Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill Archives

• CARFREE DAY 2009                     • TTC TROUBLES SPIKE CARPOOL ZONE • EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR - 2008                     • EARTH DAY   • SMART COMMUTE CENTRAL YORK LAUNCHED • METROLINX VISIT        • HON. STÉPHANE DION VISIT • CARPOOL ZONE LAUNCH (2005)  • JUNIOR ACHIEVERS DISCUSS COMMUTING ALTERNATIVES • FEDERAL MINISTER APPLAUDS SMART COMMUTE INITIATIVE  • WALKATHON - A WORLD ACHIEVEMENT • REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY SYMPOSIUM •  TRANSPORTATION EXPO       •  TRANSIT FUNDING COMMENDED • TRANSPORTATION MINISTER VISITS  • PROVINCE ANNOUNCES HOV NETWORK • COMMUTER OPTIONS ARE HERE! Car Free Day September 22, 2009 World Wide Event   Did you join people from 1500 other countries around the world in celebrating International Car Free Day?    Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill Car Free Day Promotion! Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill, in partnership with York Region Transit (YRT/VIVA), encouraged employees within Markham and Richmond Hill, who currently drive to work, to pledge to be "car-free" on Car Free Day, September 22nd.  SC MRH provided FREE round trip YRT/VIVA tickets to 56 qualified employees of currently active SC MRH companies.     Car Free Day Mini Contest Employees working within Markham and Richmond Hill who participated in Car Free Day on September 22nd, were invited to enter the Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill Car Free Day "Mini Contest." Participants sent a photo of commuters being "car-free" (for example, at a bus stop or on a bicycle) or provided a story of their car-free experience.    Our Car Free Day Mini Contest winner was Bruce Block, Senior Municipal Inspector, Engineering and Public Works Department, Town of Richmond Hill.  Bruce's son is the lucky recipient of the 21 speed bicycle prize that his Dad won for his contest entry (see the Blog Page for details).   SC 404-7 2008 Employer of the Year MMM GROUP        www.mmm.ca MMM Group is located in the busy Hwy 7 and Hwy 404 business park corridor which borders both Markham and Richmond Hill and where traffic congestion has been identified as the number one issue. MMM Group provides consulting services in project management, engineering, planning and geomatics to government and private sector. They have approximately 640 employees.  From day one when SC 404-7 was just getting underway, MMM Group has partnered with other stakeholders in the SC 404-7 business group to help create the local Smart Commute 404-7 Association.  MMM Group is a founding member of Smart Commute 404-7, a corporate sponsor and are, clearly, leaders in promoting sustainable transportation solutions, corporately, to other business in the business park and to their clients. SC 404-7's Lunch Express passes MMM Group offices in Commerce Valley Business Park     Dave Richardson, Senior Project Manager and Associate Partner in the Transportation Planning Department, was also involved in the founding of Smart Commute 404-7 and continues to have a very active role on the organization’s Advisory Committee.  Dave and the MMM Group staff have volunteered their time by hosting and attending many of SC 404-7 after hours events, that help to promote SC 404-7, such as the “Bike to Work Day Business Park Challenge”, and our “Transportation Fair” at Buttonville Airport. They have helped to initiate pilot projects such as the “Lunch Express” and provide us with valuable employee feedback. MMM also has developed their own Transportation Demand Management Plan for the firm’s Thornhill office. The TDM Plan details a set of recommendations for both short and long term actions aimed at reducing the number of trips by single occupant vehicles to and from their offices.  MMM Group has an active role in the local business community through their ongoing involvement in Smart Commute 404-7, and is a leader in both promoting and practicing sustainable transportation in Markham, and Richmond Hill. Congratulations to MMM Group for winning the 2008 Smart Commute Employer of the Year Award for the Markham, Richmond Hill area! - View news coverage   MMM Group Associate Partner Dave Richardson, P.Eng., PTOE, Senior Project Manager Transportation Planning, displays his company's Employer of the Year Award (left) with Metrolinx Chair Ron MacIsaac, Smart Commute 404-7 Markham's Wincy Tsang, Markham Board of Trade President & CEO Richard Cunningham, Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce's SC 404-7 liaison Monica Costello, Smart Commute 404-7 Richmond Hill's Paul Bradbury and SC 404-7 Assistant Manager Basil Marcello.  Missing from photo are Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce CEO Leslie Walker & SC 404-7 Project Manager George Flint. Joining the group is Bernie Zeesman Facilities Coordinator of Scholastic Canada.  