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Local non-profit making push for active transportation in 2024 budget

Two bikers move down a trail with flowers and shrubbery at the side of the gravel path.
Active transportation is top of mind for one local advocacy group, as council looks over the forthcoming budget. Photo by Canva.
Riley Gillespie-Wilson - CICW - Fergus • ON | 16-11-2023
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Centre Wellington council will have another voice to keep in mind when making budget decisions following a delegation this week. Active transportation and the environment were the focus of John Scott's message to staff.

Scott, who is a part of the non-profit organization Green Lanes, was in front of council at the meeting arguing how crucial it is to respect the environment while creating the opportunity for residents to get moving.

Green Lanes' Facebook group states they are a "Centre Wellington advocacy group that pushes good urban design through individual, small group, and large group actions."

Scott voiced concern with the amount of money put towards asphalt paving efforts as opposed to active transportation.

"We've got $300,000 put towards a parking lot, and we have in [the] budget right now, $50,000 in active transportation," Scott said.

"So, already, it's telling a story that's different. It's telling a story that a car sitting is more important than people moving on bicycles or wheelchairs," he added.

Coun. Lisa MacDonald agreed active transportation is relevant and important. She said she understands the impact certain types of asphalt have on the environment.

Currently, $50,000 are allocated towards active transportation.

Scott, meanwhile, added he appreciates some of the work council has done for the active transportation network. But he wants to see more, and he wants to see it quickly.

"I think a lot of things staff have done are awesome and we're moving in the right direction. Our job is to push it quicker, because we know we're going there; the rest of the world is going there," Scott said.

"Let's just get going. I'm more of a rip the bandage off type person, instead of doing this so slowly, and painfully for everyone," he added.

Scott said he wanted to ask tough questions of council, and did have one suggestion as to how to move forward.

"What do we need? What makes people healthy? To be honest, the cheapest recreational thing we can do is building bike lanes and walking trails," Scott posed.

Centre Wellington staff received Scott's delegation and continue to sort their way through the 2024 township budget.

Listen to the CICW story below: 

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