Are you in the
mood to help out? If the inspiration should strike you, here are
some ways to give of yourself. Before I give you an idea of current
opportunities for public input, the Canadian Blood Services asked me
to remind readers that several permanent blood donor clinics are
easily accessible by transit. On the Yonge-University subway line,
you can go to 67 College St. or the Royal Bank Plaza at 200 Bay St.
by Union Station. On the Bloor-Danforth line, you can give blood at
the Manulife Centre, 2nd floor at 55 Bloor St. West.
Mississauga
Transit riders can donate at Square One Shopping Centre and those in
York Region can use YRT and VIVA to access Hillcrest Mall at 9350
Yonge St. To book appointments, call 1 888 2 DONATE.
Right across
greater Toronto, planners are considering where to put new transit
lines and you may have noticed ads in Metro for some intriguing
projects. Citizens don’t have to live in a specific part of the city
to have valuable advice on a transit route, and there are usually
many ways to give your opinion -- at public meetings, over the
internet or by mail.
For example, a
whole new part of the city is envisioned southeast of downtown --
future neighbourhoods with names like the Port Lands, West Don Lands
and East Bayfront. Urban planners know a lot about designing streets
and neighbourhoods, but nothing replaces the expertise of people who
ride buses and streetcars every day.
You don’t have
to have any agenda, just offer your experience and opinion. For
these new lakeside developments, look under “Public Consultation” at
www.towaterfront.ca. The
first of two open workshops will be held Wednesday April 5 at 6:30
p.m at St. Lawrence Great Hall, 157 King St. East.
Another
potentially crucial transit project is along Don Mills Road, linking
some very populated neighbourhoods with the Bloor-Danforth subway
line. It can be important for average TTC and GO riders to speak up
about what they need. To give your opinion on this and other current
studies, look for “Get Involved with Transit” at
www.ttc.ca -- or call the City of
Toronto at 416-338-0338.
The TTC’s
website now also features more information on monthly board
meetings, where you can speak directly to transit officials. Click
on “TTC Commissioners” at www.ttc.ca.
GO Transit’s
website www.gotransit.com has
a page called “GO Grows”, but it has no links to new projects. A
major environmental study is being launched into the transportation
link between downtown Toronto and Pearson airport. The site
www.georgetownpearsonstudy.ca is supposed to be ready soon, and
will hopefully help GTA residents have their say on this crucial
project.
If you’re
interested, I will be discussing a possible transportation forum
with the Rocket Riders Transit User Group at their meeting tonight,
Tuesday, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 314 at Metro Hall, 55 John St. near
St. Andrew station.
If you want to
help protect historic buildings, then check out the Union Station
Trainshed public forum at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 8 in the Great
Hall of Union Station. There is also a working group now looking at
ways of promoting bicycling in conjunction with transit. If you can
offer some time, contact 416-392-2577.