Magazine_Artwork_2021

A SEMI-ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO TRAFFIC COUNCIL MAGAZINE WINTER 2020/21 EDITION RETHINKING ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BEYOND COVID-19 MAKING WAY FOR E-SCOOTERS TORONTO'S TIZ MAKING SPACE FOR INNOVATION CREATING A ROADMAP FOR AUTOMATED VEHICLES CLEARING A PATH FOR VISION ZERO

Ontario Traffic Magazine is published for The Ontario Traffic Council 3100 Garden Street, PO Box 80030 RPO Rossland Garden, Whitby ON L1R 0H1 Ph: 647-346-4050 traffi[email protected] I www.otc.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Adam Bell PRESIDENT TMIG (The Municipal Infrastructure Group Ltd.), a T. Y. Lin Company Heide Schlegl VICE PRESIDENT Town of Milton Nelson Cadete TREASURER City of Brampton SECRETARY Vacant Manoj Dilwaria DIRECTOR City of Thorold Peter Sejrup DIRECTOR Peterborough Police Services John Crass DIRECTOR Jeffrey Smart DIRECTOR Tacel Ltd. OTC STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Geoff Wilkinson MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS COORDINATOR | Aswathy Prathap All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the association. 02 Ontario Traffic Magazine

Contents President’s Message 04 06 10 Rethinking Active 06 12 Transportation 14 16 Beyond COVID-19 03A Semi-Annual Publication of the Ontario Traffic Council Call For Volunteers 9 OTC Needs You! Making Way for 10 E-Scooters 12 14 Tech-enabled Mobility Toronto's TIZ Making Space For Innovation Creating a Roadmap for Automated Vehicles Clearing a Path for 16 Vision Zero 18 Road Safety Plan OTC Transportation Planning Awards Professional of The Year Award Project of The Year Award 2021 OTC Virtual 20 Events Calendar

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Adam Bell OTC President President’s Message Welcome to our first edition of OTC The OTC transitioned well into Magazine for 2021 and my first edition the virtual realm last year. as OTC President. We quickly converted our OTM Book 7 I am sure I am not the only one to be training course to a Zoom format with live happy 2020 is behind us. instructors. Within two months we transformed our conference to a virtual This past year will undoubtedly go down in platform that accommodated presentations, history as one of the most challenging of our networking, and exhibitors. Virtual networking and exhibit halls have their challenges and lifetime. I would like to thank our limitations; however, we have listened to membership, board, committees, staff and members and stakeholders and I am looking especially our Executive Director, Geoff forward to the exciting changes to these two Wilkinson, for not only keeping us a oat, areas at the conference this June. but maintaining a positive upward momentum for this great organization over the last year. I have personally come to know many of you Regarding more current business, we recently over the years and am looking forward to provided feedback to the MTO on e-bikes and meeting our new members. If we have met, we hope to hear soon about the nal regula- you will know that I am passionate about the tions de ning them. This will allow municipali- ongoing evolution of transportation in Ontario. ties to adapt by-laws to the needs of their com- We are sitting at a pivotal time in history with munity which will undoubtedly include public respect to transportation and I believe we will health. We have also provided input on a continue to see technologies emerge that proposed Safety Bill which covers, amongst would have been unimaginable 20 years ago. other things, an increase to speed nes, chang- Our mandate at OTC is to be a relevant and es to stunt driving consequences, de nitions of trusted advisor to our municipalities and the e-bikes, changes to e-collision reporting, and province and to be a leader in identifying, advancing the Administrative Monetary Penalty developing, and in uencing the development System (AMPS) for red-light camera and auto- of our transportation system. mated speed enforcement. We are also well on our way in the development of the OTC Multi Modal Level of Service Guide (MMLOS) with the assistance of Dillon Consulting. Our MMLOS Steering Committee is meeting every six weeks and we are looking forward to an update presentation at our June conference. Speaking of which, please mark your calendars for the OTC virtual conference the mornings 04 Ontario Traffic Magazine

