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A Commuters perspective on taking the YRT/VIVA. The challenges people face when trying to become "smart commuters" |
PHOTO ALBUM
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View the Photo Album - you may see pictures of yourself or co-workers. Clean Air Commute
Bike to Work Day
Employee Survey Winners
Events
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| SPONSORS |
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Visit our sponsors via their logos or visit
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Businesses:
Dave Richardson - P Eng, MMM Group Limited - Chair
Philip Gunn, GWL
Realty Advisors - Past Chair
Tyrone Gan - P Eng,
iTRANS Consulting Inc.
Carole-Anne Williams,
Sheraton Parkway Hotel
Gary Travers,
IBM Canada
Teresa Di Felice, CAA
Mike Albani,
Philips Canada
Bernie Zeesman,
Scholastic Canada
Kevin Philips,
URS Canada - Consulting Engineers & Architects
Kent Shadwick,
York District Catholic School Board
Business Organizations:
Leslie Walker,
Chief Executive Officer,
Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce
Richard Cunningham,
President & Chief Executive Officer, Markham Board of Trade
Municipal Councillors:
Gordon Landon, Markham
David Cohen, Richmond Hill
Greg Beros, Richmond Hill
Municipal Liaisons:
Loy Cheah, York Region
Asher Mercer, York Region
Lorenzo Mele,
Town of Markham
Marcel Lanteigne,
Town of Richmond Hill
Melanie Shaw,
York Region Transit
Lindsay Rosien, York Region Community & Health Services SC 404-7 Staff:
Project Manager:
George Flint
Markham Board of Trade
Basil Marcello,
Assistant Manager
Wincy Tsang,
Commuter Options Advisor
Richmond Hill
Chamber of Commerce
Paul Bradbury,
Commuter Options Advisor
Lucy Chen,
Administrative Assistant |
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JOIN OUR LIST
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| Active Commuting |
September 2009 |
 As Summer comes to an end, Smart Commute 404-7 is welcoming Fall with some great events.
Upcoming events:
- Smart Commute Awards, Nov 17th
Commuters Busy in Summer 2009
Markham Stouffville Hospital Bike Tune-up Event
A brilliant summer day activity became a safety-plus success, August 6th, as dozens of Markham Stouffville Hospital staffers brought their environment-friendly bicycles to a free Smart Commute 404-7 Bike Tune-up. The event promoted biking to work. Employees from MSH received information on bike safety and other smart commuting alternatives, as well as bike tune-ups. The Hospital staff has recently participated in a commuter survey to help redevelopment plans for the busy complex.
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For more pictures on the event visit our Photo Album section of the newsletter.
A Special Thanks To Those Who Participated In Clean Air Commute Week!
12 active and supporting employers of Smart Commute 404-7 helped in keeping pollutants from entering our atmosphere during Clean Air Commute Week, June 22nd to 26th. The week-long campaign, organized by Pollution Probe, asked individuals to try alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, in-line skating, cycling, public transit and carpooling. Over 600 Markham and Richmond Hill employees helped save 18 Tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from entering our atmosphere. The entire Smart Commute 404-7 Team thanks all participants who proved that "Nothing is Possible" by adding nothing harmful to our air.
Bike 2 Work - May 25th
120 riders and company representatives registered for the 2009 Smart Commute 404-7 2nd Annual "Bike 2 Work Day" event. Special thanks go to sponsors MMM Group Limited and iTRANS Consulting Inc., for their enthusiastic support!
Smart Commute 404-7 also thanks York Region Police, for their participation in leading riders through the course and their timely instruction on bicycle safety. Thanks are also extended to volunteers and everyone else involved in making Bike 2 Work Day 2009 a great event!
Check the Photo Album section of this newsletter for more on this event.
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| Join Us on Facebook |
 Keep informed and involved through Facebook
Smart Commute 404-7 is now on Facebook. Facebook will help to keep smart commuters, who are involved with our upcoming events and promotions, up to date and aware of solutions that improve their commute.
This is your chance to be engaged in discussions on current transportation issues. Let us know if you are satisfied or dissatisfied with your commute and ask Smart Commute 404-7 for smart commuting options. Also, learn from other experiences and challenges encountered when commuting to work. Help bring awareness of Smart Commuting options. Join us on Facebook today!
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| A Commuters Perspective |
Why Take Public Transit?
Before starting my summer position, working with Smart Commute 404-7, I was already an avid user of both the YRT/VIVA and the TTC transit systems. As a university student, I depended on public transit to get to and from my classes every day. However, choosing transit was not so much a choice; rather it was my only option. Commuting by bus and subway for the last three years, I have grown frustrated with the poor service, long travel and wait times.
