One of the biggest challenges faced by cities around the world is the improvement and expansion of urban mobility and transportation systems. Some of the world’s most populous and urbanized countries are prioritizing funding for public and non-motorized transport, and strategizing on long-term urban mobility planning to serve their communities and make their cities more livable.
When I first moved to Waterloo from Toronto, I could not understand why the fifteen or twenty minute delay on Highway 85 would trouble my co-workers and neighbours. I was of course comparing their discomfort to the atrocious two hours plus (and during insane storms or power outages, eight hours or more) drive from the suburbs to downtown Toronto!
Fast track to today, where I have a young family, and despite a busy schedule, feel privileged and comfortable to live in a community where I have a fifteen minute bike or bus ride for shopping, or to coach my son’s soccer team. If I chose to stay solely in Waterloo, and not travel outside the bounds of our community, I would be quite comfortable in terms of my transportation options.
But what happens when I want to see my family and friends in Toronto, or more importantly, what happens when there is a real need for me to be in Toronto?
That is precisely what happened to my colleague Sam Toman. In 2016, Sam was diagnosed with stage-three cancer. Told that he could not get the care he needed in Waterloo, his family began the arduous task of constant trips along the 401 to seek medical care for him in Toronto.
In his Op-Ed piece in The Star, Sam reflects on his grueling battle on the 401, and the impact lack of sustainable transportation has on the lives of Canadians.
“Every year commuting on our roads becomes more unbearable. It’s distorting the housing market, cutting off opportunity and fomenting cultural and political resentment.”
As each Canadian city works toward improving and expanding their transportation system, it is crucial for governments, planners, developers and citizens to consider the role of transportation planning in shaping communities and impacting the lives of citizen beyond the boundaries of their own cities.
Maryam Latifpoor-Keparoutis has the privilege of serving the Faculty of Environment as Director of Advancement.
Sam Toman is currently editor of the Waterloo Magazine, and the most recent Spring 2019 issue, A Tale of Three Cities: Urbanization is the next great disruption, takes a closer look at the urban mobility and other issues facing our cities.
