Some councillors are concerned about the cost of a plan to get more people moving in the city.
While city council did approve the draft Transport Demand Management Plan Monday, Coun. Linda Rydholm said she had an issue with an initial $150,000 in the plan recommended for the city’s 2012 budget when other boards and departments are being asked to tighten up.
“I’m trying to rationalize $150,000 at this point in time,” Rydholm said.
But city manager Tim Commisso said the money would be subject to council approval during budget season. The plan, which is an effort to improving access to alternative modes of transportation in the city, is more of a guiding document he said.
“This is what I’d refer to as a foundation report,” Commisso said.
Coun. Joe Virdiramo said he’s seen foundation reports before that have been approved by council in the past only to have large financial obligations later on.
“This is a huge obligation,” Virdiramo said. “I don’t think this is an initiative that we should be undertaking at this point in time.”
Other councillors wanted to know if the plan would help the city’s growing infrastructure deficit.
“If I’m going to put my hand up I need to know that this document is going to help us,” Coun. Andrew Foulds said.
MMM Group’s senior project manager Jim Gough said that’s part of the plan. Getting more people to use transit and active modes of transportation reduces the need for infrastructure such as parking garages and parking spaces. It’s about moving the city forward he said.
Other councillors were in favour of the plan saying it's really just a guiding document to help the city in the future.
"I think this is a welcome approach,” Coun. Paul Pugh said. “I think we should be supporting it.”
