11-22-2015, 02:39 PM
(11-16-2015, 03:40 PM)nms Wrote: Similarly, I wonder if the Region (plus Cities and Townships) are able to update their decision matrices to factor in access to transit. Is there a point (and a program for that matter), where someone could say, "All right, we'll ask the Region/City/Township to subsidize the rent (or even outright buy a building in question) in order to get the location we need rather than settling for something on the outskirts". I believe the Food Bank had a similar situation where they were located close to transit but then the bus route was moved further away.
I know this was discussed a week ago, but I found the conversation about the Family Centre really interesting, and especially nms' point that regional and municipal governments should be factoring transit into their decision-making, or including GRT in their planning for new amenities or services.
In the same neck of the woods we're talking about, Kitchener is in the planning stages of a huge new recreation facility at Fischer-Hallman and Huron. With an undertaking like this, I would expect that the cost of land and new suburban developments are the most important criteria by far, but I've followed the planning and consultation a little and there seems to be no consideration of transit. As it stands now, the only bus that can get someone close to the site is the 33, with poor service. No consideration (even passing) seems to have been given to the principle of Being on the Way. It would be really interesting to me if access were taken seriously to the point that the City of Kitchener would consider (for instance) asking and compensating the Region for increased frequency on the 33, or (less likely) slightly rerouting the 201. It would be nice if the right and left hands would speak, but so far I'm not familiar with situations where agencies have taken transit into serious consideration while planning new initiatives.