| |
What’s New in Commuting
|
•
NEW PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND NAME FOR SMART COMMUTE
IN MARKHAM & RICHMOND HILL |
•
AMD - EMPLOYER OF
THE YEAR
|
|
• CARFREE
DAY - September 22 |
• FALL
'09 EVENTS
|
|
• CANADA
DAY AT RICHMOND GREEN
- July 1
• SUMMERFEST 2010
- June 27 |
• CAR FREE DAY
-
September '09
|
|
• CLEAN
AIR COMMUTE WEEK - June 14 - 18 •
BIKE-2-WORK DAY
- May 31 |
•
SC MRH WINS
NATIONAL AWARD
|
|
• CARPOOL
MONTH
- February
|
•
CHANGE OUR WORLD AWARD |
• SUSTAINABILITY
FAIR -
October '09
• HOSPITALS
ONLINE / BIKE TUNE-UP
•
CLEAN AIR DAY
- June '09
|
MAKING A CHANGE
Leslie Walker, CEO
of the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce
(RHCOC), and Richard Cunningham, President & CEO of the Markham Board of Trade
(MBT), are pleased to announce the appointment of Flo McLellan as Program Director, Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill.
Flo McLellan
(centre), new Program Director of Smart
Commute Markham, Richmond Hill, is
shown with Richmond Hill Chamber of
Commerce CEO Leslie Walker and Markham
Board of
Trade President & CEO, Richard
Cunningham.
Smart
Commute, an initiative of Metrolinx and
the municipalities in the Greater
Toronto and Hamilton Area, helps local
employers and commuters explore
different commute choices. Their
goal is to ease gridlock, improve air
quality and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions while making commuting less
expensive and more enjoyable.
Smart Commute’s local office, a joint
initiative of Markham Board of Trade and
the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce,
recently introduced a new Program
Director and a new name.
Richard Cunningham, President & CEO, Markham Board of Trade and Leslie Walker, Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce CEO are pleased to announce the appointment of Flo McLellan as Program Director. Flo, a long-time resident of Richmond Hill, is passionate about community and sustainability. She has extensive experience in both the corporate and not-for profit sectors, including Bell,
Nortel Networks, Scotiabank, and The Salvation Army.
The name of the organization was also up-dated to reflect the communities it serves and will now be known as Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill.
The initiative is funded by the Town of Richmond Hill, the Town of Markham, Regional Municipality of York and Metrolinx. Smart Commute’s local business sponsors include MMM Group, HDR Inc./iTRANS Consulting, Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel and IBM.
For further information:
Leslie Walker, Chief Executive Officer
Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce
905-884-1961 Ext: 21
lwalker@rhcoc.com |
Richard Cunningham, President &
Chief Executive Officer
Markham Board
of Trade
905-474-0730 Ext: 15
rcunningham@markhamboard.com
|
Car Free Day - September 22, 2010
September 22nd is International Car Free Day! Join
millions of people around the world that will go Car Free for the day. Try
taking public transit, cycling, walking or running to work or to do errands. If
these forms of transportation don’t work in your lifestyle, try tuning up your
car or joining a carpool through:
Make a Commitment to Commuting Car Free
on September 22nd
Click the Commit to Commute Car Free button to make your
commitment now!
To submit your story
and photos to the
Blog Page, upload
details to the Smart
Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill Facebook
Site
or email them to
admin@smartcommutemrh.ca
with "Blog"
in the subject line.
Share your commuting
experiences!
Make the roads safer
and less busy (and
save commuting costs
too).
SUMMERFEST 2010
Smart Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill joined the fun at the
2nd annual
annual Summerfest in Ward
6, at David Hamilton Park,
311 Valleymede Drive, (next to Ed
Sackfield arena) on Sunday, June 27/10.
There were delightful presentations
to entertain everyone!
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A
delightful presentation - one of many
colourful presentations at the
Summerfest |
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CANADA
DAY
&
SMART COMMUTE Markham, Richmond Hill |
20,000 visitors
at the annual
Richmond Green Canada Day celebrations
visit
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill |
|
Richmond Green Sports
Centre & Park
1300 Elgin Mills Road East
Richmond Hill |
Councillor Vito Spatafora and Smart
Commute Markham, Richmond Hill's Paul
Bradbury chat with Hon. Bryon Wilfert,
MP for Richmond Hill and Mrs. Wilfert at
the 2008 Home Show.
The Richmond Hill Chamber
of Commerce
Home Show - Canada Day '10!
|
Commuter Options
Advisor Paul Bradbury & Project
Assistant Jennifer
Maestre staff the Smart Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill display. |
Administrative Assistant Lucy Chen is
surrounded by visitors at the
2009 Home Show. |
June 14 - 18, 2010
Clean Air Commute
-
Clean Air
Commute is the #1 rated event by Smart Commute's
participating employers -
|
Commuter Engagement
·
Commuters were encouraged to log their ‘clean air commutes’
either online or by hard copy diary card, during the week of
June 14-18
§
Eligible activities included walk, cycling, taking transit,
carpooling, teleworking, driving a scooter or motorcycle,
driving a hybrid car, driving a tuned-up vehicle or driving
a natural gas vehicle.
