About.Transportation Options is about connecting residents in northeastern Ontario by exploring and developing sustainable and community based transportation options.
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Our ProjectResidents in northern communities have limited transportation options within and between communities. Most communities in northeastern Ontario do not have public transit and transportation options between communities are very limited. Communities in the “interior”, i.e. not on the Highway 11 or Highway 17 corridors which circle the region of northeastern Ontario, are largely without inter-urban bus transportation and the region is no longer served by passenger rail.
This lack of transportation services renders residents wholly dependent on the private vehicle, which for many is unsustainable due to health, age or finances. Those without a personal vehicle lose access to social and medical services and to recreational and cultural events and are at risk of losing social connections and access to essential supports. With diminishing populations it is unlikely that small and medium sized communities are going to establish a municipally supported transit system, but there are examples within and beyond the region of alternative transportation options, such as ride share, car share, or various on-demand systems. They have the potential to provide viable solutions to this phenomenon of social isolation and to be affordable and environment-friendly options which build social connection including in the course of meeting pressing transportation needs. |
Our GeographyThe context of the project is northeastern Ontario, and the expectation is that project findings will be generally applicable across the region. Project delivery will focus on Nipissing and Temiskaming Districts, beginning with a mix of small, medium and (relatively) larger communities, and then prioritizing to two communities in latter project stages. The project will include First Nation communities.
Most communities in northeastern Ontario do not have public transit. In addition, while residents in smaller communities must travel to medium larger communities to access services and support (medical, educational, government, basic needs), transportation services between communities is extremely limited. Communities in the “interior”, i.e not on the Highway 11 or Highway 17 corridors which circle the region, are largely without inter-urban bus transportation. Rail service has been discontinued. Viable transportation alternatives are urgently needed in order to increase northern residents’ mobility and access to services and amenities, thus breaking social isolation and building connections. Emphasis will be placed on community based options which not only provide transportation services but build community while doing so. |
Phase One : Researching small-scale and community-based transit models deployed elsewhere
Phase Two: Community based basic needs assessment and exploration of transportation options
Phase Three : Incorporating community feedback to identify a shorter list of transportation options for additional research to respond to community questions.
Phase Four: Preferred options work-shopped with shortlisted communities where the need and interest was assessed to be highest
Phase Five: Reporting projec findings and consider possible second stage of the project
Phase Two: Community based basic needs assessment and exploration of transportation options
Phase Three : Incorporating community feedback to identify a shorter list of transportation options for additional research to respond to community questions.
Phase Four: Preferred options work-shopped with shortlisted communities where the need and interest was assessed to be highest
Phase Five: Reporting projec findings and consider possible second stage of the project
Let's move on it! |
Transportation Options is a one year project of Northwwatch, supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.