Scholastic Canada was winner of honorable mention for excellence in introducing smart commuting alternatives to its workplace.. Backgrounder - Smart Commute Awards Smart Commute Awards      -------------------- The Awards were introduced in 2007 to officially recognize employer members or partners who have put forth exceptional effort in implementing their Smart Commute programs. The awards recognize outstanding commitment, leadership, innovation and results.  IBM Canada in Markham was named SC 404-7 winner in 2007.      For more information on the successes of the recipients, visit www.smartcommute.ca/awards.      Smart Commute      -------------      Smart Commute is a partnership between the cities and regions of the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton (GTAH) to combat traffic congestion, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Smart Commute works with over 50 large employers in the GTAH to implement transportation demand management programs and encourage commuters to carpool, take transit, telework, cycle or walk to work.      View Smart Commute Results Transit Troubles in '08  = Busy Carpool Zone There may be some jinx surrounding the 25th of the month!  VIVA bus drivers went on a strike situation on September 25th, causing a spike in the number of commuters registering on CarpoolZone.ca.  And it is not too far back in time to recall that Toronto Transit Commission drivers, maintenance workers and mechanics walked out on April 25th, after 65 per cent of the union refused to ratify a contract settlement reached with the transit authority.  At least that short-lived strike ended after the province passed a back-to-work legislation in an emergency session.  Full service resumed by Monday, the 28th, for the TTC.  In the week prior to the original strike deadline, Smart Commute 404-7, Markham & Richmond Hill's transportation management agency (TMA), noted that more commuters were using its online ride-matching website, Carpool Zone. As the strike negotiations dragged on through the week prior to the original strike deadline, Smart Commute reported a spike in the site's commuter registrations. The GTA-wide site, Carpoolzone.ca, is able to help commuters travelling to and from Metro Toronto or anywhere else in the area. In just a few easy steps, the site's visitors can find other commuters all over the area to share a ride. The site also lists corporations using it's ride matching pages for their own employees. (Click on the logo below to visit the Carpool Zone.) SMART COMMUTE 404-7                             Celebrates Earth Day   (at IBM, AMEX Canada, Markham Stouffville Hospital & TD Bank) METROLINX CHAIR VISITS CEO Series Breakfast - Rob MacIsaac, Chair, Metrolinx Shaping the Transportation Future  -  Joint Breakfast in partnership with the Markham Board of Trade Friday, November 21, 2008 Richmond Hill Country Club Mr. MacIsaac noted that moving goods and people around the region is something that concerns every business. Metrolinx was constituted by the government of Ontario to develop a Regional Transportation Plan and Investment Strategy for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The goal is to make a real difference in people’s lives and to improve the economy and the environment. To achieve the best possible solutions, the business community must be engaged in the process. Participation in this session gave members an opportunity to provide input into this important transportation initative. For more information on these initiatives please visit: www.metrolinx.com View Event PHOTOS Rob MacIsaac - Bio

HON. STÉPHANE DION VISIT
Municipal leaders joined Markham Board of Trade Directors at the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce, February 17, 2007 to welcome Canada's federal Liberal Party leader, the Honourable Stéphane Dion, to the Smart Commute 404-7 Project. News Coveragee

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SKILLS DEVELOPMENT WITH JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF CANADA By partnering with education and business communities, Junior Achievement of Central Ontario is able to give students the edge they need when entering the workforce. Through innovative, interactive programs taught by qualified volunteers, Junior Achievement succeeds in encouraging students to stay in school and to develop valuable entrepreneurial, leadership and life skills. Dream Big Day - November 7, 2007 Smart Commute 404-7 participated in Junior Achievement of Central Ontario’s powerful program Dream Big: A Life Lesson with Tiger Woods.  To his presentation on Dream Big Day at Milliken Mills High School, SC 404-7 Commuter Options Advisor Paul Bradbury added his message on smart commuting for the future.   The program was brought to 250 local classrooms reaching almost 7,000 grade 10 students. Smart Commute 404-7's Paul Bradbury (centre) with Ms. Murtha (right) & students at Milliken Mills High School Dream Big stresses the importance of character, integrity and hard work exemplified by Tiger Woods and uses him as a role model to help young people set their own goals. Students are encouraged to learn from Tiger's example while exploring their own potential through a series of interactive discussion and role-play activities.     