·
Commuters who registered and completed the diary card for at
least one day were eligible to win prizes,
randomly drawn from among their fellow workplace registrants
or all registrants in the GTHA.
|
Michael Lewis receives his Raleigh
bike prize from Sheraton
Parkway Toronto North Hotel's General
Manager, Suzanne Marshall |
Clean Air Commute
June 14-18, 2010
Now in its 18th year,
the Clean
Air Commute is a week of
friendly competition
among workplaces, with
the goal of reducing the
pollutants in our air
and our lungs.
Last year alone, over
12,750 employees from
169 workplaces kept over
400 tonnes of air
pollutants from entering
our atmosphere by
carpooling, biking,
walking, telecommuting,
taking public transit,
driving a hybrid, or
even just giving their
car a tune-up. Joining
the Clean Air Commute is
a great way to reduce
the carbon footprint of
your employees.
For more information,
or to register,
Email
us today.
Clean Air Commute
and Smart Commute
Clean Air Commute is
a premier event at Smart
Commute Workplaces
across the GTHA and
results are being
tallied for great
prizes.
Employees at an
active Smart
Commute Workplace can
look forward to more
exclusive promotions
this year.
Join now.
|
Will your company participate in 2011?
Email
|
SMART
COMMUTE MARKHAM, RICHMOND HILLL
3rd annual
Bike to
Work Day
Business Park Challenge
Monday, May 31, 2010
Again this year, active
commuters joined Smart Commute partners throughout the
GTA, for a tour of nearby business parks.
Rogers TV coverage
(If you need to transport your bicycle, parking is
available)
·
Cycling is an effective way to get to work
·
Commuters are using bicycles to get to work
·
Cycling has many benefits – health, environment,
cost savings
·
Visit this site often for updates on cycling in
Richmond Hill & Markham |
The annual Bike to Work
Day
"Business Park Challenge"
takes participants on a York Regional Police-escorted
tour of Commerce Valley Drive and West/East Beaver Creek
with prizes from the partners of Smart Commute MARKHAM,
RICHMOND HILL
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Photos - |
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Monday, May 31st, again this
year, active
commuters won prizes and
admiration for their cycling
expertise, helping their
exercise regimes and
lowering vehicle emissions.
|
Riders arriving early enjoyed free
bicycle tune-ups at the York Police-escorted
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill Bike
2 Work Day Ride, along Commerce Valley Drive and Beaver
Creek Roads in Markham and Richmond Hill. |
Smart Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill Assistant
Manager Basil Marcello with
Regional Councillor Vito
Spatafora, Richmond Hill
Chamber of Commerce Chair
David West, 2010 Grand Prize
Winner David Yip, Richmond
Hill Councillor & Smart
Commute MRH Advisory Board
representative David Cohen
and Markham Board of Trade
President & CEO Richard
Cunningham.
(more photos)
More Information:
by email: b2wd@smartcommutemrh.ca
Smart Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill's third annual
Bike to Work Day Business
Park Challenge, was held on
Monday May 31st -
Your company can "go
for glory" next
year, entering a team, or by
becoming a sponsor.
Contact us today.
For complete guidelines,
contact
admin@smartcommutemrh.ca.
Renew
your
commitment
to
health
and your
environment,
by
joining
your
friends
and
colleagues
who can
bicycle
to work!
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Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill
especially thanks York Region Police, for their
participation in leading riders through the course.
(If your company is coordinating an
alternative commuting event,
let us know
and we'll list it here.)
Ready to try cycling to work?
Click here
How practical is it to cycle to work?
Well ... Let's blow away some of those myths about
cycling ...
MYTH:
I have to do lots of one-of journeys when I'm at work, I
can't give up the car
ANSWER:
You don't have to. There's no hair-shirt rule that
says you must use a bike for every single journey.
Using a bike should be pleasurable, not a chore.
There will always be times when other forms of transport
beat using a bike. Just try to use the bike more
of the times when you don't really need to use a car.
MYTH:
Cycling is for people who can't afford a car
ANSWER:
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MYTH::
Won't I get all sweaty?
ANSWER:
For most people it probably takes a good 15-20 minutes
to build up a sweat. If you don't want to arrive
at your destination all hot and flustered, don't pedal
so hard. For when you want to cycle fast, and your
journey is 20 minutes or over, wearing the right
clothing can increase your comfort, i.e.: 'wickable'
synthetic underwear, thin fleece mid layers and a
windproof jacket made from a lightweight, breathable
fabric. Now available - eBikes! Electric
bicycles are here, and there are even electric-capable
wheels and batteries to upgrade your own bike to
electric power. You can ride to work using the
battery, without building up a sweat ... then, if you
wish, you can pedal it back to a full charge on your way
home!