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE of June 16–18. We have invited the Minister of Transportation and will have a presentation by the MTO on OTM Book updates and other initiatives. We will also, once again, be showcasing the Transportation Planning Project of the Year nominations through micro presentations. Our Con- ference Working Group has been busy evaluating member submissions for presentations as well as keynotes and sessions that focus on sharing best practices or providing relevant multimodal transportation information and discussion. This year’s conference theme is “Multi Modal Trans- portation Refocused”. We have invited members to submit a virtual technical tour presentation and I am looking forward to hearing where we will be “travelling” to experience an on-line munici- pal project tour. It is interesting to note that in the OTC’s 2019 Strategic Plan we identified on-line training and education as one of our priorities. Virtual events have some advantages in reducing travel costs and time away from the of ce (and home) and expanding our presenter reach across Ontario, Canada, North America and beyond. In addition to the conference the OTC has several exciting virtual symposiums and workshops. This year we have added three new sympo- siums: Autonomous Vehicles and Connected Cities; Active Transportation; and Vision Zero. Check out all our events on our website at otc.org/events. I am excited with all the special projects the OTC is engaged in. Although most of the work required for the development of an automated speed enforcement program was completed and rolled out at the end of 2019, there is still work we can do to help municipalities evaluate ASE and potentially look at alternatives to the traditional processing model for automated offences. Auto- mated school bus cameras are using technology to better enforce legislation around school bus safety. The OTC is currently involved in a pilot project with the Sudbury School Services Consor- tium (with the support of Aviva Canada) in which we are evaluating the technology and processes required for successfully prosecuting motorists that illegally pass school buses. This pilot will help us better understand the number of incidences and better equip municipalities to process offenses through an automated system. I am pleased the OTC created a Vision Zero Working Group to share information and best prac- tices and to create an Ontario Vision Zero Guideline. An application was submitted to Transport Canada under a funding grant to nancially assist the development of this Guide. As of writing this article, we are awaiting a response as to the status of the application. Thank you to the municipalities that have contributed to this project and will make up the Vision Zero Guideline Steering Committee. There is still more work the OTC can do with Vision Zero and we are work- ing on plans to bring together key stakeholders to create a Vision Zero Alliance. Stay tuned for more information. I am looking forward to working with you all in this new year to advance our industry toward the future. Again, I would like to thank our membership, board, committees, and staff for working so hard to get us through 2020 and embracing our virtual events. This truly has kept our organiza- tion a oat. Let’s keep our sights on the road ahead and continue to work together to improve moving people efficiently and safely in this province. 05A Semi-Annual Publication of the Ontario Traffic Council

RETHINKING ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BEYOND COVID-19 Re active transportation BEYOND COVID-19 The COVID-19 THE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGE pandemic Throughout 2020, many communities observed an upward trend in walking, cycling led to drastic changes in and being active outdoors1. Transportation professionals reacted by implementing our mobility patterns and measures such as automated pedestrian signals, pop up bike lanes and quiet streets. The Shifting Streets database2 identified over 1,300 active transportation challenged many measures implemented across 524 jurisdictions. assumptions about transportation planning. But despite these increases in walking and cycling, people’s preference for driving is significant. In this article, we look at what we can In fact, research from MIT3 has shown that the pandemic has actually increased learn from the events of people’s dependency on private vehicles and the flexibility, reliability and sense of control they provide. Researchers at the University of Toronto are also warning4 of 2020, and how we can shifts underway that could worsen congestion into the future. Data shows that adapt moving forward to people who have started walking and cycling have mostly done so for recreation and will be quick to abandon the new habits post-pandemic if cities do not do more to better support people’s support those modes. daily travel needs. Regardless, In the midst of this health, social and economic crisis, it feels like active transportation is having a moment. How do we continue increasing this demand beyond recreational trips and create the reliable, safe and convenient active transpor- tation networks people need to get around? To answer this, we reviewed recent research and spoke with practitioners across Ontario to put together a few thoughts. 06 Ontario Traffic Magazine

RETHINKING ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BEYOND COVID-19 MAKING CONNECTIONS WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES WITH OTHER SECTORS Perhaps one of the most important lessons from 2020 is Active transportation does not exist in a vacuum, yet we a lesson we keep failing to learn: the need to engage and often work as if it does. Our Cycling Master Plan is usual- work with communities. ly separate from the Trails Master Plan, which is separate from the Climate Change Plan, the Housing Plan, and so Without inclusive engagement, we risk increasing harm on. People do not experience municipalities in isolation, and exacerbating distrust, especially among communi- and planning should not be in isolation either. ties made vulnerable. This has been especially true of essential non-healthcare workers, low income com- In 2020, many communities felt renewed pressure to munities, and of Black and Brown people. As highlight- consider how these networks helped people access ed by Dr. Destiny Thomas in an article for Bloomberg5, destinations like essential workplaces and services, this pattern continued in 2020 with rapid build projects schools, outdoor dining, and parks. The lack of that did not leave space for the deep community connection between these areas was laid bare and engagement needed to truly understand what commu- must be addressed. nities needed. We have certainly seen the importance not just And as we approach these public engagements, we of having a walking and cycling network in place, should also let go of the idea that our active transporta- but in making the right connections between tion projects will inherently be what communities want different networks like roads and parks, says and need. Garfield Dales with the City of London. The pandem- ic has raised the level of awareness and expec- Leading with a transportation solu- tations from the community that we take a more tion is not an effective approach, says integrated approach. Becky Katz, Manager of Cycling and Pedes- trian Projects at the City of Toronto. RE-PRIORITIZING PEOPLE OVER CARS Bikeways won’t be the answer to every problem, and accelerating infra- The extent to which our communities are planned structure can leave a lot of people out around the rush hour vehicle commute became painfully of the process. We need to acknowl- clear early in the pandemic, when much of that rush hour edge the inequalities the transporta- commuting disappeared. tion sector has perpetuated and address those harms with a different When it comes to planning for motor approach, which shifts budgets and vehicles, we project demand decades power. out and plan for that, says Dr. Tabitha Combs, a research associate and lecturer Ongoing meaningful engagement is especially crucial as with the University of North Carolina Chapel we start to implement projects faster. Hill and one of the leads in compiling the Shifting Streets database. With active As Toronto has done with their ActiveTO project6, we can transportation, we wait for the demand collect both qualitative and quantitative data on projects to be there and then scramble to catch to truly understand if and how projects are meeting the up. One of the big things that has been needs of residents, and who is being excluded. made really obvious over the past year is how much this approach leads us to And just like we have seen some creative implementa- underestimate the demand for walking tions in 2020, we can think creatively about how we and cycling facilities. engage and showcase projects. 07A Semi-Annual Publication of the Ontario Traffic Council

