The Phoney War on “Gridlock”

Have a look at our latest paper from our Research Director, Barry
Wellar which argues that we’ve exaggerated the gridlock problem to
justify needless road construction.

Read it by clicking HERE

Queen’s Park Update-Spring 2012 now available

Read it by clicking here.

It contains an update on several topics:
• The Ontario Municipal Board
• Five Year Review of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005
• Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP)
• Protecting Heritage Views of Queen’s Park
• Election Financing Reform
• Private member’s bill requiring paved shoulders
• Mega-Quarry in Dufferin County and Review of the Aggregates Act

It also contains a summary of all provincial party responses to the F.U.N. Election Questionaire.

Moving Forward Transportation Forum draws a crowd

The Moving Forward Forum on transportation and funding issues took place in Markham on May 12. It was held in conjunction with F.U.N.’s AGM which took place earlier in the day. An AGM report will be posted separately.

The Foum was a great success: 159 attendees, superb presenters/panelists, 9 important survey questions answered and a lively Q&A.  Markham-Unionville MPP Michael Chan, who is Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport provided greetings from the Province and Mayor Frank Scarpitti welcomed attendees to his municipality.

There were at least 3 people who were tweeting live from the Forum. To get highlights of the Forum from the tweeters you can go to the following website:  http://t.co/fe7TOL1Z

All presentation material as well as video recordings of all segments of the Forum are available at the links below.

Session I -  Transportation Problems & Solutions
Metrolinx’ John Howe Slides
Howe Video Part1 (10 minutes)
Howe Video Part2 (10 minutes)
Howe Video Part3 (10 minutes)
Howe Video Part 4 (9 minutes)

Session II -  Funding Solutions
Toronto Board of Trade’s Richard Joy’s Slides
Joy Video Part1 (10 minutes)
Joy Video Part2 (5 minutes)

U of T’s Matti Siemiatycki Slides
Siemiatycki Video Part1 (10 minutes)
Siemiatycki Video Part2 (10 minutes)
Siemiatycki Video Part3 (10 minutes)

National Transit Strategy: Olivia Chow message

Session III – Expert Panel
Expert Panel Video Part 1 (10 minutes)
Expert Panel Video Part 2 (6 minutes)
Expert Panel Video Part 3 (7 minutes)
Expert Panel Q & A Video Part 1 (10 minutes)
Expert Panel Q & A Video Part 2 (2 minutes)
Expert Panel Q & A Video Part 3 (8 minutes)
Expert Panel Q & A Video Part 4 (8 minutes)

NOTE: our thanks to Alick Siu of Civic Engagement Canada for recording the Forum and making it available online.

SURVEY:
Results of the 9 question survey at the Forum: click here
If you missed the Forum and want to take the survey: click here

MOVING FORWARD: a Public Forum on Transportation

GTA commute worst in North America -82 minutes and increasing  
Annual economic cost of congestion in GTA -$6 billion
Ontario’s $50 Billion BIG MOVE -only 20% funded
Madrid has built more rapid transit in last 10 years than GTA total in 100 years

IT’S TIME TO GET MOVING!

Join public leaders across the province who want to see some bold action.

F.U.N. AGM: May 12 in Markham

Our AGM is being held this year in the Town of Markham on May 12.  For AGM details go to AGM details.

We are also excited to announce the Moving Forward Forum which is being held in conjunction with the AGM and in partnership with other grassroots associations. The details of this Forum will be announced on this page shortly.

F.U.N. Member News Winter 2012 now available

Some of the highlights in our latest news release:

- F.U.N. AGM and Transportation Forum coming to Markham on May 12, 2012
- Mississauga umbrella group gets attention and support
- Drive-throughs challenge at the OMB
- Liability insurance for not-for-profit groups

Read it all by clicking:  FUN Member News-Winter2012

Queen’s Park Update available

To learn about the latest Ontario provincial government news and issues read F.U.N.’s latest update:

Queen’s Park Update-Fall 2011