WALKATHON - A WORLD RECORD ACHIEVEMENT!  WALKATHON RESULTS   For information on World Record Walk, Click here SMART COMMUTE 404-7  TRANSPORTATION EXPO  -  AT BUTTONVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT OPEN HOUSE    SC404-7 donated prizes: iPOD – won by Ruth Lenz of Markham Mountain Bike - won by Dylan Lyons of Aurora   Dinner Pkg donated by Sheraton Parkway Hotel – won by Stanley Chen of Thornhill Wine connoisseur kit donated by George Cuccovillo of The Painter’s Group – won by Paul Leung of Markham Photos ...   Promoting the open house were Smart Commute’s Paul Bradbury (left), Brad Kuiper, United Way campaign rep from State Farm Insurance, Toronto Airways president Derek Sifton, Beth Kodama, the region’s United Way campaign representative and Smart Commute’s Basil Marcello.   Behind them are two hybrid vehicles from Don Valley North Toyota, a Camry and a Lexus RX 400. The plane is a Cessna Citation.  The airport is on 16th Avenue, just east of Hwy. 404.   (www.yorkregion.com article)   LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ● LOTS OF FUN        Businesses showcase Smart Commute-themed products and services.      Prizes are awarded to Commuter Challenge winners.      Book your table now for 2009 - space is available on a "first come, first served" basis. In Richmond Hill, call 905-884-1961 ext. 24.  In Markham, call 905-474-0730 ext. 11.       or/... register here.               Our thanks are extended to the many businesses who support this annual Smart Commute 404-7 event.              Help improve the quality of life of your employees and customers - contact us today!      YORK REGION APPLAUDS TRANSIT FUNDING Friday, June 15, 2007                                                                                                            For Immediate Release The Regional Municipality of York to benefit from Government of Ontario’s 12-year rapid transit pledge  York Region to benefit from Yonge Street subway extension and Viva expansion projects  NEWMARKET – The Regional Municipality of York will benefit from an announcement today by Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Government of Ontario to pledge $17.5 billion to expand rapid transit across the GTA as part of the MoveOntario 2020 Plan.  The plan includes an expansion of the City of Toronto subway north on Yonge Street from Finch Avenue to Highway 7 in York Region.  It also pledges a major expansion of Viva rapid transit service.  Today’s announcement builds on a previous commitment by York Region, the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada to extend the Spadina subway into York Region to the future Vaughan Corporate Centre. “This is highly encouraging news for York Region residents and businesses,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch.  “Expanding the subway system and our Viva rapid transit network would greatly increase commuter options and remove cars from our congested roadways.  The commitment of funds from the province for this plan is also welcome.” The plan would be implemented by the Greater Toronto Transit Authority (GTTA), with two-thirds funding from the province and a request from the Government of Canada for the remaining one-third funding. The announcement includes: A $17.5 billion investment in rapid transit 52 projects in total to be fully paid off over 50 years An expansion of the Yonge subway line north from Finch station to Highway 7 (Langstaff) Full funding for Viva Phase 2 2 Expanded capacity on all GO Transit lines Construction is slated to begin in 2008, with all projects completed by 2020.  It is estimated that the plan would remove 300 million cars trips and create 175,000 jobs. For more details on the MoveOntario 2020 plan, visit: http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/news/Product.asp?ProductID=1383 For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca - 30 - Media Contact: Michael Kemp, Corporate Communications, York Region     Phone:  905 830-4444, ext. 1232 or Cell 905 251-6419           Email: michael.kemp@york.ca   PROVINCE ANNOUNCES FUTURE HOV LANE NETWORK - May 24, 2007   RHCOC CEO Leslie Walker, Greater Toronto Transportation Authority Chair Robert MacIsaac and Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter MPP, listen as Minister of Transportation Donna Cansfield outlines the Government's plans for Ontario's future HOV Lanes at the Transportation Ministry's Downsview headquarters. Photo Gallery & News Coveragege Smart Commute 404-7 Celebrates Central York Smart Commute Launch Commuting Alternatives in Central York ... Smart Commute 404-7 Commuter Options Advisor for Richmond Hill, Paul Bradbury (top) meets with the East Gwillimbury Chamber at Silver Lakes Golf Course (Photo - SNAP Newmarket)  us New Smart Commute Central York Central York Region's Smart Commute Program is underway.  An official Launch was held on April 13, 2007 in Newmarket with officials from neighbouring municipalities and Smart Commute associations in attendance to congratulate the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce initiative.  