RETHINKING ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BEYOND COVID-19 Active transportation projects pres- MOVING FORWARD ent a unique opportunity to engage with people using real world examples, Continuing this growth in active transportation requires not just conceptual ideas and draw- support and investment in creating reliable, safe and conve- ings, says Ian Semple, Director of Trans- nient networks for people to get around. This means collabo- portation Services for the City of Kingston. rating across sectors, and re-prioritizing the movement of people over cars. When it's safe to do so, we can put examples in place that allow people to Further, the transportation sector must improve their experience the look and feel of poten- engagement methods to address the disparities in whose tial walking and cycling configurations. voices and needs are prioritized. It is a big, but necessary We can't really do this with new or task and one that will ultimately help build more inclusive, expanded roads for vehicles, but with healthy and sustainable communities for all. active transportation it can be easier to try things out and get really meaningful feedback. By Armi De Francia (left) and Jamie Stuckless (right) 1 https://www.eco-compteur.com/en/cycling-data-tracker/ 2 https://www.pedbikeinfo.org/resources/resources_details.cfm?id=5235 3 https://usa.streetsblog.org/2020/12/03/the-real-reason-why-drivers-are-convinced-they-cant-do-without-cars/ 4 https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/02/01/toron tos-road-back-from-covid-19-could-reshape-how-we-move-and-not-necessarily-for-the-better.html 5 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-08/-safe-streets-are-not-safe-for-black-lives 6 https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-protect-your self-others/covid-19-reduce-virus-spread/covid-19-activeto/ 08 Ontario Traffic Magazine

WE ARE OTC NEEDS YOU! LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALS TO OTC AUDIT COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER IN Last year the OTC Board of Directors created an Audit THE FOLLOWING Committee to review nancial statements, budget, and COMMITTEES recommend nancial policies for the association. We are looking for individuals to volunteer on this commit- AND/OR tee who have an accounting degree and some nancial WORKING experience, ideally working within an industry supplier GROUPS. member or municipality. Prior not-for-pro t volunteer experience in a similar role would be ideal. OTC BI-ANNUAL OT MAGAZINE EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP The online OT Magazine is a semi-annual publication, available to all OTC Members. The OT Editorial Advisory Group’s role is to identify new trending topics and authors, assist with occasional editorial writing, as well as review and provide suggestions on articles and ad copies prior to being published. OTC ANNUAL CONFERENCE WORKING GROUP Current members include City of Brampton, City of Missis- sauga, City of Oshawa, Electromega Ltd., Peterborough Police Services, R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited, Town of Ajax, Town of Oakville & WSP. The working group assists the OTC with conference plan- ning, promoting the annual conference to peers within the industry, review of abstract submissions, nomination of Keynote presenters, structuring the daily conference time- table, technical tours and networking activities, onsite in-person/virtual support, and other pre-event planning related tasks as necessary. Please forward an email with a letter of interest and summary of your resume to traffi[email protected].