MYTH:
Yeah, but what about the rain, I hate getting wet.
ANSWER:
It doesn't actually rain that much. No, really.
Research has shown that, on average, it only rains hard
on 12 commuting days per year. And anyway, by
wearing the right kind of weather protective clothing
you won't arrive at your destination dripping wet.
Damp, yes, but even if you travelled by car you'd have
to go outside at some point, risking a soaking.
MYTH:
My workmates will laugh at me
ANSWER:
Chances are, you get into work quicker than them, are
fitter than them, have more zest for life for them, and
are more open minded than them. The day will come
when they will be forced to either cycle or take public
transport because driving to work will be heavily taxed
and highly restricted. You're a trend setter, so
let them laugh, you'll have the last one.
MYTH:
Isn't cycling really, really dangerous?
ANSWER:
Yes. If you do it wrong. But do it right and you'll find
cycling is as safe as other forms of transport.
Don't be
timid when riding city streets, don't be squeezed into
the gutter, claim your road space, you've as much right
to be there as cars, trucks and buses. Buy cycling
books at local bike shops with guides to riding in the
city, or get yourself on an adult cycle proficiency
course, or get a confident city cyclist to show you the
ropes (cycle campaign groups often have members who help
out in this respect).
MYTH:
What about car fumes, Don't cyclists breathe in all that
gunk?
ANSWER:
Funnily enough, research has proven that motorists
breathe in more pollution than cyclists, who sit high
above the fumes. Cyclists who are breathing hard are
rapidly clearing their lungs out as they exercise. And,
remember, if you are currently a car commuter, when you
start cycling you're part of the solution to pollution.
MYTH:
I would cycle, but my route is really hilly
ANSWER:
MYTH::
Pshaw, me on a pedal bike? I want to get there
today!
ANSWER:
Cycling is fast. Test after test
has shown that for short urban journeys, there is
nothing but nothing to beat a cyclist. A four kilometre
journey in the centre of Toronto takes 22 minutes by
bike, half an hour by subway, 40 minutes by car (even in
a Ferrari...), 62 minutes on a bus, and an hour and a
half on foot.
More on Cycling
|
Carpool Month -
February 20100
|
1 is the 'loneliest' number.
Join 22,000 people who have
registered on
Carpool Zone! Use the
Free Carpool
Zone ride-matching
software to easily find
someone to carpool with.
Whether you wish to drive or
sit back and enjoy the
ride, Carpool Zone will help
you find the perfect match.
In just a few easy steps you
can find other commuters all
over Ontario to share a
ride:
-
Click HERE to Register
free on Carpool Zone
and fill out your profile
-
February Carpool Month
Contest - Winners List
$25 Tim Hortons Gift Card
Tim Wilbur - Markham
Brett Russell - Richmond
Hill
Joseph Lam - Markham
Balika K - Markham
$200 Gas Card
Stephanie W - Markham
In
just a few years,
Carpool Zone
users have saved
over 10 million dollars in
commuting costs and 4,000
tonnes of harmful emissions.
Register now and save for
yourself! |
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We invite you to
post the above
poster in your
premises.
If you have space
for a larger poster,
you can email us at
admin@smartcommutemrh.ca
for a printer-ready
version.
Best wishes
for your safe
commute!
Your Smart
Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill Team
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AMD is
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill Employer of the
Year
|
Smart Commute GTA & Hamilton held its
third annual Employer of the Year awards
November 17th in the historic Distillery
District in Toronto.
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill is
proud to announce AMD as winner of the
Smart Commute “Employer of the Year” for
Markham & Richmond Hill area. With
programs to help employees carpool, take
transit, cycle and telework, AMD has
helped lead the way in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and providing
healthy transportation choices.
AMD has a demonstrated history of
climate protection efforts, including
the production line, operations, and the
internal AMD
Go
Green
Commuter Program. With more than 1,220
participants across the AMD North
American sites, AMD considers the
Go
Green
program to be a success. AMD is
currently working on plans to bring this
program to interested sites worldwide,
starting with Bangalore, India. In
addition to the participation of AMD
Canada in programs with Smart Commute
Markham, Richmond Hill in Markham (i.e.
Clean Air Commute, Bike to Work Day,
Carpool Week, and Car Free Day), AMD
also holds employee events across North
America to further promote commuting
solutions, such as AMD Bike/Walk month
in May and Commute Solutions month in
September.
