Transportation Master Plan Implementation

The Province of Ontario’s Places to Grow Act projects population and employment in York Region to grow from 760,000 people and 390,000 jobs (2001) to 1.5 million people and 780,000 jobs (2031). The fast pace of growth projected in York Region between now and 2031 must be complemented by a transportation system that preserves the environment, enhances the Region’s economic viability, seamlessly integrates with new and existing developments, and offers more reliable travel choices for residents and employees.

The Transportation Master Plan (TMP) focuses on expanding transit and rapid transit, while transforming the Region’s network of roads into more pedestrian-friendly transportation routes that encourage transit use, walking, cycling, and carpooling.

The vision of the TMP is to enhance our ability to provide long-term transportation support for our growing communities in a more sustainable manner. The TMP, along with the Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan (2008), will serve as the “blueprints” for all major transportation initiatives in the Region through the year 2031 and beyond.

Some of the TMP policies and strategies currently being implemented include:

• Coordinating the Region’s road and transit networks, as well as planning regimes within the local and adjacent municipalities, to minimize infrastructure needs and enhance natural heritage and environmental features and functions
• Accommodating people with disabilities and special needs on all pedestrian and transit systems, consistent with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act(AODA)
• Developing a detailed roadway directional lighting strategy to minimize light pollution effects
• Connecting all transit stops directly to sidewalks and adjacent buildings in urban areas
• Ensuring continued conformity to the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan (The Big Move).