Manager for the project, Ron Groves, is available at the Newmarket Chamber offices, 470 Davis Drive, telephone 905-898-5900 ext. 225.  The Smart Commute Central York email is smartcommute@newmarketchamber.ca and the official website is found at http://www.smartcommutecentralyork.ca/. The Program's official launch marks the beginning of a new era for commuting in Central York Region and for commuters on Highways 404 and 400, as alternatives are introduced to reduce single occupant vehicles on those busy routes. Smart Commute GTA-Wide Carpool Zone November 29, 2005 Smart Commute 404-7 ride-matching site now aligned with GTA-wide Carpool Zone - "For employees, the stress of the daily commute on congested roads negatively affects the quality of their life and work."   Carpooling in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton easier than ever before -     "For businesses, traffic congestion results in lost time, lower productivity, and higher transportation costs." More ...   Enter the Carpool Zone

Federal Finance Minister Applauds Smart Commute Initiative   April 18, 2006 Federal Finance Minister, the Honourable James (Jim) Flaherty, recently visited York Region and congratulated local business and community leaders on their Smart Commute 404-7 initiative.  The Markham Board of Trade and Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce jointly manage the transportation management project, with assistance from their members and their municipalities, the Region of York and Transport Canada.  The objective is aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the areas served by provincial Highway 404 and regional Highway 7.  The Minister's speech was delivered to a gathering of York Region chambers and boards of trade on the above date at the Radisson Toronto North Hotel.  An excerpt of the breakfast address follows: "Now an important subject for all of us who share this great economic region, this great place to live called the Greater Toronto Area is infrastructure.  We’re aware of the challenges that face this country on the infrastructure front. As I noted earlier, cities and towns like Markham are growing at a tremendous rate and while that’s good for the economy, it creates some daunting challenges.  As we all know, traffic congestion is strangling our roadways.  Our basic infrastructure is aging and our border crossings are inadequate.  As a former Ontario cabinet minister and now the federal minister responsible for the GTA I know these infrastructure challenges all too well.   In fact, I understand that gridlock is the number one issue here in York Region.  That certainly comes as no surprise.  I also understand that concrete steps are being taken to address this issue by applying some innovative solutions.  I want to applaud local leaders here in York Region for the completion of the first phase of your modern Viva rapid transit system. I’m told your initial goal is to replace drivers with riders, getting 7,000 cars a day off the roads — certainly a step in the right direction.  Markham and Richmond Hill are also clearing the road with the forward-looking Smart Commute initiative.  Whether it’s car pooling, taking public transit or cycling, we all benefit by reducing traffic congestion and a cleaner environment.     This community has always strived to stay ahead of the curve and Markham Centre is another example of this.  By employing principles of the new urbanism you are enhancing the economic vitality of the community and creating a downtown core that will benefit future generations.  I can assure you we will not be standing on the sidelines. We plan to share in your success. We know the federal government has a useful and supportive role to play in securing the future of our cities and communities including large urban centres like the Greater Toronto Area.   I met recently with York Region Chair Bill Fisch and other leaders in the GTA to discuss infrastructure issues. During those meetings I committed to establishing and maintaining a cooperative and open partnership between the three levels of government.  This is an important first step if we are to deliver on our government’s many infrastructure initiatives and they include maintaining existing infrastructure agreements between the federal government, the provinces and municipalities, making the new deal better by allowing cities and communities with more than 500,000 people to use gas tax transfer dollars for building and repairing roads and bridges, to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion, negotiating a new infrastructure agreement with the provinces to provide a stable and permanent highways and border infrastructure fund and working to increase the stock of affordable housing in our cities and towns ..." " ... I look forward to working with you and with all Canadians to deliver the positive change that will benefit all of us.  Thank you very much."       York Region "Towards a Sustainable Region" Symposium
