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Opinion/Articles
Transportation - Car Free ZoneCarFree Buildings are not an option in TorontoDecember 2007 A green initiative that is beyond the status quo, is a pipe dream in Smoggy Toronto. It is watered down either by politicians who have neither vision nor drive to take action and bring this city forward, or by conflicting interests of the uninformed public that reinforce and perpetuate a stagnant state of affairs. A proposal to initiate car-free buildings in the core of the city which is well served by public transport and it is accessible by walking and bicycling, was recently submitted to a council committee. Needless to say that not even the slightest interest was expressed by the bureaucrats, let alone expect progressive action to be taken in order to alleviate air pollution and congestion in this car-clogged city. Effective strategies are dismally lacking at the municipal level. Yet, there is the endless rhetoric and inane justifications on budget restrictions or inappropriate solutions suitable for Toronto. Architects and developers may have vision and interest to build environmentally friendly buildings, but it is political leadership and efficient management that will bring forth Air Pollution Coalition Councillor Norman Kelly, Chair November 29, 2007 Dear Mr. Kelly: Following up on the recommendations submitted by Councillor Howard Moscoe on the practice of requiring that developers provide free transit passes to the purchasers of new condominium units in areas that are well served by public transit, Agenda Item # 11.8, I wish to propose that: An Amendment to Zoning By-Law No. 438-86, Section 4 on Regulations Applying to All Use Districts, with regard to Parking Requirements for buildings in MCR Districts would limit parking spaces to the owner of a commercial occupancy in a mixed-use building. Developers can decouple the parking from the housing units, thus reducing the price of the units for the tenant who chooses to buy or rent in a car-free building. At present the above named Zoning By-Law with no restrictions or limitations to parking spaces, is in direct conflict with the Official Plan’s projects on green development, environmental, and transportation planning. This proposal is in accordance with the Official Plan’s premise of discouraging automobile dependence and encourage public transit and alternative modes of transportation of walking and cycling. Furthermore, this initiative will alleviate air pollution and gridlock in the most congested areas of the city, and that will be of benefit to public health with regard to the numerous health effects of air pollution. Sincerely, |