Since the inception of
AMD
Go
Green in
July 2007, AMD employees in Markham have
avoided driving more than 775,000
kilometres, conserving up to 78,000
litres of gasoline and preventing as
much as 182,000 kilograms of
CO2
emissions. This collaboration with Smart
Commute Markham, Richmond Hill allows
AMD to take advantage of synergies
between the organizations and work to
achieve their common goals.
|
Richard
Conohan, AMD's Supervisor, BDC
Facilities, Security & Site Services,
accepts the Smart Commute award on
behalf of AMD-Markham. With
Richard (from left) are Smart Commute
Markham, Richmond Hill Assistant Manager
Basil Marcello, Markham Councillor
Gordon Landon, Smart Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill Project Manager (acting)
George Flint, Project Assistant Jennifer
Maestre, Mr. Conohan, Commuter Options
Advisor (Markham) Wincy Tsang,
Administrative Assistant Lucy Chen,
Awards MC Christine Diakos, and Commuter
Options Advisor (Richmond Hill) Paul
Bradbury.
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Ten workplaces from
Hamilton to Newmarket to Ajax were
recognized for their outstanding efforts
to help employees get to work by
walking, cycling, taking transit,
carpooling and telework instead of
driving alone in their areas. Other
Smart Commute GTA & Hamilton Employers
of the Year include Sunnybrook Health
Sciences Centre, Veridian, University
Health Network, Power Stream, Hatch,
Southlake Regional Health Centre, Maple
Lodge Farms, City of Burlington, and
McMaster University.
Winners were selected by
an independent panel of community
members from various sectors across the
Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Nominations were evaluated on the
employer’s commitment to the program,
leadership in their communities,
innovation and results.
Media contact:
Paul Bradbury
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill
905-884-1961 ext 24
pbradbury@smartcommuteMarkham, Richmond
Hill.ca
Reducing Traffic is Just Good
Business.
Honourable Mention Award
Winning honourable mention, at the
Awards Night, was URS, an industry
leading, multi-disciplinary consulting
engineering firm, active members of SC
Markham, Richmond Hill since 2008.
URS supports and promotes transportation
demand management (TDM) through a
dedicated Carpool Zone group, telework
and compressed work week, and flex-time
hours. Great supporters and
particicpants in annual events,
including Clean Air Commute and
Bike-to-Work Day, URS also brings a wide
array of knowledge and experience to SC
Markham, Richmond Hill's Advisory
Committee.
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Joining the above group - URS
Senior Transportation Engineer,
Kevin I. Phillips, P.Eng.
(accepting the
Honourable Mention Award for
URS) and Smart Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill Advisory Committee
Chair, Dave Richardson (top
left) MMM Group.
MMM Group was
presented the Employer of the
Year Award in 2008.
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Smart Commute is a joint venture
between Metrolinx (a Crown agency of the
Province of Ontario), area
municipalities, and sponsors such as
chambers of commerce and boards of
trade. More than 120 employers
with 300,000 employees have signed on to
the Smart Commute program. Members
of the public access services such as
the
Carpool Zone online ridematching
service.
Tour this website for more
information about Smart Commute.
|
Backgrounder - Smart
Commute Awards
Smart
Commute 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 award will recognize
outstanding commitment, leadership, innovation and
results.
Smart
Commutes from across the GTHA nominated
their top employers and ten local
‘Employers of the Year’ were selected:
• Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill –
AMD
• Smart Commute Durham – Veridian
• Smart Commute Toronto-Central –
University Health Network
• Smart Commute Northeast Toronto –
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
• Smart Commute North Toronto, Vaughan –
PowerStream
• Smart Commute Central York – Southlake
Regional Health Centre
• Smart Commute Mississauga – Hatch
• Smart Commute Brampton-Caledon – Maple
Lodge Farms
• Smart Commute Halton – City of
Burlington
• Smart Commute Hamilton
– McMaster University
A regional
‘Employer of the Year’ was selected from
the ten local winners to recognize the
Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area’s top
Smart Commute employer. The 2009 winner
was Hatch from Smart Commute
Mississauga.
In addition,
a Smart Commute Champion award was given
to an individual who has shown
exceptional dedication to the program.
The 2009 recipient of the award was
Nancy Grieveson from Exhibition Place in
Toronto.
For more
information on the successes of the
recipients, visit
www.smartcommute.ca/awards.
Smart Commute Awards Review Panel
The Smart Commute Award winners were
selected by an independent review panel
comprised of community members from
various sectors across the region. This
year’s panel was chaired by the Director
of Oakville Transit, Barry Cole and
consisted of representatives from the
following:
• Durham Sustain Ability
• Toronto Coalition for Active
Transportation (TCAT)
• Direct Energy
• Hamilton Chamber of
Commerce
Congratulations to AMD, 2009 Smart
Commute Employer of the Year for the
Markham, Richmond Hill area!
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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
|
Fall
Events
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill distributed
YRT/VIVA transit route maps, brochures, bike
safety brochures and bike route maps.