Another headache I had with my commute was the growing traffic congestion. I began to realize that our public transit systems aren't all to blame - the bigger problem is society itself. Our society is "driven" and overwhelmingly biased towards the SOV (single occupancy vehicle). By choosing this mode of transit consistently, without thinking twice, society is supporting unsustainable transit. This causes serious consequences, to not only the economy, but also to the environment.
However, there is a bright side! People are becoming more conscious of 'green' and sustainable solutions to improve their community. We are making it known to politicians, companies and transit authorities, that we will no longer settle for a laissez-faire approach to transportation planning. In order to improve our transportation infrastructure, a shift is needed, from an auto-dependant culture to a more flexible and environmentally friendly culture, with people who want to be "Smart Commuters." I don't know about you, but I want to do just that - help boost the economy and save our environment. Therefore, I know the right option for me is to continue using and promoting public transit, as well as other modes of sustainable transportation - and this time, it is my choice.
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| Fall Events |
Car Free Day
September 22, 2009
World Wide Event
Join people from 1500 other countries around the world in celebrating International Car Free Day.
Smart Commute 404-7 Car Free Day Promotion!
Smart Commute 404-7, in partnership with York Region Transit (YRT/VIVA), is encouraging employees within Markham and Richmond Hill, who currently drive to work, to pledge to be "car-free" on Car Free Day, September 22nd. SC 404-7 is providing FREE round trip YRT/VIVA tickets to qualified employees of currently active SC 404-7 companies. Interested in taking the pledge to be Car Free? Email admin@smartcommute404-7.ca by September 14th. Space is limited and a "first-come first-serve" policy applies.
Car Free Day Mini Contest
Enter the Smart Commute 404-7 Car Free Day "Mini Contest!" It's expecially for employees who work within Markham and Richmond Hill. Participants in Car Free Day on September 22nd can send a photo of commuters being "car-free" (for example, at a bus stop or on a bicycle) or provide a story of your car-free experience. We want to hear all about it! Send photos, and tell us your stories and adventures to win PRIZES!!
To submit your story and photos, upload details to the Smart Commute 404-7 Facebook Site or email them to admin@smartcommute404-7.ca with "Car Free Day Mini Contest" in the subject line.
Have fun! Be Car Free on September 22nd and share your commuting experiences!
York Region Annual Workplace Wellness Conference
October 21, 2009
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
The York Region Community and Health Services, Workplace Wellness Program, is your source for quality, customized education and resources on current health topics. For information on registering, visit www.york.ca/workplacewellness
Who should attend this conference?
- leaders/managers/supervisors
- wellness coordinators
- labour representatives
- occupational health nurses
- human resource representatives
- anyone interested in improving wellness in the workplace
Why attend this conference?
Employees experience a dramatic increase in job-related stress during difficult economic times. With downsizing and restructuring occurring at many workplaces, maintaining company performance, while supporting employee health, can be a challenge
This interactive presentation will identify the sources of stress experienced by leaders and their teams. A number of strategies based on the" S-O-S Principle" and the Seven Spokes of Wellness model will help workplaces develop useful and practical action plans for effective stress managment and workplace wellness programming.
Smart Commute Awards 
November 17th
5:30 - 8:00 PM
Toronto
This 3rd annual gala event is an inspiring and enjoyable way for Smart Commute partners to meet and share successes and valuable insights, from experts working at the national level. Guests will enjoy an elegant cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres and complimentary beverages. A cash bar will be offered to guests. Business attire is recommended.
The Smart Commute Awards were introduced in 2007 to officially recognize employer members and partners who have demonstrated exceptional effort in implementing their Smart Commute programs. The awards recognize outstanding commitment, leadership, innovation and results. Smart Commutes from across the GTHA (Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area) nominate their top employers. Awards are given to the best in each region and to the best overall.
New and exciting for this year, the awards ceremony will be held in conjunction with the national conference of TDM professionals during the Association for Commuter Transportation Canada TDM Summit.
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| Commuting Tips |
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Tips for Car Free Day - September 22nd
Car Free Day is an event to show the world that we can "get around just fine" without using our cars for one day. In order to "get around," you may choose to take public transit, bicycle, or walk. Whatever mode of travel you are using to become "car free," here are some helpful tips:
- Research your route. Use the internet to map your route before you decide to leave your car at home. Make sure that your routes are safe and accessible via the mode you have chosen.
