the burden.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
What is your opinion on updating all traffic lights to be more responsive to traffic conditions instead of sitting at lights with no traffic!
Wendy Gabrek
Councillor Ward 2
I think we've all experienced the frustration of sitting at a red light too long. That said, I wouldn't support simply replacing every traffic signal in New Tecumseth with new technology without first understanding the cost and whether the benefit would justify that investment.
Responsibility for traffic signals also depends on the road. Some intersections are under the Town's jurisdiction, while others involve the County or Province, so this isn't something the Town can address independently at every intersection.
Where we have signals that are consistently causing unnecessary delays, I would support having traffic data collected and reviewing the timing, detection equipment and traffic patterns at those specific locations. In some cases, adjusting signal timing or upgrading detection technology may provide a relatively simple solution without replacing the entire system.
Peter Barbati
Councillor Ward 5
Sounds like a good idea. Most traffic lights are timed to coincide with changes in traffic, which explains those rubber tubes you sometimes drive over (traffic counter).
From 2-4 am, lights can be switched to double yellow and double red flashing (red stops, yellow proceeds with caution) but just a small percentage of inattentive drivers, or carless ones can cause a disaster.
An active traffic light system, one that monitors the number of cars at a light and changes the order and length of red/green may work, and the combination of Flock cameras and programming will allow this, but Flock cameras bring up other issues.
Jaison Waldman
Mayor
My profession is Industrial Automation, so I view it as an easy fix. As your new Mayor I will be examining the technical details that staff propose and using the Five Why's to resolve some of the easy wins.
The cost and value for money well within the scope of my strengths, but I don't intend to micromanage the team. I will challenge them and enable them to get the job done in a fiscally responsible way. Doing it right the first time.
James Dougall
Councillor Ward 1
That makes sense to me — traffic lights should respond to actual traffic instead of keeping drivers waiting at empty intersections.
Stephanie MacLellan
Mayor
It is certainly frustrating to be sitting at a set of lights only to see that you are the only car waiting. Our light systems are often set up as safety measures rather than traffic control considering the speed and design of our rural roads. The lights in town are programmed to keep the flow of traffic moving. As our town grows though, traffic patterns change. As Mayor I will ensure that our public works department monitor and report on the state of traffic so that we can adjust based on real time data. One of the goals of that is to decrease those long lonely red lights.
Chris Rapin
Councillor Ward 1
I have no issue with this. It will come down to cost and effectiveness I'm sure. Last week I was on Tottenham Road lights, waiting to turn west on the Industrial Bypass. I waited 7 minutes for the lights to turn green. Two cars actually gave up waiting and went through the red. I contacted Engineering to find out if this was a thing (around Honda time). I was told that the front car hadn't trigger the light. Engineering followed up with the County (their road) and they are going to have a look to see if there is something they can do.
Laurie Mortimer
Councillor Ward 3
I support making our traffic signals more responsive to actual traffic conditions.
We’ve all experienced sitting at a red light when there is little or no traffic coming in the other direction. As our community grows and traffic patterns change, our signal timing and technology need to keep pace.
I would support reviewing our signalized intersections to identify where updated vehicle detection, better signal timing or traffic-responsive technology could improve traffic flow. We also need to work with the County or Province where intersections fall under their jurisdiction.
Sometimes relatively small improvements can make a noticeable difference. Before looking at expensive road expansions, we should make sure we are getting the most out of the infrastructure we already have.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
What exactly have you done for Tottenham, with all the builds more cars on our town lines and the roads have become hazards especially in winter months.
Wendy Gabrek
Councillor Ward 2
As I am not a Tottenham Councillor I will refrain from answering fully, other than to say as the Vice Chair of the Traffic Advisory Committee and a strong advocate for traffic safety initiatives in all of New Tecumseth, I support our Engineering Dept. and their ongoing efforts to increase road safety, as well as any members of Council who put forward a members' motion looking for support on specific ideas related to road hazard improvements.
Jaison Waldman
Mayor
There is nothing that I can claim to have done for Tottenham. What kind of solutions are you looking for? How would you like me to help?