	March 3, 2006 "Towards a Sustainable Region" - Public debate on options for urbanization Smart Commute 404-7 directors and management staff participated with nearly 200 representatives of stakeholder groups and partner organizations from across York Region at a symposium entitled "Towards a Sustainable Region," held at the Kortright Centre for Conservation in the City of Vaughan, March 3, 2006.   “Over the coming months and years, the Region faces a variety of important public policy decisions,” said York Regional Chair and CEO Bill Fisch, during the event.  “One of our challenges is to obtain public acceptance of more compact development,” he added.  “In 2005, more than 1,100 high-rise units were started in York Region.  Clearly, the market for compact development is becoming stronger across York Region.”   Bob Willard, author of The Sustainability Advantage and The Next Sustainability Wave, delivered the keynote address (see below).  A panel of five private and public sector executives discussed how government, companies and other organizations can put sustainability into action.   The Province’s proposed Places to Grow - Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe includes an updated forecast for York Region of 1.5 million people by 2031, an increase of almost 600,000 people from the current population of 920,000. Similarly, by 2031 employment is anticipated to increase by approximately 340,000 jobs from the current level of 440,000.  Places to Grow also requires 40 per cent of new growth to occur within a municipality’s existing built-up urban area, an approach known as intensification. The Regional Municipality of York hosted a series of open houses for the public in April.  Members of the public were invited to learn about growth issues, discuss them and provide feedback.  The open houses focused on the major growth management decisions that face York Region, including: • Addressing traffic congestion • Protecting our natural heritage as a legacy for existing and future residents • Managing significant population growth • Creating jobs to match population growth • Ensuring that both Human Services and infrastructure keep pace with growth • Maintaining our high quality of life   Entitled “Planning for Tomorrow,” the series of open houses served as public consultation and input into Regional Official Plan Amendments in late 2007.   York Region’s Web site – www.york.ca – provides information on these meetings and issues as well as opportunities to submit online feedback.  Click on the “Planning for Tomorrow” icon on the main page for more information, or email your comments or questions to futureyork@york.ca     Bob Willard   Between 1990 and 2000, Bob helped lead leadership development for IBM's 2,000 managers and executives in Canada.  He is the author of The Sustainability Advantage: Seven Business Case Benefits of a Triple Bottom Line (New Society Publishers, 2002) on the business case for sustainability strategies and The Next Sustainability Wave: Building Boardroom Buy-in (New Society Publishers, 2005) on why some companies are committed to sustainability, why others are not, and how to overcome senior executive resistance to making that commitment. Bob recently served on the boards of Eco-Energy Durham and the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association. He now serves on the advisory boards of The Natural Step, Canada and the Certificate in Adult Training and Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in the University of Toronto (OISE / UT).  He has a BSc from McGill University (1964), an MEd from OISE/UT (2000), and a PhD from OISE/UT (2005).
	Symposium Notes: The Business Case for Sustainability Strategy must include asset management and the financial bottom line. Businesses consider financial and human resource maximization, taxes, research and development.  A proactive approach to sustainability can address these considerations. Opportunities to sustain business growth constitute the “carrots” that attract business to sustainability.  Risk Management provides the “stick” that prods businesses into action on behalf of sustainability.  Sticks may include regulation, climate, litigation, competition and public relations. The sustainability advantage – Companies that contribute to their sustainability and the sustainability of their environment enjoy average profit increases of 66%.  This profit is driven by energized employees that become more productive, by lowered attrition and recruiting costs, by lower fuel & electricity costs and easier financing.  The sustainability option provides an opportunity for corporate leadership.  Partners are essential and, currently, timing is excellent - there is much interest in North America.

Smart Commute 404-7 Transportation Luncheon

speaker: The Honourable Harinder Takhar, ontario minister of transportation

Presented by the Markham Board of Trade, the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce
and Smart Commute Business Members: iTRANS Consulting Inc., Oasis Golf Academy and CAA - South Central Ontario

Commuter Options Are Here!