Making Way FOR Supporting safe and accessible public mobility is a challenge for any \"Ontario's five-year municipality. Solutions vary from one jurisdiction to the next, yet one strat- e-scooter pilot will give egy that's gaining momentum in Ontario is the official adoption of electric people a new, clean, and kick-style scooters (aka “e-scooters). green way to get from point A to point B in their In January 2020, the province kicked off a five-year e-scooter program communities,\" said Vijay that enables municipalities to explore ways in which people can use e-Scooters on their roads, whether they are personally owned or rented Thanigasalam, Parliamentary via a “ride-sharing” system. Assistant to Caroline Mulroney, Similar to carshare and bike share initiatives, e-Scooter rental programs allow individuals to \"unlock\" an e-scooter at a pick-up location, use them Minister of Transportation. \"This along approved routes, and drop them off for others to use. Factors pilot is another way that such as rental rates, pick-up/drop-off locations, penalties, and e-scooter our government is giving tracking methodologies are determined by each municipality. Still, the consumers more choice overall intent is to provide a convenient and accessible alternative for public transportation. and making Ontario open for business.\" TESTING THE WATERS ing feedback from all stakehold- providers and stakeholders to ers, and to bring a report on year promptly address issues as they E-Scooter pilot programs are on a one of the pilot to Transportation arise is critical.” roll throughout Ontario. Ottawa, for Committee in early 2021.” example, concluded an almost Elsewhere, the Region of Waterloo four-month e-scooter pilot in Octo- Initial feedback from program users recently collaborated with munici- ber 2020 to gauge public interest and local businesses has been pal partners from the cities of and evaluate safe and courteous positive. Chi says it helps to Cambridge, Kitchener, and riding and parking. In collaboration research lessons from other cities Waterloo to conduct a micromo- with Bird Canada, the pilot recorded that have launched similar e-scooter bility study funded through the 72,720 unique riders and 238,094 programs. Then, the key is to begin Federation of Canadian Municipal- trips on the fleet of 600 shared small, build the program as public ities' Municipalities for Climate e-scooters. demand grows, and include stake- Innovation Program. Completed holder feedback at every stage. in Spring 2020, the study provid- “The City’s E-Scooter Pilot took ed the region with a summary of place as a form of mobility to support “Public outreach is important so industry best practices and physical distancing and reduce car that messages around safe riding recommended actions to trips on our streets and crowding on and proper parking of e-scooters permit and implement transit,” reports Vivi Chi, Director of can be disseminated to help ease shared micromobility Transportation Planning for the City. the introduction of this new mobility systems in the “The next steps for the project are to the public,” she notes, adding, for staff to review the pilot includ- “Working closely with the service Waterloo Region. 10 Ontario Traffic Magazine

MAKING WAY FOR E-SCOOTERS According to Kevan Marshall, “There is no one-size-fits-all type team at Transit. \"For municipali- Principal Planner with the of micro-mobility or e-scooter,\" ties, what this means is that the region’s Transportation Demand adds Christian De Stoop, Head of public has an app that highlights Management, and Transit Business Development with sustainable modes over auto-based Integration team, the region's Geebee, the Canadian maker of options and provides access to all next step is to consult with the the GEEBEE electric scooter. the operators and services available. public on where e-scooters are \"Where you live, how you intend When it comes to sustainable mobili- allowed to operate in the to use the e-scooter, and how ty, we believe that the whole is great- region, as well as explore often you plan to use it will orient er than the sum of its parts.\" requirements for e-scooter your choice.\" rental companies. The key, Monroe adds, is partner- “Some e-scooters are kid's toys, ing with municipalities to make “The project team’s Preliminary but others are sturdy vehicles sure that real-time data feeds for Preferred Option is to permit suitable for commuting, utility, and public e-scooter programs are e-scooters on trails and recreation,\" he adds. publicly available to ensure they multi-use paths, all roads with are being used as intended and reserved bike lanes, and any e-Scooter rental programs also following best micromobility prac- road 50 km/h or less,” he require tech-savvy approach. tices as outlined in the North explains. “Staff intend to follow Beyond coordinating and track- American Bikeshare Association's MTO best practice guidance ing usage across large volumes General Bikeshare Feed Specifi- and will not consider permitting of users, municipalities must cation (GBFS). sidewalk riding under any plan for the fact that not all users scenario. Waterloo Region Police will use them properly or return “We’ve been so happy to see Services staff reported that they them at designated areas. It can more and more Canadian munici- would be primarily responsible for also be a challenge to inform the palities adopt strong public GBFS enforcing e-scooter restric- public as to where e-scooters are requirements in their e-scooter tions/permissions regardless of available for use and how they programs,” Monroe adds. the option selected.” integrate them into everyday commutes. PICKING UP SPEED Currently, Region of Waterloo is still determining when e-scoot- Technology can help manage The push for e-scooters is build- er bylaws will come into effect these issues. When it comes to ing. Thanks to pilot projects like and if/or a micromobility permit promoting e-scooter usage, for these, Ontario municipalities are application process will launch. example, the Transit mobile app is gaining the data, insights, and one technology being used in experience to move forward with TECH-ENABLED places like Ottawa, Edmonton, new rules that will promote this MOBILITY and Calgary to help users plan form of micro-mobility. multi-modal trips using public When it comes to keeping transit and complementary “We are happy to see municipali- pedestrians on the move, not modes like carshares, bikeshares, ties across the world make just any e-scooter will do. Part and scooters. e-scooter use legal, both shared of making way for e-scooters mobility as well owned mobility, is understanding that any “We don't operate any transporta- and look forward to more Ontario devices provided by munici- tion services ourselves; rather, municipalities passing legislation palities for public use will we're the app that connects all that make these new types of need to be durable and the options for getting around mobility legal,” adds De Stoop. efficient enough to handle the without your own car,\" explains demands of public use. Katie Monroe, on the Partnerships Author: Matthew Bradford Interested in more information on e-scooter pilots? Register for OTC’s virtual Active Transportation Symposium March 22-23 (mornings) at otc.org/events. 11A Semi-Annual Publication of the Ontario Traffic Council