James Dougall
Councillor Ward 1
I'll be straight with you — I'm not on council, so I haven't voted on anything for Tottenham. But the concern behind the question is real: new builds put more cars on the town lines, and winter makes it worse. If elected, I'd push for development to pay for the road upgrades it creates — growth should pay for growth. That means proper winter maintenance on the town lines, traffic measures where the new traffic actually goes, and no more approving builds without the road work to handle them.
Chris Rapin
Councillor Ward 1
As with every part of New Tecumseth I make every attempt to reach out to the ward councillor for any additional clarification needed on projects in their area. There have been several down in Tottenham these past 4 years. The paving of the main street is a giant improvement in my opinion. The upgrading of the infrastructure surrounding Tottenham Public is also a great addition. I believe that there is a bypass being planned for Tottenham in one of the upcoming developments. I would hope this would alleviate some of our traffic concerns.
Laurie Mortimer
Councillor Ward 3
I'm not sure why I have been linked to this question. I'm not an incumbent.
What I will say is I too have concerns about our roads and the winter maintenance and when setting my priorities should I be selected I will work together get answers and support the necessities and safety of our roads.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
As a resident of 20+ years, I’m concerned about the town’s appropriation of funds for much needed repairs. I’ve seen a steady decline in this regard over the years. I need to know that our mayor and council will put the town’s needs first - such as much needed proper repair of our town roads, using your voice to push for a new high school - for example.
As mayor, what can you say to instill some hope and faith that these needs will be met?
Wendy Gabrek
Councillor Ward 2
As I am not running for Mayor, I will leave this to the Mayoral Candidates.
Peter Barbati
Councillor Ward 5
I am not a candidate for the Mayoral position. However, the condition of the road system is an ongoing concern. With a rough cost of .6 to 1.5 million to repave a common road, budgets are stressed fairly quickly. Consider that increased traffic will reduce the life of road surfaces, Continuing (needs qualified...those in greatest need to maintain safety) maintenance is ongoing.
The high school is not a municipal-only concern, and although we must ensure the construction is done in a timely manner, you may want to reach out to the School board trustee candidates for more information on the proposed facility timeline and other factors.
Jaison Waldman
Mayor
A new high school is a small step in the progress we need. Portable classrooms at every school is another sign of the insufficient value placed on education and children's development. As a parent of children in two elementary schools, I also find it to be a great disappointment.
The ironic thing is that Dr. Banting was a pioneer in the medical world, so by now we ought to have established a diabetes institute or something to further the work. Equally Dr. Donald Baxter has a legacy that we can learn from.
If we don't learn from our history then our further is in peril. Repair and upkeep are basic issues that shouldn't be neglected.
Vission for a better tomorrow and the courage to act will be needed to inspire the Millenials and Gen Z. They will be able to do greater things than anyone in history, if we lead them correctly. The power of dreams can transform our town in ways I can not yet imagine, but I am willing to shape the path for tomorrow's leaders.
James Dougall
Councillor Ward 1
The new high school is a must, and I'll keep pushing for it. We are repairing some roads as we speak, and keeping our roads in good shape stays a priority.
Stephanie MacLellan
Mayor
I agree that the roads need far more attention than they currently receive. As mayor I will improve two aspects of road repair. The first is ensuring that development and construction include road repair as part of their operations. Too often a construction project or development destroys a road that the town and taxpayer must pay for. That is unfair.
Secondly investing in our roads is putting money back in taxpayers’ pockets. Fewer repairs and increased vehicle longevity are the result of better roads. Our residents deserve a mayor that prioritizes cost saving measures through road repairs while also realizing that investments also cost taxpayers.
Chris Rapin
Councillor Ward 1
I see this is directed at the future mayor. I also cannot comment on schools.
Laurie Mortimer
Councillor Ward 3
Thank you for this question. As a resident myself, I understand the frustration of watching infrastructure age while wondering whether enough of our tax dollars are getting back into the things we rely on every single day.
