If Active Transportation is a priority as a voter, this is your page to learn which Summerside candidates, and Parties, support AT. We present an "active transportation profile" of each candidate in the three Summerside Districts in the upcoming Provincial Election. In doing so, we asked each Candidate questions, provide their responses, include any history with active transportation and working with SAFE, and highlight if the Party Platform includes active transportation.
[FINE PRINT: Two emails were sent, one on March 19 to all the Candidates with the questions, and another on March 27 with a draft document to provide all Candidates and Party Leaders an opportunity to modify their responses. Also, the email addresses used were located on each Party's website. In cases where individual Candidates did not have an individual email address, we sent an email to the correspondence email address listed on the Party's website. This web page was published on March 31, and any updates to Candidate information have been changed to reflect current responses.]
Party Platforms
We begin with the five political parties and summarize how each platform does/does not reference active transportation.
Of the five political parties, two have active transportation as line items.
Progressive Conservative Party Platform: Double investments in active transportation paths [p .25] to the sum of $5 in new spending for one year [p. 42].
SAFE Notes: Currently, the PEI AT Fund (a 5-year, $25M investment) offers $5M per year. So, this appears to be the same level of spending as is currently being offered. We asked the PC Party for further clarification but have not received a response. [Progressive Conservation Party Full Platform]
SAFE Notes: We believe the AT Capital Improvement budget is more aligned with provincial highways and not directly tied to the municipalities (ie, the safe Corridors created around Charlottetown). To this end, the PEI AT Fund is a part of the Operating Budget (we believe), and it is this Fund that provides 50/50 cost-sharing with the municipalities. We asked the Green Party for further clarification, and we received a response that an answer to our question is forthcoming. [Green Party Official Platform]
The Questions
The Two Questions for Each Candidate:
(1) PEI AT FUND INCREASE & CONTINUANCE
Whereas the Province set the goal to become emission-free by 2040;
and Whereas "emission targets are unlikely to be met without a significant move away from motorized transportation " (Journal of Global Environmental Change, 2021, 67, 102224);
and Whereas the PEI AT Fund (a fund that supports 50/50 cost share active transportation infrastructure, up to $1M per project) is set to expire after the final application deadline on Dec 1, 2023;
If Elected, Will You Support:
- The expansion of the PEI AT Fund for an additional 5-year term (at which time to be reviewed)?
- The increase in cost share by the province from 50/50 to 80/20? The rationale for increasing the provincial share is many municipalities remain unable to match the funds to the degree that will make substantial improvements in active transportation. The 80/20 split was employed in a summer 2022 national funding competition (COVID-19 Resiliency Stream), for AT infrastructure recently and proved to be tenfold the usage, so much so that the fund was depleted before Christmas of 2022.
Communicated to SAFE: Candidates from the Green Party and the official statement from the Liberal Party have committed to renewing the PEI AT Fund for another five years following the final Funding application in Dec 2023, if elected. For details, read each Candidate's response.
(2) SAFE CORRIDORS TO CONNECT KENSINGTON, MISCOUCHE, NORTH BEDEQUE, and LINKLETTER BEACH
Whereas the Province has partnered with local municipalities and the Government of Canada to create safe off-trail AT Pathways that connect Charlottetown, Cornwall, Stratford, and East Royalty;
Whereas the traffic on the Charlottetown corridors "mirrors" the traffic on the Summerside, Kensington, Miscouche, and North Bedeque/ Reads Corner:
Cornwall (10,780) and Kensington (10,338)
Stratford (12,275) and Miscouche (11,166)
East Royalty (11,397) and Reads Corner (13,867);
and Whereas the North Bedeque/ Reads Corner and Linkletter Beach is a part of the designated Island Walk Route in need of an increase in protection for the Island Walk users (as detailed in the PEI AT Network Plan);
If Elected, Will You Support:
The creation of similar AT Protected Pathways along the highway that connects Kensington, Miscouche, Linkletter Beach, and North Bedeque (up to Searletown Road)?
Communicated to SAFE: Candidates from the Green Party and the official statement from the Liberal Party have committed to working towards (in various ways) this safe corridor to connect these communities. For details, read each Candidate's response.