TORONTO'S TIZ: MAKING SPACE FOR INNOVATION Toronto's TIZ: FIRST TRANSPORTATION INNOVATION ZONE ARRIVING IN 2021 Making Space for Innovation TORONTO IS MAKING ROOM FOR TRAFFIC AND ROAD INNOVATIONS. IN SUMMER 2020, THE TORONTO CITY COUNCIL PROVIDED A GREEN LIGHT FOR THE CREATION OF THE CITY'S FIRST TRANSPORTATION INNOVATION ZONE (TIZ) AT EXHIBITION PLACE. The model for Toronto's TIZ (aka \"testbeds\" or \"living labs\") takes its cues from experi- mental transportation hubs across the globe. They are meant as a dedicated space to test transportation technologies and approaches that could enhance the movement of people and goods, enhance transportation operations, and improve road infrastructure. Toron- to's TIZ, for example, may be used to test \"smart\" vehicle technologies, electric vehicle chargers, sensors and monitoring devices, vehicle connectivity technology, pavement materials, paints, and other innovations.

TORONTO'S TIZ: MAKING SPACE FOR INNOVATION Transportation innovation zones TORONTO'S INNOVATION ZONE are exciting because they put Toron- to in step with other leading global is an element of Toronto's Automated Vehicles cities that are developing similar Tactical Plan. The City selected Exhibition Place as approaches, says Lindsay Wiginton, its TIZ pilot location because of its “dynamic urban TIZ Project Lead, City of Toronto. New environment.\" The site features a broad range of and emerging transportation technol- public infrastructure, including roads, local and ogies are being developed quickly, regional transit, sidewalks, cycling lanes, intersections, both globally and right here in Toron- parking areas, indoor facilities, electric vehicle chargers, to. Local innovators need access to and more. controlled, real-world testing environ- ments like TIZs, and organizations that participate in trials and challeng- es will also benefit from feedback from city staff and visibility to the public and potential investors. “This landmark destination combines urban park- try needs,\" says Wiginton. “Transportation Innova- land with business events, sports and entertain- tion Zones will help the City to learn about, plan for, ment in Toronto’s western downtown has been a and help showcase emerging technology that hallmark of innovation for over a century,” Toronto's could impact mobility in Toronto and cities around TIZ website states. the world in the future.\" City stakeholders hope to invite more third parties With careful design and monitoring, to test-drive other transportation innovations. the City believes its TIZ program can Moreover, stakeholders aim to use their TIZ testing support research and development, results to introduce smarter, cleaner, and more efficient solutions to the region's transportation foster local economic activity, and network. help develop industry talent. “Urban transportation is going through a transfor- The initiative also stands to move mation due in part to the availability of technolo- the City closer to its mobility-related gy, global events, such as climate change and the coronavirus, growing populations, and indus- goals, such as Vision Zero, accessibility, and TransformTO. Author: Matthew Bradford 13A Semi-Annual Publication of the Ontario Traffic Council

