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Those looking to grab life by the handlebars and cycle through the Region have the chance to comment on the Region’s cycling plan.
While open houses were held from June 25 to 28 to gather comments, the public still has until September 30 to provide further comment.
According to the Region, a key component of the review of the Regional Cycling Plan is consultation with stakeholders.
Those looking for more information on the plan can visit www.durham.ca/RCPReview to learn more.
According to a Region staff report, in October 2008 the former Regional council approved the cycling plan, which “identifies key Regional road spines where cycling paths should be implemented, builds on and integrates with area municipal cycling initiatives, to provide a Region-wide network serving both urban and rural areas.”
In November 2011, the Region began reviewing the Regional Cycling Plan after a number of requests were made by area municipalities to revise the network. From these requests, a detailed review took place, which focused on two main components: the development of a region-wide cycling network and an implementation strategy, including an examination of network phasing, costs, funding strategies and principles for reducing the Region’s exposure to risks and liabilities. This proposed Cycling Network and framework was presented to council in June 2012 and gave figures highlighting the cost.
“It is estimated that the Region’s cost to implement the Regional Cycling Plan over the next 20 years is $48.8 million,” the report continues. “With $7.2 million in development charge revenue estimated, the net property tax cost to the Region could be $41.6 million. This could equate into an average annual property tax requirement of $2.1 million or an instant 0.4 (per cent) property tax increase.”
Public comments can be submitted to: Jeff Brooks, principal planner, Planning and Economic Development Department at 905-668-7711 or 1-800-372-1102, by fax at 905-666-6208, or by email to jeff.brooks@durham.ca
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