I’m running for Ward 3 Councillor, not Mayor, so I can’t promise that I alone can make these things happen. What I can promise is that I will use my vote and my voice at the Council table to make maintaining the infrastructure we already own a priority.
Roads are a perfect example. We need to get away from allowing roads to deteriorate to the point where the eventual repair becomes significantly more expensive.
The Town’s updated Road Needs Study is coming back before Council this fall, and I believe that will be an important opportunity for the new Council. I want to understand which roads have been identified as priorities, what condition they’re actually in, what the recommended timelines are and, importantly, what it will cost to properly address them.
From there, I want to see a realistic, properly funded multi-year plan based on condition, safety, traffic and need, one that residents can actually see and understand.
I also completely agree with you about a new high school. Education isn’t under municipal jurisdiction, so Council can’t simply decide to build one. But that doesn’t mean we should sit quietly and say it isn’t our responsibility. With the growth happening in New Tecumseth, I believe our Mayor and Council should be strong advocates with our school boards and the Province for the schools and other infrastructure our growing population requires.
And this connects directly to one of my biggest concerns about growth.
We cannot continue approving growth and then deal with roads, schools, recreation, water, wastewater and traffic as an afterthought. Infrastructure needs to be part of the conversation before and alongside growth, not years later when residents are already feeling the consequences.
There will always be competing priorities and limited tax dollars, and I won’t promise residents everything they ask for simply to get elected. What I can promise is that I will ask questions, look carefully at where our money is being spent, push for provincial and federal funding wherever it’s available, and advocate for taking care of the essential infrastructure we already have.
To me, that’s one of the most basic responsibilities of municipal government.
And ultimately, I hope residents won’t have to take my word for it. Over the next four years, they’ll be able to look at my votes, the questions I’ve asked and the decisions I’ve supported and decide for themselves whether I’ve represented them well.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
Accessibility issues. Our town is not accessible to get around- our town has several people in the comunity who need accessibility and don't get it. There are only 3 accessible buses in all of Simcoe County. Linx transit buses do not accommodate people who use mobility scooters. Linx transit stops are limited and Tottenham is completely inaccessible. This has been brought up to council members in the past and only one has taken the opportunity to take the time to respond. I would like to hear from all candidates, as it is not just the elderly who face these issues but families, children and parents. How can we connect New Tecumseth and make it so that EVERYONE can access resources and spaces?
Wendy Gabrek
Councillor Ward 2
You're right, accessibility is an issue that will become increasingly important as New Tecumseth grows, and it isn't only an issue for seniors.
One of our challenges is that LINX Transit is operated by the County of Simcoe, not the Town, and its current routes don't provide equal access across New Tecumseth, especially in Tottenham.
The Town does have a Taxi Subsidy Program for eligible residents with disabilities, which helps offset the cost of accessible transportation. I support continuing that program, but I don't think we should consider that the complete solution.
In the short term, I would like to see the Town continue advocating to the County for better accessible transportation and improved connections throughout New Tecumseth, while also reviewing whether our existing subsidy program is meeting residents' needs and where the gaps remain.
Longer term, I believe public transit will have to become part of New Tecumseth's growth conversation. Operating our own transit system comes with a significant cost, and today we may not have the population or tax base to support the level of service residents would expect but as we grow, that equation will change.
We should be planning for that now rather than waiting until our population has doubled and trying to build a system after the fact.
Peter Barbati
Councillor Ward 5
During a previous administration, before the LYNX service was introduced to our town, I appeared via deputation in front of council. I proposed an inter-community bus service test-run, utilizing a rented bus and driver, between our major centers. The one day cost would have been +/- $950, which I would have covered (I would have searched for sponsorships to cover much of the cost), as long as the town would handle any special permits, temporary stops and insurance needs.
I had based the test on research I had conducted of community transit in: Bradford, Clearwater area, Quinte West. The Quinte West system proved to be the most promising due to the demographic mix at that time. The Quinte West system (Brighton and area) had an operating budget of approximately $96,000. The operating funds came from fares, sponsorships, a portion of grant dollars from the greater Municipality.