CREATING A ROADMAP FOR AUTOMATED VEHICLES Creating World: a Roadmap for INNOVATIONS EN ROUTE AVUETHOIMCALTEESD Author: Matthew Bradford In some respects, driving automa- tion technology is still in its infancy. The future looks “smart” for Canada's roads. But while the rise of According to The Society of Auto- connected and automated vehicles (CV/AVs) holds great potential, motive Engineers International's there is a need for provinces and municipalities to take a close look at universal classification system, how advancements in transportation will shape their road ahead. mainstream AV technology is classified at Level 1, which includes Connected and automated vehicle (CV/AV) technology is advanced driver assistance tech- expected to be a $60-billion industry globally by 2030, and while it nologies (e.g., blind-spot monitor- is hard to predict how fast the technology will be adopted, ing, forward collision warning, land research suggests that half of the vehicles on Ontario roads will be assist, etc.). By 2022, it's expected automated by 2050, notes Joanna Hazelden, Manager of Emerging that more advanced features (e.g., Technologies Office, Transportation Policy Branch, for the Ontario partial automation and conditional Ministry of Transportation. CV/AVs will reshape how people get automation) will become more around, expand mobility options for Ontarians, and transform common. Meanwhile, AVs featur- how the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) operates. ing high or full automation–Level 4 and 5, respectively–are still years Much has been said about how CV/AVs stand to re-imagine our roads. away. And indeed, smart mobility and technology solutions have a great potential to ease traffic congestion, improve road safety, promote clean- Ontario is primed to play a lead role er alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., electric, hybrid, etc.), and enhance in adopting CV/AV technology. The access to affordable and reliable transportation. Moreover, the data province is host to the second-larg- networks created by connected vehicles are poised to revolutionize est infrastructure and Communica- how traffic stakeholders collect, manage, and share data for the tions Technology (ICT) and automo- purposes of enhancing overall public mobility. tive hubs in North America. Addi- tionally, it is home to over 250 com- When AVs have the best data of traffic infrastructure from both a panies developing CV/AV solutions digital and physical standpoint, they will be able to 'make decisions' and 35 educational institutions about their own path through traffic and signal systems, while also conducting auto-related initiatives taking into consideration non-AV movements (construction obsta- and training. cles, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.), notes Laurie Matkowski, Director of Connected and Automated Vehicle Services at Gannett Fleming. The future looks friendly for CV/AVs. Nonetheless, their successful adop- tion requires an awareness of how these technologies are progressing, where they're headed, and what needs to happen to make them a reality. 14 Ontario Traffic Magazine

CREATING A ROADMAP FOR AUTOMATED VEHICLES “With support from the Ontario well as driverless vehicles on Ontar- car manufacturer and vendor point government, the province continues io's roads, under strict conditions of view, as well as from a public to be a global leader in the commer- that will ensure tests are conducted perception and public agency policy cialization of technologies and in safe and controlled environments.” perspective,\" says Matkowski. \"The advanced solutions,” notes Mona vehicles are ready, and they have Eghanian, Senior Manager, Automo- Ontario also continues to support what is needed to traverse Ontario tive and Mobility Innovation at the small and medium-sized enterprises roads, but the public perception and Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). (SMEs) to develop, test, and com- policies to make adoption seamless “Ontario has leveraged the strengths mercialize new automotive and on any Ontario road is a challenge.\" of its automotive and technology transportation technologies through sectors, its world-class post-second- Ontario's Autonomous Vehicle “When the public and policymakers ary and research institutions, and top Innovation Network (AVIN). Further- are educated and working toward talent to create the ideal conditions more, the MTO has launched initia- common goals such as safety, where our companies are working tives like Connecting the Southwest adoption can happen as fast as they with global leaders to develop and and its Connecting the North strate- are willing,\" she adds. scale world-leading mobility solutions.” gy, the latter of which explores the use of CV/AVs to connect rural, The future of automated vehicles is Ontario has done much to lay a path remote areas and supports the not as far away as you may think. for CV/AV technology. In January development and testing of CV/AV Automated shuttles, and delivery 2016, the province became the first technology that is specifically vehicles are just some examples of Canadian jurisdiction to establish a designed to brave Canada's harsh pilot programs running today in pilot framework for the on-road winters. It is also collaborating with municipalities across Ontario. You testing of automated vehicles in partners like the Ontario Traffic can purchase the recorded program Ontario. During this test-run, the Council (OTC) stakeholders to from the OTC's virtual Autonomous Ministry of Transportation (MTO) define how best to define and Vehicles and Connected Cities monitored new research and best approach the CV/AV revolution. Symposium held March 8-9. practices in other jurisdictions, assessed data from testing, WORK AHEAD Sidebar: The Ontario engaged stakeholders, and amend- Smart Mobility ed the pilot's framework according- The stage is being set for CV/AVs on Readiness Forum ly. On January 1, 2019, Ontario also Canadian roads, but the work is far made enhancements to the AV Pilot from over. Every region will have The Ontario Smart Mobility Readi- Program to allow for driverless auto- unique considerations for CV/AV ness Forum was created through mated vehicle testing, truck platoon- adoption, and there will be no \"one Ontario’s Autonomous Vehicle ing, and the use of conditionally size fits all\" solution. Each approach Innovation Network (AVIN) in partner- automated vehicles by Ontarians. will depend on enhancing public ship with Metrolinx and the Ministry education and awareness around of Transportation (MTO). The forum’s “The Ontario government updated CV/AV technology and its usage, objective is to drive the deployment its ten-year pilot program in 2019 to developing more advanced of smart mobility technologies, and open the door to new automated standards and protocols for cyberse- to support municipalities, public and connected vehicle research, curity to protect privacy and security, sector agencies, and infrastructure development, and manufacturing and preparing to address the rapid owner/operators across Ontario as opportunities in the province,” pace of technological change. More- they prepare for the adoption of such reports Eghanian. “The changes over, the influx of CV/AVs will require technologies. now allow for Level 3 vehicles talent with new and advanced available for public purchase in skillsets to fuel these innovations and Learn more at Canada to be driven on Ontario plans regarding the requirements https://www.avinhub.ca/ontar- roads. Vehicles with aftermarket around infrastructure and capital. io-smart-mobility-readi- Level 3 technology can also be ness-forum/ tested through the pilot program, as “There are many factors involved in the adoption of AVs, including from a 15A Semi-Annual Publication of the Ontario Traffic Council