The Actions
We provide the actions of each of the Candidates in two categories:
(1) Summerside City Council Meeting on March 20
This Council Meeting was the result of close to 1,000 hours of research, meetings, drafts and re-drafts. We presented our All Ages & All Abilities Active Transportation Network Plan to City Council with the desired outcome for the City to adopt the plan and/or work towards the City creating an official AT Network Plan. Attendance at this Council Meeting is seen as one action to support AT in Summerside.
(2) Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
In our attempt to be as transparent as possible, we illustrate the role each Candidate has had (if any) in moving active transportation forward. Since we do not claim to know the actions of all Candidates or their feelings around AT, we asked each Candidate to provide any additional information to help us present an accurate picture of their support of active transportation. We also provide any involvement the Candidates have had with SAFE.
The Candidates & The Districts
District 21 (Summerside-Wilmot)
A glimpse at the last election (2019) results:
Lynne Lund (GRN)
Did Not Attend the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
I regret that I was unable to attend the meeting on March 20th, but it's my understanding that my colleague Steve Howard was in attendance. We are often not all able to get to everything, but we did wish to have representation at the meeting.
Supports a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province
The idea of the AT fund expiring in 2023 doesn't make a lot of sense, given we won't have completed the work by then, and AT should be a priority for any government with a target of reaching Net Zero by 2040. I support an additional 5 years of this fund and would be open to discussions on alternate cost sharing agreements. The municipal level of government often has less dollars available to them for these projects, and it's a conversation that needs to be had.
Supports the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside
We need a well considered AT plan that gets people where they need and want to go safely. There is a case to be made for the protected pathways outlined above and our caucus would be happy to bring a motion on the importance of this to the Legislative Assembly.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
SAFE has found Lynne to be easily reachable and responds to our questions in a timely manner. Lynne has met with SAFE one-on-one to discuss AT and followed up on that meeting with information regarding the pre-Operating Budget consultation process in Dec 2022. Lynne also has provided SAFE with information on a potential funding source for Trishaws for the Cycling Without Age program (which worked out well as they have decided to donate the dollars for the purchase of one Trishaw). Lastly, Lynne was the only candidate running in this election that attended our Oct 2022 Walk/Ride to Support AT in Summerside; Lynne has also publicly shared supportive photos/comments of the work of SAFE at various times.
Tyler DesRoches (PC)
Did Not Attend the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Tyler did not attend the meeting or respond to our request.
Do They Support a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province?
No response to this question.
Do They Support the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside?
No response to this question.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
Tyler has not been involved in any SAFE Summerside initiatives. Tyler has not responded with details to us regarding any history of supporting active transportation.
Don Reid (LIB)
Attended the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Don added and shared public support of SAFE Summerside's AT Plan via social media following the March 20th presentation.
Supports a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province
The response for each Liberal Party Candidate was the Liberal Party response. The Liberal Party is committing that 30% of the PEI Capital Budget will be used for climate mitigation and adaptation. Active Transportation supports both objectives, and we are committed to expanding the network across PEI, especially in our urban centres. There are a lot of opportunities to work with our municipal partners to map out routes and invest in AT infrastructure.
Implementing guidelines and support for off-road pathways has been shown to be the safest method of providing AT. I support a renewal of the PEI AT Fund, one that commits to 4-5 years for municipal leaders to be able to plan. I would be happy to help meet with municipal leaders to hear what level of support is required.
Supports the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside.
I believe our area deserves the same infrastructure as the capital region to get our community more active and create accessible communities. Again, this was the Liberal Party's response to these questions.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
Don became a member of SAFE in Dec 2022 and quickly showed interest in being a Board Member when SAFE becomes an NPO. Don has also indicated his interest in being the Treasurer for our organization and is a valued member of the SAFE Team. Don helped our organization obtain letters of support that were included in SAFE's submission of our All Ages & All Abilities Active Transportation Network Plan submitted to the City of Summerside on March 20.
Cassie MacKay (NDP)
Did Not Attend the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Cassie did not attend the meeting or respond to our request.
Do They Support a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province?
No response to this question.
Do They Support the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside?
No response to this question.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
Cassie has not been involved in any SAFE Summerside initiatives. Cassie has not responded with details to us regarding any history of supporting active transportation.