Smart Commute partner, Wayne Downer, showcased
the Bionx, a “plug & play” system that gives
cyclists the flexibility to convert their
current bicycle into an electric bicycle. The
Bionx kit installs on almost any bicycle and can
drastically improve cyclists' commuting,
training and lifestyle.
|
Town of Markham
Sustainability Fair - Oct 24, 2009
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill was invited
to the Town of Markham Sustainability Fair to promote
alternate commuting options, to Town employees and
residents, such as carpooling, biking, walking and
public transit.
Visitors were given the opportunity to try the
electric bike, which proved to be exciting for both "the
young" and "young at heart".
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill helped
visitors to learn about the Smart Commute
options. Also on display was Smart
Commute's FREE online ride matching site
Carpool Zone, where carpool matches are
made, throughout the metropolitan area.
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WORLEYPARSONS FAMILY SAFETY
DAY
Smart Commute displayed information
about alternate commuting options.
WorleyParsons employees registering that
day on CarpoolZone.ca received a free
Smart Commute travel mug.
Honda Canada Inc. Hybrid division, a
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill
support/business partner, showcased one
of the latest Honda Hybrids – the
Insight, and received interest from
participants wanting to learn about
Hybrid vehicles.
Employees visiting Smart Commute
booth played the “RUSH HOUR” game for a
chance to win Smart Commute prizes.
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Smart
Commute Markham, Richmond Hill
promoted alternate commuting options
at WorleyParsons in September, 2009.
The Family Safety event featured
Smart Commute on-site, helping
employees register on the
WorleyParsons Carpool Zone.ca
subgroup webpage. Employees
signing-up at the event received a
free Smart Commute travel mug.
Jennifer Maestre, project assistant
of SC MRH, explained different
commuting options to employees,
handing out bike route maps, cycling
skills brochures and Smart Commute
information.
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MSH
CORN ROAST
Smart
Commute Markham, Richmond
Hill staff joined Markham
Stouffville Hospital
employees on an enjoyable
afternoon, last September,
during the Annual MSH Corn
Roast.
The Hospital's subgroup
webpage on
Carpool Zone
was officially launched, and
Smart Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill staff helped
employees sign up online.
Smart Commute Travel Mugs
were awarded, too.
SC Markham, Richmond Hill's
Basil Marcello (bike) with
Electro-Wheels' Jeff Brown
|
A great day for it! 
Smart Commute partner, Jeff
Brown and Jacqueline from
Electro-Wheels (left) showcased
electric bicycles for MSH PR
Coordinator Joe Chawla (centre)
and event visitors. |
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Jennifer of SC MRH helps
employees with commuting
options. |
AMD HEALTH & BENEFITS FAIR
AMD, a Smart Commute
Markham, Richmond Hill
active partner employer,
invited SC Markham, Richmond
Hill to its Health &
Benefits Fair, September 16,
2009.
AMD employees visited the
Smart Commute booth to learn
how to save commuting time
and money, and how to reduce
their "carbon footprint" by
using alternate commuting
options.
Bike safety, cycling skills
brochures, YRT/VIVA transit
maps and bicycle route maps
were distributed to
employees.
A “Rush Hour” game and many
other fun activities,
including Smart Commute
Markham, Richmond Hill &
YRT/VIVA contests were
promoted at the event to
encourage more people to go
CAR FREE on Car Free Day,
September 22nd.
A “movie night out for 2”
prize from Smart Commute
Markham, Richmond Hill was
awarded to the AMD employee
having the fastest time in
completing the RUSH HOUR”
game.
|
York Central
Hospital Online with SC Markham,
Richmond Hill
ON DISPLAY AT YCH
York
Central Hospital began Spring early,
this March, with a Smart Commute
Markham, Richmond Hill survey of
commuting habits and preferences.
SC Markham, Richmond Hill events will be
featured in the coming months, to
increase awareness of cost savings and
the environmental benefits of
alternative commuting.
The Hospital is located on the corner of
Major MacKenzie Avenue and Trench
Street, in one of the busiest traffic
areas of Richmond Hill. Patient
and visitor accessibility is vital, and
the facility's redevelopment department
is playing a key role in the process. |
Oscar Morales, from the SPD
department and Gilbert Wu, MD, joined SC
Markham, Richmond Hill's Paul Bradbury,
in the York Central Hospital Atrium to
chat about their commutes. |
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Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill's
Paul Bradbury and Chris Wylie, York
Central Hospital's Capital Planning
Manager, display a Raleigh mountain bike
awarded to a commuter survey respondent
from the Hospital.
The display was set up, during the
survey, on Friday mornings in March, to
respond to inquiries. |
|
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill
Commuter Options Advisor,
Paul Bradbury (left)
congratulates York Central Hospital's Albert Chaiet
(Pharmacy) upon winning the Survey's
mountain bike Grand Prize.
