Whereas the Government of Ontario has announced legislation requiring provincial approval for new cycling lanes that would remove vehicular traffic lanes;
And whereas this legislation would compel municipalities to demonstrate that proposed cycling lanes will not negatively impact vehicle traffic;
And whereas cycling infrastructure is crucial for urban transportation planning, road safety, and public health, and provincial oversight in this matter represents an unwarranted intrusion into municipal authority;
And whereas the Region of Waterloo has developed a comprehensive active transportation plan to enhance walking and cycling facilities;
And whereas the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has strongly criticized this proposed legislation as a "significant overreach" into municipal jurisdiction;
And whereas the AMO has stated that none of its 444 member municipalities were consulted or shown evidence justifying the province's proposed veto power over new bike lanes;
Therefore, be it resolved:
- That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo strongly opposes the proposed provincial legislation governing bicycle lanes and affirms its support for maintaining municipal jurisdiction over cycling infrastructure decisions.
- That the Region of Waterloo endorses the AMO's position that municipalities are better positioned than the Ministry of Transportation to make decisions about local transportation matters based on local knowledge and community input.
- That the Region of Waterloo calls on the Government of Ontario to withdraw the proposed legislation and respect the established authority of municipalities to make informed decisions about local transportation needs, including the implementation of cycling lanes.
- That the Region of Waterloo reaffirms its commitment to its active transportation plan and the continued development of safe, efficient cycling infrastructure for the benefit of all residents.
- That the Regional Clerk be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Transportation, all Members of Provincial Parliament representing constituencies within the Region of Waterloo.
- That the Region of Waterloo calls upon other municipalities across Ontario to adopt similar resolutions in defense of local decision-making authority and sustainable transportation planning.