Ward 3 By-Election 2023

 

During the April 4 Committee of the Whole meeting, Council directed City Staff to review and provide recommendations on our All Ages & All Abilities Active Transportation Plan (www.safesummerside.ca/ThePlan) with the goal for the City of Summerside to have an Official Active Transportation Plan.

 

 

If elected, what do you see as your role as a City Councillor with respect to active transportation in the City?  You may include your personal experiences with active transportation and/or participation in previous SAFE Summerside initiatives in your response, as well the potential benefits of a connected active transportation network in the City.

 

Before we discuss their answers, here are some Ward 3 Facts:

 

Of the seven candidates, six provided us with responses.  The Responses of the Candidates are listed in the order that we received them (those who responded first, are listed first).

 

I believe Summerside is the perfect city to be the poster child for active transport.  Nothing is far away within the city, and having safe, protected A.T. lanes will mean that everyone will be connected by pathways throughout the city to access places such as grocery stores.  I use active transport as a way of commuting to and from work for 5-7 months out of the year.  It is a great boost in my physical fitness, but also a great way to clear your head after a days work.  A.T. also allows you to know you are doing your part to help the environment.

I have been active in volunteering my time with S.A.F.E Summerside for the last 6 months and believe that over time, Active Transport infrastructure will greatly benefit the city of Summerside as well as its residents.

Patrick McMahon

I like the idea of a connective transportation system that extends across our city, both east and west as well as a north south corridor. The biggest obstacle will be available spacing on the existing routes in the city. I believe that if we can meet the needs of both existing systems and a new venue of this sort will have beneficial effect on the current population in reducing emissions and general overall health. Having said that, it will be difficult to make all happy and remain fiscally responsible to the city's budget and the priority for both the need of a new fire station and medical centre that may take priority as far as budgeting goes. Although I feel the endeavor would be worthwhile pursuing. For the benefit of all.

 

Lisa Bradshaw

I definitely support the AT program and I am impressed with the presentation. I not only talk the talk, but I walk the walk. I do own 2 e bikes myself and bike to work weather permitting.

The benefits to this program are wonderful for everyone. The purpose is to increase the use of walking and biking safely for non-motorized users. The benefits helps address environmental changes, reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, energy saving, noise pollution, less water pollution and many more.

The health benefits that impact us all. Being more physically fit, less obesity and reduces cardiovascular disease.  More family outings, meeting new people, and socializing with others, great for mental health as well.  I see other provinces have adapted this program such as: BC, ON, NS, Quebec and us here on PE.

We all need to work together and stand as a province to make this happen. I would be nice to have the town council, PEI Government, Federal Government and some fund raising programs put into place. Fundraising such as selling hot dogs, Cavendish Farms fry truck to purchase the proper bike for our special needs individuals, seeing the cost that was pointed out. I would be willing to give some of my time for a few fundraisers if elected to help where needed.

Another thing I have noticed. Not all businesses have bike racks. With my work being one of them. It would be nice if businesses would get on board with this as I see the schools are.

I also have solar panels, my husband and I both have electric plug in cars, and 3 e bikes in total. We have many electric tools and lawn mower. To help reduce pollution and make our province a healthier and safer place for us all. Together We Can Make Changes. Sincerely, Lisa

Gordie Whitlock

I believe in strengthening communities and if elected, that will be my main focus. I strongly advocate for inclusion and that each member of the community should have access to all resources our community has to offer and more. That being said, a safe network is crucial within our community. The network allows a safe alternative form of transportation for those who do not have access or contain some form of restriction.

The network allows a direct link in connecting community member’s to additional support systems, access to necessities and socialization. Therefore, benefiting social, economic and the environment in the community. These benefits also increase quality of life among individuals within the community including mental health.

I strongly support SAFE Summerside. If elected, I will continue to advocate for active transportation and safe transportation for all. I will continue to be your voice within the community and together we can continue to build/strengthen the community and create change for the future.

 

Krista Hickey

As a citizen in Summerside and a candidate for City Councillor, I fully support active transport and the consideration of infrastructure to broaden the availability of safe active transport paths across our city. The community benefits are numerous: Improved physical health and mental wellness, less traffic, less emissions, and increased community connections when people get outdoors more.

Personally, my family and I enjoy bike rides across to city to various destinations, like parks and ice cream parlors. My husband is a more avid cycler. But our use of cycling as an AT mode is limited in the city due to safety. With a connected active transport system, it would be more feasible to commute from any corner of the city via various modes of AT. In Summerside, it would be a dream to see commuter paths span our city so that active transport be a safer and more viable option for regular transport in our city.

The City of Summerside has long been promoting healthy, active lifestyle through various past and present programs such as Green Commute, Active Winter Campaign, Active Living Policy and major investments into sport and recreation development. One of the best ways to increase health is by incorporating physical activity into a daily routine.  A well-planned and promoted active transport network – one that is accessible to all - would be an effective way to help citizens increase their level of wellness and enjoyment of the city.

 

Pete Peters

I must say I was very impressed with the March 2023 presentation to Summerside City Council by Ken Trenholm of SAFE Summerside regarding Active Transportation. Ken’s presentation clearly showed a very important need for safe active transportation for all ages and abilities. With the City of Summerside’s support and with safer AT routes, more residents would be encouraged to participate in active transportation.  As an occasional cyclist myself I have had a lot of close calls with motorists over the years and I am sure a lot of those close calls could have been avoided had there have been AT lanes at the time. The more that SAFE Summerside and our City helps promote safe active transportation there is a better chance of reducing the risk of injury or death by passing motorists. With more residents opting for AT options over gas vehicles there would be potentially less gas emissions in to the environment. So when you think about it, promoting safe active transportation just makes good sense.  Part of my role as City Councillor of Ward 3 (if elected) would be to ensure I do my part in helping support the initiatives of  SAFE Summerside and its plan to help promote safe AT to the residents of Summerside.