BACCC asked all municipal candidates for their views on environmentally-friendly transportation options, presenting them with these three questions. Views expressed are solely those of the candidates and do not reflect the views of BACCC or its members. All responses have been reviewed to ensure appropriateness and relevance to the questions posed. We encourage you to make an informed decision by researching your local candidates.
Hamilton Ward 12 Candidate Craig Cassar
From the recommendations in BACCC’s Options for Travel report, which would be your top priority to enact to ensure safe, reliable, convenient and equitable transportation options?
The changes proposed in BACCC’s ‘Options for Travel’ report are visionary and will be transformative. The foundation for affecting such wide-reaching changes will be built on thoughtful planning. As such, my top priorities will be:
TRANSIT: Improved public transit is required throughout Hamilton, but the dearth of transit options in ward 12 is notable. A feasibility analysis for express routes or improved service to priority locations, including Ancaster Business Park and Redeemer University, is crucial
CYCLING: With 60% of the population identified as ‘interested but concerned’ cyclists, a complete and comprehensive update to the Cycling Master Plan is required in order to unlock the potential to make cycling a viable alternative.
WALKING: Walk audits surrounding all schools to determine safety improvements for pedestrians, particularly children.
OVERALL: Commit to open data and engage community organizations (CityLab, MacChangers, and MacData Institute) to assist with unlocking insights and suggesting improvements.
If environmentally friendly transportation options are not convenient, residents will be less likely to choose those options over driving.
What steps would you take to ensure environmentally friendly transportation options are convenient?
Throughout the planning and implementation of transformative change, our community will need leaders leading by example. I am a cyclist and have committed to riding my bike from my home in Ancaster to locations all throughout the community, including to City Hall. To make transit, cycling and walking reasonable and convenient options for others in the community, I will passionately advocate for the meaningful expansion of transit options, cycling infrastructure and safer streets. The BACCC ‘Options for Travel’ report has outlined numerous recommendations to achieve these goals and they should be incorporated into Hamilton’s official plans.
Environmentally friendly transportation needs to be perceived as safe in order to be viewed as a viable option.
What steps would you take to ensure all users feel safe when using all transportation methods?
Traffic congestion and unsafe driving are widespread and growing concerns on ward 12’s urban, residential and rural roadways and are rooted in our near-total reliance on cars. The most notable concern I’ve heard is from parents who feel they must drive their children to school because school buses are unreliable and our neighbourhoods are unsafe. The result is more cars on the road, exacerbating the situation. Converting a portion of the general public to active transportation and transit will reduce car traffic and contribute to a safer community, but I would also prioritize complete walk audits surrounding all schools to determine safety improvements for pedestrians. Fostering a stronger culture of active transportation in our children and youth will pay dividends for decades to come as those habits are maintained into adulthood and passed on to future generations.
