City Council meeting of April 28 and 29, 2008
Banning handguns in Canada
City Council approved a motion asking the federal government to ban handguns in Canada, including the sale, purchase and possession of any handgun. Police officers and military personnel would be excluded from the ban. Council also voted to ask the Government of Canada to institute a mandatory five-year minimum sentence for any person found guilty of handgun possession and those persons involved in the sale or purchase of such firearms. A national handgun ban is just one of a number of initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of Toronto neighbourhoods and communities. Other initiatives include advocating for stronger border security to stop illegal guns from being smuggled into Canada from the U.S., pushing for tougher laws to address the illegal use of guns, and building on the success of the Toronto Police Service's Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (TAVIS). This approach is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Toronto Gun Violence Strategy, which is part of the Mayor's Community Safety Plan. Passed unanimously by City Council in March 2004, the Mayor's Community Safety Plan balances law enforcement with crime prevention, builds on strengths in neighbourhoods, and builds partnerships to increase employment, training and recreational opportunities for youth in Toronto's priority neighbourhoods. Staff will report back in June 2008 on further options and measures the City can implement to address gun violence.
Increased penalties for running a red light
Council recommended a package of stiffer penalties for red-light running offences. The proposed new fines and penalties will be sent to the Government of Ontario for consideration and implementation. As part of the package, the City is requesting the Province to consider raising the fine from $180 to $500, and increasing the demerit points from three to five for red-light running offences. Council is also calling for the immediate suspension of the driver's licence of any driver convicted of multiple red-light running offences or who causes an injury as a result of running a red light. Red-light cameras have resulted in significant reductions in the number of collisions at red-light camera locations. In May 2006, City Council approved an expansion of the program from the initial 10 cameras in 37 locations to a total of 98 cameras in 169 locations by the end of 2009. The City has operated red-light cameras since November 2000.
Support for International Car Free Day
City Council expressed its support for International Car Free Day, an annual event celebrated by 100 million people in 1,500 cities around the world that is supported by the European Union, the United Nations and the federal government. Car Free Day began in Canada on September 22, 2001 when Toronto became the first North American city to officially host a Car Free Day event. Car Free Day street events and forums highlight the many problems caused by the dependence on automobiles, including air pollution, global warming, stress and safety issues. This international event emphasizes the rights of pedestrians and cyclists, the need for more and better public transit, and helps people rediscover their local community outside the confines of their vehicles. In November 2007, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health released a study estimating that vehicle-borne pollution contributes to about 440 premature deaths in Toronto and costs the city's economy $2.2 billion each year.
New underground PATH pedestrian tunnel
Council endorsed the expansion of the existing underground PATH system to include a new underground York St. pedestrian connection between Union Station and Wellington St. W. The $65-million project is based on the need to plan and prepare for the significant increase in pedestrian demands within Union Station over the next 15 to 20 years. The additional pedestrian facilities are required to relieve congestion and support future downtown growth and pedestrian activities generated in part by GO Transit's ongoing service expansion. Council also directed staff to pursue a tri-partite partnership with the other levels of government and private sector stakeholders to fund the construction and maintenance of the new PATH pedestrian connection. GO Transit staff have indicated they would support a recommendation to fund one-third of the cost, as a provincial contribution. The new underground pedestrian tunnel promotes public transit and other more sustainable modes of transportation, as well as the revitalization of Union Station.
Motorcycles and scooters permitted in HOV Lanes
Council agreed to allow motorcycles and scooters to use the City's High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes. This change will take effect once the existing HOV signs are altered to include a motorcycle/scooter pictogram, which is expected to be completed over the next couple of months. Since HOV Lanes are situated next to the curb, safety for these motorists is expected to be improved.
Previous Council Highlights
For inquiries about the official documentation of Council decisions, contact the City Clerk by e-mail, clerk@toronto.ca
Council Highlights, produced for your convenience, is a summary of Council's recent decisions. Council Highlights is not intended to serve as an official record of the meeting. If you have questions about this summary, please e-mail Strategic Communications at stratcom@toronto.ca.