- Talk with others who plan on participating in Car Free Day. By chatting with others, you may be able to gain some valuable information about your route and also learn from their past experiences.
- Explore your neighbourhood and community. By taking a look around, you will be able to learn new things about your community. Also, you may be able to find new routes that are safe and that can help you save time when commuting.
- Be prepared. While you are commuting, make sure you have everything you need to make your commute more enjoyable. Bring an umbrella in case the weather changes for the worse. You're not driving, so bring an iPod to entertain yourself. Bring a comfortable bag to carry your new "gear" and wear comfortable shoes.
- Be proud! You are making a difference today - by not driving, you are not emitting vehicle pollutants into the air. You are helping to save the environment, as well as helping to improve your health and the health of others.
Tips for Biking to work
Watch video for some helpful tips on how to bike to work.
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Carpooling Kids to School
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Start the New School Year Green
As the new school year approaches, your kids may dread going back! But school can be a daunting task for parents too. Helping children complete homework is time-consuming and getting them to and from school can be expensive. With gas prices adding to the cost, carpooling your children, to and from school, makes perfect sense.
Organizing a carpool with your children and their friends can be helpful, not only for parents but for children as well. Children are able to spend more time with friends, and parents are able to save time and money. Carpooling helps reduce traffic at the school, and it helps reduce the number of idling cars emitting pollutants into the environment.
When setting up a carpool for your children, there are some important things to consider:
- First, ask the school if there are any procedures that parents must follow, especially when other parents are collecting your children from school.
- Safety measures need to be taken. Depending on the age of the children in the carpooler's car, proper seats and seat belts must be installed and used.
- Traffic at schools, especially when school is over for the day, can be chaotic. Drivers need to be cautious and alert, as children walk all around them. Carpoolers may wish to park their vehicle a block away from the school and walk their children safely to the car.
- When dropping off children at school, it is important to make sure your car is parked safely and correctly at the curb, to allow safe exiting. Also, make sure each passenger enters their house before you drive away.
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Anti Idling In Markham and Richmond Hill
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Don't be Idle about Pollution!
Idling your vehicle when parked is tremendously damaging to our environment.
Did you know that a vehicle idling while parked contributes twice as many pollutants as it does when in motion? Natural Resources Canada notes that if every driver avoided idling for just 5 minutes every day of the year, we would prevent more than one million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering our atmosphere.
The Towns of Markham and Richmond Hill both have anti-idling laws that are enacted to prevent dangerous pollutants from causing irreversible damage to our environment and community.
The Town of Richmond Hill's anti-idling by-law "prohibits the operation of an engine or motor in, or on, any motor vehicle or item of attached auxiliary equipment for a continuous period exceeding five (5) minutes, while such vehicle is stationary in a residential area or a quiet zone unless certain provisions apply." More information can be found on the Town of Richmond Hill website.To reduce unnecessary vehicle emissions, air pollution and smog, the Town of Markham has implemented a by-law that limits vehicle idling to a maximum of three minutes. "Idling" is observed when the vehicle's engine is running but the vehicle is not moving. After observing a vehicle idling for more than three minutes, a Markham By-law Enforcement Officer may issue a ticket for $150.00. For more information about this idling by-law visit the Town of Markham's website.
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Before You Go ... View our Blog Page
Have you had a commuter experience you'd like to share? Email it to us for the "Blog" page and get it "published". Tell your friends to read your story on our Blog Page. For news and photos on our activities, visit our What's New website page. SMART COMMUTE 404-7 RESULTS UPDATE
SOV - single occupant vehicles
VKT - vehicle kilometres travelled
GHG - green house gases
GTA - Greater Toronto Area
- 6,800 SOVs reduced by Carpool Zone
- Over 1/2 million VKTs reduced
- Over 156 tonnes GHG reduced
- 30 active companies & organizations
- 60 engaged companies & organizations
- 200 new registered Carpool Zone users in 2008
- Over 5,500 registered users GTA-wide (15,000 since inception)
Thank you again for checking up on our progress! Contact us with questions or suggestions at info@smartcommute404-7.ca.
By the way ...
Our name is derived from Highways 404 ... and 7! They are of mayor concern, when regarding traffic flow in Richmond Hill and Markham. With your help, we can do our part to make sure your commute on and around Hwy's 404 and 7 is a pleasant one!
Best wishes for Fall 2009!
George Flint, Basil Marcello, Wincy Tsang, Lucy Chen, Paul Bradbury - Your Smart Commute 404-7 Team.
HAVE A SAFE & SMART COMMUTE ..... And don't forget to leave your car at home for CARFREE DAY, September 22!
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