Economic Advantages of Pedestrianisation

The Economic Development Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendations of the Toronto Pedestrian Committee contained in its submission (undated), titled "Pedestrianisation as a Tool of Economic Development in Toronto", subject to amending Recommendation (2) to read:

"(2)that the Economic Development Committee immediately establish a small working group with the Toronto Pedestrian Committee to accomplish this with the help of appropriate staff, and that Councillor Pitfield be appointed to the working group;".

The Economic Development Committee submits the following excerpt of the submission (undated), titled "Pedestrianisation as a Tool of Economic Development in Toronto", submitted by Ms. Joan Doiron, Co-Chair, Toronto Pedestrian Committee:

Recommendations:

(1)That Economic Development Committee work with the Toronto Pedestrian Committee, local BIAs, and other business groups to ensure the safety and enjoyment of pedestrians by developing retail- and pedestrian-friendly streets throughout the City of Toronto;

(2)that Economic Development Committee immediately establish a small working group with the Toronto Pedestrian Group to accomplish this with the help of appropriate staff; and

(3)(a)that Economic Development Committee request its staff, in conjunction with Toronto Pedestrian Committee staff, to prepare a report on the importance of pedestrianisation to the economic development of Toronto before March 1999. This report should draw upon the Moving the Economy Conference (its Action Plan and International Inventory of Success Stories) and the work of the Green Tourism Association; and

(b)that this report form the basis of a vigorous City Council policy on pedestrianisation as a tool for Toronto's economic growth so that Councillors may help Toronto become a world leader in this field.

"Let's Put Toronto Business on its Feet!"

Background:

In September 1998, Joan Doiron, Co-Chair of the Toronto Pedestrian Committee was asked by Councillor Silva of the Toronto Economic Development Committee (TEDC) to report to TEDC on the economic advantages of pedestrianisation and present her findings during a 30-minute presentation scheduled for November 16. Co-Chairs of the Toronto Pedestrian Committee Joan Doiron and Rhona Swarbrick, Dr. Lucie Maillette (Coordinator of the Skills Development Programme for Sustainable Transportation), John Banka (transportation consultant and small business expert), and Jody Rosenblatt Naderi (City of Toronto expert on pedestrians and business) worked together to prepare the presentation.

Introduction:

The Pedestrian Committee works primarily to improve the safety of pedestrians and their access to public facilities in Toronto.

By contrast, the first term of reference of the Toronto Economic Development Committee is to recommend policies and plans for the promotion of economic growth of the city. The Economic Development Committee also works with local Business Improvement Associations.

At first, the two Committees seem to have little in common. However, I am here to tell you otherwise. I want you to realize that pedestrians are the lifeblood of urban areas, especially in the downtown and other retail areas. Ignoring the needs of pedestrians is also ignoring potential economic growth.

This is a short video made by CNN which will set the tone for my presentation. It describes what happened in the Belgian town of Hasselt when its Mayor decided to promote pedestrianisation.

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The Economic Development Committee reports, for the information of Council, also having had before it during consideration of the foregoing matter the following material:

-submission (undated), titled "Pedestrianisation as a Tool of Economic Development for Toronto", filed by Ms. Joan Doiron, Co-Chair, Toronto Pedestrian Committee;

-communication (October 18, 1998) from Ms. Joan Doiron, Co-Chair, Toronto Pedestrian Committee requesting an opportunity to appear before the Economic Development Committee in order to provide information with respect to the economic advantages to lively pedestrian environments; and

-Terms of Reference for the Toronto Pedestrian Committee, filed by Ms. Joan Doiron, Co-Chair, Toronto Pedestrian Committee

The following persons appeared before the Economic Development Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:

- Ms. Joan Doiron, Co-Chair, Toronto Pedestrian Committee;

- Ms. Rhona Swarbrick, Co-Chair, Toronto Pedestrian Committee; and

- Dr. Lucie Maillette, Skills Exchange.