At right are Jack Astor's gift
certificate winner Patrick Newman
(Telecommunications) and the Hospital's
Director of Public Affairs, Melina
Cormier. |
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill
Commuter Options Advisor,
Paul Bradbury (2nd left)
congratulates York Central Hospital's
Patrick Newman
(Telecommunications) upon winning the
Survey's Jack Astor's gift certificate.
At left is Grand Prize winner (mountain
bike) Albert Chaiet (Pharmacy)
and the Hospital's Director of Public
Affairs, Melina Cormier. |
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Markham
Stouffville Hospital Bike Tune-up
|
A brilliant summer
day's activity was also a safety-plus
success, as dozens of Markham
Stouffville Hospital staffers brought
their environment-friendly bicycles to a
free Smart Commute Markham, Richmond
Hill Bike Tune-up. The event, in August
2009, promoted biking to work.
Employees from MSH received information
on bike safety and other smart commuting
alternatives, as well as receiving bike
tune-ups. The Hospital staff recently
participated in a commuter survey to
help redevelopment plans for the busy
complex. |
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Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill, York Region Transit (YRT) and
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) promote Clean Air
Day, June 3, 2009
- on display at YRT Terminal in
Richmond Hill at Yonge Street & Highway 7
- and at Finch YRT/TTC Station.
Choosing transit helps the air we all breathe. |
Your company can promote sustainable modes of
transportation by installing showers, assigning the
closest parking spots to carpoolers and installing
secure bicycle racks. Take
transit - or try Smart Commute Markham, Richmond
Hill and let
us help introduce commuting alternatives. Join
with
workplace colleagues to lower
your "carbon footprint" ...- SHARE A RIDE
Looking for someone to share in the high costs of
driving? Want to beat traffic by using high
occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on our highways? Try
Carpool Zone
today. It's free and reliable!
- TAKE TRANSIT
Read a book. Listen to music. Catch up on
emails. Sit back and let someone else do the
driving. Deedicated bus lanes coming soon.
- BIKE / WALK TO
WORK
Beat the traffic while staying healthy and fit.
- COMPRESSED WORK
WEEK
Could you use an extra day to yourself every once in
awhile? With adjusted work schedules, this could be
a feasible option that helps both you and your company.
- FLEX HOURS
Start earlier - Leave earlier. Start later - Leave
later. Design your own schedule to get around peak
time traffic.
- WORK FROM HOME
Even trying this once a week can cut back on traffic congestion
while decreasing stress and increasing productivity.
Give these alternatives some
consideration.
It means more money in your pocket and extra time to
yourself.
It also means less
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and less traffic
congestion.
Browse
this site today and learn more! |
New
Chair
|
Phil Dunn Steps Down - Dave
Richardson Steps In
|
After 3 years of inaugurating and
leading the Smart Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill Advisory
Committee, Phil Gunn, GWL
Realty, relinquished the chair on April
3rd, 2009, for a well-deserved rest.
New
Chair, Dave Richardson, of MMM Group,
promised continuity and a renewed effort
to make the general public aware of
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill successes, such as
its national award in 2006 for
Sustainable Urban Transportation
initiatives.
Dave Richardson is MMM Group's
Senior Project
Manager and
Associate Partner in
the Transportation
Planning
Department. Dave
and Phil
were involved in the
founding of Smart
Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill. |
 |
| |
SC Markham, Richmond Hill outgoing Chair,
Phil Gunn, GWL Realty
(left), accepts a
commemorative plaque from
new Chair, Dave Richardson,
MMM Group |
MMM Group was
named Smart Commute
Markham, Richmond Hill
Company of the Year in
2008, at the Smart Commute (GTA
& Hamilton) Annual Awards.
We take this opportunity to
thank Phil and congratulate
him on his achievements.
Smart Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill has
become one of the most
successful transportation
management associations in
the country, thanks to his
leadership!
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Character Award
Nomination
Smart Commute
Markham, Richmond Hill was nominated for the York
Region Character Community award
presented annually to an
individual or organization that
demonstrates character in making
effective changes in our world.
The Change Our World award was
presented in April, 2009, at the new
Richmond Hill Centre for the
Performing Arts, to The Five
with Drive Foundation.
Representing
Smart Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill was
Commuter Options Advisor
Paul Bradbury, who accepted
the commemorative plaque.
|
 |
| |
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond
Hill Commuter
Options Advisor Paul Bradbury
(left) with wife Audrey and
Mayor David Barrow display the
commemorative plaque |
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill, on behalf of its
sponsors, Advisory Committee, the Markham
Board of Trade and Richmond Hill Chamber of
Commerce, congratulates all winners and
nominees at the 3rd annual awards gala. The
Character Community Foundation recognizes
and strengthens positive character
attributes in York Region's individuals and
organizations.