Eriena O'Reilly (ISL) Did Attend the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Eriena supported SAFE's AT Plan by attending our submission of our AT Network Plan to the City of Summerside on March 20. Eriena also expressed how the presentation informed her about the needs and her desire to be involved in future events/progress of the group, stating, "I am grateful to know there is a dedicated group fighting for a safe space for all Islanders."
Do They Support a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province
I would support what our party determines as the best solution.
Do They Support the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside.
I am happy to say yes to this. It just makes perfect sense to have safe and protected corridors on these major transport routes. I used to ride a bicycle, years ago, long distances, it was a freeing experience for me. I also used to speed walk, in the country where my Mom had her trailer. I am currently doing chair yoga, and exercising in the small pool at the Credit Union Place. Since this election started, I have been remiss in these activities, and I am so feeling like I have ignored something very important in my life.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
Eriena has not been involved in any SAFE Summerside initiatives prior to attending the March 20 City Council presentation. Eriena has not responded with details to us regarding any history of supporting active transportation.
District 22 (Summerside-South Drive)
A glimpse at the last election (2019) results:
Steve Howard (GRN)
Attended the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Steve attended and shared on social media support of SAFE Summerside's AT Network Plan with a photo of those in attendance.
Supports a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province
I am certainly open to ensuring the fund is as obtainable as possible though I might add an AT plan to the requirement for increased funding... a trail to nowhere is not in anyone's interest. I would want to see AT funding continue for sure
Supports the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside.
Well-considered plans for AT interconnection are what I would want to ensure there is funding for. It's a health, access, and tourism bonus for PEI. I look towards a PEI that connects AT with public transit options to open more of PEI to Islanders and visitors without the need for more vehicles on the roads.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
SAFE has found Steve to be fully supportive of active transportation from day one. In fact, Steve was the third member to join the organization as an Event Volunteer, even before the majority of the planning committee put their application forward. Steve is also the only elected provincial official to provide a personal quote that he approved to be circulated in various methods to help promote active transportation (Facebook, online, and in our Final All Ages & All Abilities Network Map to the City). In addition, Steve was the only current Candidate to attend our first-ever presentation to City Council in Sep 2022 when SAFE was presenting to the City to make amendments to their Greenwood Drive AT Pathway based on inclusion and accessibility concerns. SAFE has also observed Steve using active transportation in the community and has reached out to the City of Summerside early in the Greenwood Drive process, asking about the need for the City to have an Official Plan.
Barb Ramsay (PC)
Did Not Attend the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Do They Support a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province?
No response to this question.
Do They Support the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside?
No response to this question.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
In her role as City Councillor for the City of Summerside, Barb met with SAFE one-on-one to discuss active transportation. During this meeting, she communicated her support for active transportation. When SAFE asked Barb in Nov 2022 if she would support the City of Summerside having an active transportation plan during the election campaign, her response was as follows: I am in favour of an active transportation plan but it would be irresponsible of me to commit to something when the proper procedures are not in place. The province has yet to release its official Active Transportation Development/Design Guide. This piece of the puzzle is a HUGE piece for “needs assessment” and the development of an official AT plan. As experienced with the two rounds of AT projects we’ve completed on Greenwood, being without these design standards is costly and leaves everyone in an uncertain position. This was evidenced in our own thoughts and feelings on how manhole covers or lane widths are handled and subsequently designed with AT projects going forward.
Nancy Beth Guptill (LIB)
Did Attend the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Nancy Beth attended and also shared public support of SAFE Summerside's AT Plan via social media following the March 20th presentation.
Supports a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province
The response for each Liberal Party Candidate was the Liberal Party response. The Liberal Party is committing that 30% of the PEI Capital Budget will be used for climate mitigation and adaptation. Active Transportation supports both objectives, and we are committed to expanding the network across PEI, especially in our urban centres. There are a lot of opportunities to work with our municipal partners to map out routes and invest in AT infrastructure.
A definite yes to continued and increased funding.
Supports the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside.
I support safe corridors and protected pathways. I love this initiative and would fully support and advocate for it.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
Nancy Beth has not been involved in any SAFE Summerside prior to attending the March 20 City Council presentation; however, Nancy Beth is interested in becoming involved and attending future SAFE events.