Clearing a path for It's been five years since Toronto launched its Vision Zero number of vehicles crossing over into oncoming traffic program. Now, thanks to ongoing collaborations with lanes, thereby reducing the possibility of death and the OTC and transportation partners across the region, severe injury.\" the traffic safety initiative is sparking new ideas and approaches that reduce risks for Canadian travelers. Indeed, Toronto's Vision Zero road safety plan (2017-2021) [link to: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/up- Vision Zero was first created by the Swedish govern- loads/2017/11/990f-2017-Vision-Zero-Road-Safety- ment in 1997 as an alternative approach to mitigating Plan_June1.pdf] places emphasis on \"reducing the traffic-related deaths and serious injury collisions. It was collisions that result in death and serious injuries (injuries founded on the understanding that human drivers will where a person is admitted to a hospital), called \"killed always make mistakes and, as such, there is a need to and seriously injured\" or KSI collisions. \"By embracing focus on making roads safer by exploring ways to slow this KSI approach, the idea is to concentrate on protect- speeds, improve vehicle design, educate the public, and ing vulnerable road users (e.g., pedestrians, cyclists, enforce laws that support safer behaviour on the roads. motorcyclists) who comprise a bulk of KSI collisions over the last five years with an understanding that there is a “Most road safety programs look at identifying collision small difference between the factors and circumstances problem locations and how you can change the physi- that differentiate a fatal collision from a serious injury. cal engineering to prevent them or to reduce the number of them,” says Adam Bell, Director of Transpor- All road users have a role to play when Vision tation with TMIG, a T.Y. Lin Company and OTC Chair. Zero is the goal, the traffic plan reads. \"In addition “The key difference between Vision Zero and any other to the engineering improvements, educational cam- road safety programs is that it starts with the question, paigns, and enforcement strategies proposed in the how can you reduce the number of deaths and severe Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, achieving the Vision Zero injuries within an entire road network and explores a goal will also require actions everyone can take–as number of different answers.” drivers, cyclists or pedestrians–to reduce the risk of fatal and serious injury collisions.\" For example, he continues, \"If you put a median down the center of the highway, it may not necessarily reduce the number of collisions. However, it will reduce the 16 Ontario Traffic Magazine

VISION ZERO SAFETY FROM MANY “Research and data are critical to Vision Zero,” adds Bell. PERSPECTIVES “It's about looking at the bigger picture, identifying trends, and exploring multiple ways to improve traffic Toronto's Vision Zero action plan approaches KSI safety.” collision prevention from several angles. These include applying engineering safety measures (e.g., street TAKING ACTION design), educational campaigns, technological safety solutions (e.g., passive detection, data analytics), and Toronto has come a long way in making its version of additional enforcement measures to bring the number of Vision Zero reality. A number of its initiatives are already deaths and serious injuries to zero. impacting its streets, and the program is gaining traction. OTC is playing its part by raising awareness and \"Engineering is a very big component in version zero, but supporting efforts to turn Vision Zero plans into action. it's not the only focus,\" says Bell. \"Vision Zero sees the “We feel OTC can take the lead in implementing this problem from a number of other perspectives including program on a provincial and municipal level with support public health, urban planning, education, emergency from our members and our partners,” notes Bell. response and more.\" Specifically, the plan outlines traffic safety solutions The City of Toronto is just one example of Ontario Munic- across six key \"emphasis\" areas, including Pedestrians, ipalities which have implemented a Vision Zero Program. School Children, Older Adults, Cyclists, Motorcyclists, Through the OTC Vision Zero Working Group we will be and Distracted Driving. Regarding pedestrians, for sharing information and best practices on other example, the plan suggests developing new pedestrian Programs within Ontario, North America and across the safety corridors, adopting automated pedestrian detec- world. tion, launching pedestrian education and awareness initiatives, or making changes such as removing This April, OTC plans to showcase its progress to date right-turn slip lanes, among other suggestions. To better protect school children, the report suggests enhancing and detail this traffic safety program's future at its Vision school safety zones, developing more education and awareness resources for kids, and boosting the school Zero online symposium. Learn more and register at crossing guard program. Overall, the idea is to target KSI through a mix of approaches. https://otc.org/events/vision-zero-online-sympo- sium/. Author: Matthew Bradford 1137AASSememi-iA-AnnunaulaPl PubulbilciactaitoinonofofthteheOOntnatrairoioTTrarfaffifcicCCouonucniclil

