Transit & Transportation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I do not believe licenses are currently required. There is a large hole in the "rules" involving E scooters and bikes. The products have speed limiters, which are often overruled. legally, you must be 16 or older to use an e-scooter, and helmets are required under 18. Over 18, they are "suggested" . Parents should strongly reconsider purchasing these for their kids, and if they choose to purchase them, must also purchase appropriate head protection. But we know some parents won't, and some riders will ride in an irresponsible manner.

E bikes and scooters are not allowed on Municipal property. On roadways, they are a risk to the users and drivers. On sidewalks they are a risk to pedestrians. In bike lanes, they also post a risk to pedal bike riders.

Municipalities have the option to "opt -in" and establish bylaws which can ban use of scooters and bikes on municipal property (including roads, trails, sidewalks), but generally, these are Provincial issues, and Municipalities do not have the power to issue license requirements.

Many E bike users do so to commute to and from their employment and operate the items in a responsible manner.

This is a complicated issue in that the products arrived quickly and before thoughtful legislation could be established.

Establishing a license will be

Council has engaged with OPP multiple times regarding e-scooters. Most recently we passed a motion asking OPP to do a blitz for education and enforcement. Our bylaw department doesnt have the ability to pull over vehicles/scooters. I will be discussing this issue with OPP again as soon as the new council is elected. I agree we need more regulations which should come from the Province so engaging with our MPP is necessary as well. Thanks for the question.

If they have no pedals, they’re considered a motor vehicle and will be charged according to the motor vehicle act. Which means you need a drivers license and you need insurance. If they have pedals then they’re considered a bike, but you have a maximum speed limit allowed. Electric scooters do not have pedals therefore they are a motor vehicle.

I think at some point these modes of transportation will be legal with a driver’s license. The first thing we need to do is keep them off our sidewalks and we need to improve our view for motor vehicles when they come to stop signs because the scooters are hard to spot when they’re travelling at 40 km an hour on a sidewalk.

E-bikes and scooters go too fast — I don't like them at all. Parents need to be held accountable when the rider is under 16, and riders over 16 should be fined and treated like any other motor vehicle breach. We need more police enforcement on these.

Safety concerns require actions.

Ontario laws require riders to be aged 16 or older, wear an approved helmet and follow the same rules of the road as other cyclists.

You can not ride on municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths where prohibited etc.

Laws and Bylaws are in place. On a related side note, we have laws prohibiting handheld devices while driving; but it happens too often.

Teenagers and children test boundaries which they identify by observing the adults around them.

So we need to bring the consequences to the parents so the are able to take corrective action. We are all responsible for the examples that we are and can show good behavior or the results of poor choices. Adults have to be grown up and not expect the government to teach responsible behaviors.

Where the adults (parents) are allowing risk, there are corrective measures that can be taken.

But before we criticize we must examine the options. How do we expect the kids to get around? Without busses or safe paths to use, just crossing the street is a risky exercise.

We need to give them a better way to get to places safely. Please share any ideas you have on how we can do it better. Accessible transportation that works in all seasons.

Hi there. Thanks for the question. The current council had approved a zero tolerance policy for ALL motorized e-bikes and e-scooters in New Tecumseth.

E-Scooters are banned entirely from all streets, sidewalks and trails. No exceptions.

E-Bikes (unmodified) are banned from sidewalks, in-boulevard multi-use trails and parks, but permitted on roads and bicycle lanes so long as the rider meets the minimum requirements, including being over 16 years old, wearing a helmet, and keeping the device in good repair.

There is little that council can do to prevent parents, grandparents or users in general from buying these devices in the first place. Often they are purchased and delivered through websites. All we can do is enforce our rules and regulations, report sitings to the non-emergency line at the OPP and provide continued public education.

During 2027 Budget deliberations we can also advocate for signage, and dedicated police enforcement campaigns, as well as more education in schools and letters home to parents advising them not to buy these devices as they cannot be ridden in new Tec.