Kathryn Yule (NDP)
Did Not Attend the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Kathryn did not attend the meeting or respond to our request.
Do They Support a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province?
No response to this question.
Do They Support the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside?
No response to this question.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
Kathryn has not been involved in any SAFE Summerside initiatives. Kathryn has not responded with details to us regarding any history of supporting active transportation.
District 23 (Tyne Valley - Sherbrooke)
A glimpse at the last election (2019) results:
Trish Altass (GRN)
Did Not Attend the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Unfortunately, my schedule did not allow me to attend on this date in person. I am glad we had Green party representation at this presentation with my colleague Steve Howard.
Supports a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and increasing the cost share of the Province
I am in support of the expansion of the PEI AT fund for 5 years and am open to discussing expanding beyond this time frame. Municipalities are facing increasing costs to provide services with limited means to raise revenue. As such, there is a rationale for considering an increase in the Provincial cost share percentage for the AT fund.
Supports the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside
I greatly appreciate all of the work that SAFE Summerside has put in to initiate a plan for AT Protected Pathways. I am in support of continuing this work to develop a comprehensive AT plan that supports safe and accessible active transportation for all.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
Trish has been easily reachable and responds to our questions in a timely manner. Trish has met with SAFE one-on-one to discuss AT and helped us understand how to share our concerns with the Province during the pre-Operating Budget consultation process in Dec 2022.
Hilton MacLennan (PC)
Did Not Attend the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Hilton did not attend the meeting or respond to our request.
Do They Support a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province?
No response to this question.
Do They Support the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside?
No response to this question.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
Hilton has not been involved in any SAFE Summerside initiatives. Hilton has not responded with details to us regarding any history of supporting active transportation.
Wayne Cobb (LIB)
Did Attend the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Supports a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province.
The response for each Liberal Party Candidate was the Liberal Party response. The Liberal Party is committing that 30% of the PEI Capital Budget will be used for climate mitigation and adaptation. Active Transportation supports both objectives, and we are committed to expanding the network across PEI, especially in our urban centres. There are a lot of opportunities to work with our municipal partners to map out routes and invest in AT infrastructure.
Implementing guidelines and support for off-road pathways has been shown to be the safest method of providing AT. I support a renewal of the PEI AT Fund, one that commits to 4-5 years for municipal leaders to be able to plan. I would be happy to help meet with municipal leaders to hear what level of support is required.
Supports the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside.
I believe our area deserves the same infrastructure as the capital region to get our community more active and create accessible communities. Again, this was the Liberal Party's response to these questions.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
Wayne has not been involved in any SAFE Summerside initiatives prior to attending the March 20 City Council presentation. Wayne has not responded with details to us regarding any history of supporting active transportation.
Carol Rybinski (NDP)
Did Not Attend the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Carol did not attend the meeting or respond to our request.
Do They Support a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province?
No response to this question.
Do They Support the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside?
No response to this question.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
Carol has not been involved in any SAFE Summerside initiatives. Carol has not responded with details to us regarding any history of supporting active transportation.
Wayne Biggar (IND)
Did Not Attend the March 20 City of Summerside Council Meeting to Support AT in Summerside
Wayne did not attend the meeting or respond to our request.
Do They Support a Continuation of the PEI AT Fund and Ways to increase the cost share of the Province?
No response to this question.
Do They Support the Creation of Safe AT Corridors that Connect to Kensington, Miscouche, Bedeque, Linkletter Beach to Summerside?
No response to this question.
Involvement with SAFE and/or Active Transportation
Wayne has not been involved in any SAFE Summerside initiatives. Wayne has not responded with details to us regarding any history of supporting active transportation.
References to AT Documents
You can download the plan here:
safesummerside.ca/download
COVID-19 Resiliency Stream
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/covid-19-resilience-eng.html
PEI AT Fund
https://tinyurl.com/PEIATFund
PEI AT Network Plan (draft)
https://tinyurl.com/PEIATPlan
PEI Island Walk Route
https://theislandwalk.ca/island-walk-map/
PEI Government Traffic Website
https://tinyurl.com/PEITraffic
SAFE Summerside Corridor Connections
safesummerside.ca/Corridors