The current Lynx system has an operating budget of $6 million (you can look that up). That is the operating budget for the entire system, not New Tecumseth. The system, which also uses smaller people-mover busses for those with disability issues, services approximately 28,500 rides (uses). Oddly, LYNX does not keep figures relating to the new Tecumseth route (ridership or a=proportional operating costs)
The current system used in Quinte West, which is also comprised of multiple service options, but I will only deal with the primary one here, has an operating budget of $1.252 million and services 86,000 fares/rides. Funds come from: Municipal sources ($619,000), Gas tax rebates (326,000), Fares (306,000) All numbers are rounded.
Tottenham will not be receiving services via Lynx as there is no budget available.
I will push to revisit the current service, suggesting we consider requesting the New Tecumseth portion of the operating costs and applying those to a more localized service.
However, consider that some riders do use the Lynx service to travel to the Bradford Go station. We have to consider all of these points.
Jaison Waldman
Mayor
Pecuniary Interest Disclosure: I have used the Linx bus on numerous occasions and also hold a Class F license for 24 passenger busses like the Linx Bus.
It is correct that Tottenham is inaccessible by bus, and any feelings of being disadvantaged are completely understandable.
As someone who has tried to use the bus on numerous occasions, I feel it doesn't serve as well as it should. And this is my opinion where I know that I probably have some of the best access to it in the whole town.
The one report mentioned that to include Tottenham would add 10 minutes to the total time, and so a third bus would be needed. I do intend to investigate this thoroughly and find a better way.
Amongst other things this is why I choose to run as the Mayor, so I can directly address the ineffective transit. I have already received some input on options and would appreciate additional thoughts on what success could look like for you and any improvements you might suggest.
James Dougall
Councillor Ward 1
We do need a better way to connect New Tecumseth so everyone can get to and from work. Honda could be part of the answer — they need workers, so they have a stake in making sure people can get there.
Stephanie MacLellan
Mayor
I am fully committed to exploring alternative, flexible and accessible transit models. On demand transit, targeted community shuttles, or regional rideshare partnerships are all available and proven alternatives. My goal isn't to run empty, expensive buses, but to find a smart, sustainable option that works for residents. We can have better transit; it just takes the will and leadership to bring who and what are needed to the table.
Chris Rapin
Councillor Ward 1
I agree that we need to be way more accessible. I was not aware of the bus situation and will gladly look into that in the upcoming term (if I'm fortunate to be elected).
Laurie Mortimer
Councillor Ward 3
This issue is very personal to me.
My dad became a quadriplegic when I was 15, so accessibility was part of my family’s life long before it became the conversation it is today. More than 20 years ago, my dad actually served on our local accessibility committee. He eventually became frustrated because many good ideas ran into red tape, jurisdictional issues and political hurdles. Too often, what should have been a practical solution became complicated enough that nothing changed.
More than 20 years later, residents are still raising some of the same concerns. That tells me we need to move beyond simply identifying barriers.
Accessibility is not just about whether a building meets a standard. It is about whether someone can actually live independently in their community. Can a person using a wheelchair or mobility device leave home, get to transportation, travel between Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham, access recreation, shopping, medical appointments and community services, and get home again?
If they can’t, then we haven’t achieved accessibility.
There will always be different jurisdictions, budgets and regulations involved, but those cannot become reasons to accept the status quo. I would want us to identify the specific barriers residents are facing, determine who has the authority to fix each one, establish priorities and then follow through.
And the people who live with these barriers need to have a meaningful voice in those decisions, not simply be consulted after plans have already been made.
I watched my dad fight for his independence and for better accessibility in this community. That experience has stayed with me.
Twenty years later, I don’t want to have the same conversations. I want to see measurable progress.
Connecting New Tecumseth means making sure everyone can be part of it.
Shira Harrison McIntyre
Councillor Ward 6
Even before the LINX system was put in place, I was requesting that Tottenham be included in the system. We recently heard back that the additional 10 minutes having the bus go to Tottenham is too much time. I have heard from many people that they would like some type of transit system connecting the town. We should be looking at how we can start with a small system and scale it up when ridership increases.