The conversation will continue on this, I promise.

I had previously answered the similar question above, however, in short the LinX Bus is controlled and operated by the County of Simcoe. New Tecumseth can (and has) made its desire for expanded bus routes and services (especially to and through Tottenham) known, but that need has gone unmet for the time being. With that said, and as the Town grows, transit and connectivity of all kinds will be front and centre for the next sitting of Council I'm sure. Thank you for the question.

Linx transit (spelled incorrectly as Lynx in another post) has announced that an expansion in the works, and Tottenham is on the list. Odd as when I was researching the system and comparing it to the Quinte West system operating in the Brighton area, I was told that Tottenham expansion was not in the works. That was in June 2026 so something has obviously changed. Good addition though and the Honda bus is an obvious addition which will assist our local workforce.

Absolutely. I've maintained for the past three years that if we are making deals with the province in terms of growth we should be looking at establishing a GO connection in Tottenham. If that were to happen we would have even more reason to connect Alliston and Beeton via transit options.

I'm also keeping an eye on the Argo transit system in Bradford and the Uber system they're using in Innisfil.

Yes, I support better transit connections between Tottenham, Beeton and Alliston.

LINX is a County service, so my first step would be advocating at the County level for better connections and making sure New Tecumseth gets its fair share as the system expands.

I also don’t think the answer is simply putting more buses on the road. Ridership should be reviewed regularly and service increased as demand and our population grow.

Where I think New Tecumseth could do more is looking at an affordable on-demand service that gets residents from areas without service to existing LINX stops. That could be a smaller vehicle or short booked ride rather than creating another full transit system at the Town’s expense.

Connect the three communities, build the service as demand grows, and don’t have taxpayers paying twice for something the County already provides.

I do support but not the 5% property tax increase. We would need to find other ways to fund such as advocating for such as the rural transit solution fund, provincial gas tax subsidies or maybe Honda could help as to ensure workers are at their ready.

Absolutely. Better connectivity with accessibility for everyone. Transit that can get Seniors to appointments, youth to resources and local services. We can all benefit.

Understanding that for some people it's not what they want because they like things to stay as they are. Change happens so let's plan the changes that work for us today and our children tomorrow.

Linx bus is what we have now, I need more details on the ridership and costs to know if it is a good solution or if something else might work better.

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.

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.

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.

That makes sense to me — traffic lights should respond to actual traffic instead of keeping drivers waiting at empty intersections.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

New Tecumseth needs a variety of businesses that provide employment opportunities for people at every age and stage of life. That could be a student looking for a part-time job after school, a parent looking for flexible or evening work to supplement their household income, a skilled tradesperson looking to build a career close to home, or a senior who wants to continue working part-time for the income, social connection and sense of purpose.

But we also need to think bigger. As our population grows, we need to actively attract larger employers and a more diverse range of industries that bring professional, technical, administrative and corporate positions with them. People shouldn't necessarily have to commute south to find those opportunities.

That means making sure we have employment lands available and serviced, creating an environment where businesses want to invest, and supporting the businesses that are already here so they can grow and create more jobs.

Education and training are part of that as well. I support efforts to bring skilled trades and technology training closer to home and to build partnerships between employers and educational institutions so residents can train for good careers without having to leave the community.

If we're going to grow substantially, we shouldn't just be planning where people will live. We should be equally focused on where they will work.

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New jobs require new ideas or established business willing to invest. Investor confidence is something that we have to work on. When the town complains about growing and wants to keeping the identity of the three separate areas, then other places stand a better chance of getting the edge.

With the wealth of skills and knowledge in New Tecumseth we can turn things around and build industries that thrive now and for generations to come. Dream Big and choose your path.

Basically we need to attract higher paying industries , advanced manufacturing technology, specialized trades and less low wage service sectors to raise the overall economy wage average

Growth should strengthen our community so people can live, work and raise their families here, it shouldn't outpace our core services.

We need to support the local businesses already operating here and help them connect with residents while attracting new businees.