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MAKE A SPLASH - TRY CARPOOLING
WINNERS
'TRY CARPOOLING' CAMPAIGN
COMPLETED
Carpoolers Make it Pay - Big Time!
Carpoolers, who registered on
Carpool Zone.ca over the period of the contest, won $100.00 monthly gift
certificates.
The GRAND PRIZE:
3-day, 2-night stay for 4
at Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls
Click here for details
|
|
CARPOOL WEEK - PRIZE DRAWS
The time is now to change
your STRESS - filled solo driving to
and from work.
Registering on our GTA-wide
Carpool Zone.ca
during Carpool Week in
October, 2009, was a
rewarding experience for participants.
The winners for
2
Tom Tom GPS navigation systems (retail
$150 each) awarded to 2
carpool registrations were:
-
John Crawford
- Gary Werth
We feature lots of ways to win by trying
commuting alternatives - Wii Entertainment
Centre winner, Janet Doyle rode transit on Car Free Day,
September 22nd.
Register yourself and your company with
us today - to save costs - gas emissions -
and ...
to win prizes!
-
Try Carpooling -
- Register on
Carpool Zone
-
|
| Follow-up Survey Prize Winners |
 |
And Here They Are!
The following follow-up survey respondents who
entered the recent prize draw can claim more than just
a greater understanding
of current commuting
alternatives in York Region. They won prizes for
their efforts as well!
Jodi Chan, Department 10856E, HSBC
Richard McWatters, Markham Fire Department
Jennifer Bolton, Banquets - Sheraton Parkway Hotel &
Suites
Bev Standing, Contract Administration - MMM Group
Limited
... and the Grand Prize winner of an iPod:
Matthew Wright, Markham Museum
Winners are asked to contact
wtsang@markhamboard.com.
Congratulations all!
|
|
SMART
COMMUTE Markham, Richmond Hill WINS NATIONAL AWARD
SMART THINKING ABOUT ALTERNATIVE COMMUTING
DRIVES AWARD-WINNING PARTNERSHIP
" ...
recognizing exemplary and innovative contributions to the
development and enhancement of
sustainable urban transportation"
YORK REGION, ON - Richmond Hill
and Markham are together in the driver’s seat of an innovative
partnership between a number of levels of government and
the
business community. Their joint venture – Smart Commute
Markham, Richmond Hill –
was selected as the recipient of the Sustainable Urban
Transportation Award, from the
Transportation Association of
Canada. The award recognizes the partnership that was formed
between the two communities and acknowledged their work as
environmental leaders.
Richmond
Hill Mayor Barrow |
“We are
honoured that our urban transportation initiative, Smart
Commute Markham, Richmond Hill, has been selected as a role model for
other communities,” said Richmond Hill Mayor Dave
Barrow. “We are bringing government and local businesses
together to find answers to traffic problems.”
“Markham is an environmental leader,” said Markham Mayor
Frank Scarpitti. “This is another way we can be partners
as we jointly work together to maintain our communities’
quality of life.”
|
 |
|
Markham Mayor Scarpitti |
|
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill was
formed when the municipalities of Richmond Hill and
Markham joined forces with the Regional Municipality of
York,
the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce, the Markham
Board of Trade, local business leaders with funding from
Transport Canada, and the Urban
Transportation Showcase
Program to improve mobility and accessibility in the two
communities.
As an alternative commuting program, it promotes public transit,
teleworking, carpooling and parking management, while
capitalizing on the shared expertise and resources of the
partners to reduce traffic congestion, increase mobility, and
create more livable communities.
|
Richmond
Hill
Mayor David Barrow accepts
the Transportation Association of Canada's 2006 Award
for Urban Sustainability from TAC representative
Tom AppaRao,
Director, Transportation Planning, Region of
Peel |
|
 |
Shown at the award presentation to Markham Council: Tony
Wong (York Regional Councillor), Lorenzo Mele, Markham
TDM Coordinator, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Tom AppaRao (Transportation Association of Canada), Gordon
Landon (York Regional Councillor – Chair Markham
Transportation Committee), Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services. |
|
|
 Joining the Richmond Hill presentation are:
(from left)
Past Chair - Markham Board of Trade, Glenn Crosbie - DTZ
Barnicke, SC Markham, Richmond Hill Corporate Sponsor; Richmond Hill Manager of
Transportation & Site Plans, Marcel Lanteigne; Smart Commute
Markham, Richmond Hill Project Manager, George Flint; Mayor Barrow and
Mr. AppaRao; SC Markham, Richmond Hill Assistant Manager, Basil Marcello; SC
Markham, Richmond Hill
Commuter Options Advisor - Richmond Hill,
Paul Bradbury; SC Markham, Richmond Hill Commuter Options Advisor - Markham, Wincy
Tsang; SC Markham, Richmond Hill Administrator - Richmond Hill, Lucy
Chen; and CEO -
Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce, Leslie Walker.
Also attending were members of Richmond Hill's
Municipal Council, including SC Markham, Richmond Hill Advisory Committee
members: Councillor David Cohen, Councillor Greg Beros
(shown below) and Councillor Godwin Chan.
|
|
 |
The Sustainable Urban
Transportation Award, from the Transportation Association of
Canada, was announced at the Transportation Association of
Canada’s 2007 conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,
October 15th.
The annual award recognizes exemplary and innovative
contributions to the development and enhancement of sustainable
urban transportation.
( Photo) Representing the
municipalities of Markham and Richmond Hill at the
ceremony, Richmond Hill's Councillor, Greg Beros (2nd
from left) Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill Project Manager, George
Flint and Manager of Transportation & Site Plans, Marcel Langteigne accept the award from Transportation
Association of Canada President, Russell Neudorf. |
National Award for Commute Program
- York Region.com
Regional News
- Oct 17, 2007 - Sean Pearce, Staff Writer
Richmond Hill and Markham have received kudos from the Transportation Association of Canada for their Smart thinking when it comes to sustainable
transit.
The joint venture between the two communities, Smart Commute
Markham, Richmond Hill, received the Sustainable Urban Transportation Award from the Transportation
Association of Canada at a conference in Saskatoon Monday.
The award recognizes the partnership of the two towns and their commitment to environmental leadership.
“We are honoured that our urban transportation
initiative, Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill, has been selected as a role model for other communities,” Richmond Hill Mayor David Barrow said. “We are bringing
government and local businesses together to find answers to traffic problems.”
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti said, “This is another way we can be partners
as we jointly work together to maintain our communities’ quality of life.”
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond
Hill was formed in 2005 when Richmond Hill and Markham joined with York Region, the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce and
Markham Board of Trade to enhance accessibility and improve mobility between the two areas.
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill promotes alternatives to single person
car commuting, such as using public transit, teleworking and carpooling to reduce traffic congestion, increase mobility and create more livable communities.
There is also Smart Commute Central York and Smart
Commute North Toronto-Vaughan in York Region.
Program Wins
National Award
Oct 17, 2007 - The
Toronto Star - Tess Kalinowski
The car is still king in Markham and Richmond Hill. But it's their
shared commitment to automobile
alternatives that earned a national award this week.
The towns' co-venture,
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill, has received the
Canadian Transportation Association's
Sustainable Urban Transportation Award.
Smart Commute finds ways
to spur businesses and workers to use
public transit, carpools, cycles and
(work at home) telecommuting. The towns have trimmed
90,000 car-trip kilometres representing
20 tonnes of emissions since 2005, said
manager George Flint.
Its Carpool Zone website has 5,000 users in the Toronto area
(ed.: now 24,000 historically, in the
GTA & Hamilton).
SMART THINKING ABOUT
ALTERNATIVE COMMUTING…
About Smart Commute Markham,
Richmond Hill
• Formed in 2005.
• Created when the
municipalities of Richmond Hill and Markham joined forces with
the Regional Municipality of York, the Richmond Hill Chamber of
Commerce, the Markham Board of Trade, local business leaders and
with funding from the Transport Canada Urban
Transportation
Showcase Program.
• It’s a local transportation
management association delivering transportation demand
management programs and services, particularly in the corridors
created by Highway 404 and Highway 7 and Markham Centre.
Transportation demand management increases the efficiency of
transportation infrastructure by reducing the use of single
occupant vehicles, increasing vehicle occupancy, promoting
commuter options such as carpooling, teleworking and alternative
modes of travel.
• Has access to 1,800
businesses with 42,000 employees through the Richmond Hill
Chamber of Commerce and Markham Board of Trade.
• Recent initiatives include
the free “Lunch Express” service to local restaurants and
businesses in the Beaver Creek and Commerce Valley Business
Parks, a carpool matching program, telework assistance and
parking management expertise. The association also represents
the interests of the business community to government agencies
and other organizations on transportation issues.
About the Sustainable Urban
Transportation Award
• Awarded by the Transportation
Association of Canada (TAC), a national association with a
mission to promote the provision of safe, secure, efficient,
effective and environmentally and financially sustainable
transportation services in support of Canada's social and
economic goals.
• The award recognizes
exemplary contributions to the enhanced sustainability of urban
transportation and is given to urban transportation projects
that help create communities which will be more efficient,
environmentally friendly and desirable to live in.
• Submissions are judged on
their social, economic and environmental benefits; their degree
of innovation; and their transferability to other Canadian
communities.
•Open to all association
members, and submissions are evaluated by a group of volunteer
judges.
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The number of Canadians with asthma
is now over 3,000,000 (CTV News). 