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AWARDS PTrlaansnponrtiantigon Member OF THE YEAR AWARD Submission deadline is end of day, Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 4pm. Each year, the Transportation Planning Committee selects an individual for Transportation Planning Member of the Year Award. The Ontario Traffic Council (OTC) Transportation Planning Committee is pleased to announce a call for nominations for the Annual Transportation Planning Member(s) of the Year Award. For questions regarding the submission process SELECTION CRITERIA or the OTC Awards program, please contact the OTC office at 647-346-4050 or traffi[email protected] A minimum of 3 years as an active participating member of the Ontario Traffic Council; THIS AWARD IS INTENDED: Set themselves apart through dedicated volunteerism in enhancing the visibility and mandate of the OTC in the To recognize significant contributions to the Ontario area of Transportation Planning; Traffic Council and to the transportation planning Demonstrated leadership within the transportation profession; planning field generally. To honour a particular OTC member for their dedica- Recognized and respected by industry peers as being tion, passion and hard work in transportation planning a subject matter expert in transportation planning projects and initiatives; (please provide 3 references be from 3 different munici- To thank an OTC member for their outstanding volun- palities or companies one of which can be the nomi- teerism in advancing the mandate of the Ontario nees municipality or company). Traffic Council. NOMINATION It will be presented at the OTC’s Annual Conference. Nominations will be sought through various media such ELIGIBILITY as the OTC website, magazine, email, etc. A nomination letter (no longer than 2 pages) may be All members of the Ontario Traffic Council (OTC) are submitted identifying the candidate (name, title, posi- eligible for this award. Previous recipients of this tion, address, profile, etc.) and addressing the eligibility award can be nominated more than once, provided criteria. that the rationale and/or focus pertaining to the Additional material may be included with the nomina- nomination is distinct and unique from that of the tion letter. previous award. All materials may be electronically submitted and sent before final nomination date. SELECTION Nominations are to be submitted to OTC Transportation Planning Committee. The OTC Transportation Planning Committee will consider the nominations and select the award PRESENTATION recipient(s). The Committee may choose to award more than one award in a year. The recipient will be The Transportation Planning Member(s) of the Year Award notified prior to the OTC Annual Conference. will be presented at the Awards Ceremony at the Annual OTC Conference and Annual General Meeting. The 18 Ontario Traffic Magazine winner will be acknowledged in the OTC Magazine as well as on the OTC website.

TRANSPORTATION PROJECT AWARDS PTrlaansnpnoritantigon Project OF THE YEAR AWARD Each year the Ontario Traffic Council (OTC) Transpor- Submission deadline is end of day, tation Planning Committee chooses a Project of the Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 4pm. Year Award from submissions received for projects or studies completed between March 1, 2020 Applicability and March 1, 2021. • Will the project contribute to the general quality of life, including a public benefit for customers/users (e.g., Projects eligible for nomination can stem from a variety improved mobility, increased multi-modal approach, support of initiatives within the transportation planning field the economy, improved safety, etc.)? such as: • Are the benefits of the project to the public, both currently and into the long-term, clearly articulated? • Long-range transportation planning studies; Innovation • Transportation Master plans; • Does the project demonstrate excellence in innovation • Environmental assessment studies; and establishing best practices in transportation planning, • Macro, meso and/or micro transportation model- resulting in work being done in a better, more efficient, more ling projects; sustainable or safer way? • Does the project embrace new technology, or use existing technology in a creative or unique way? • Corridor improvement/complete street studies; Significance • Transit planning studies; • Does the project contribute to the practice and knowledge base of the profession? • Active transportation plans; Sustainability •Transportation Demand Management including • To what extent does the project contribute to making parking studies; infrastructure planning, operations or the urban environment • Network performance and monitoring reports. more sustainable from an environmental and climate change perspective? Note that public sector projects undertaken by third party consultants can be nominated on behalf of the Content: municipality or government agency leading the • Does the project submission clearly state the purpose and study, or the consultant. objectives of the project, and summarize its outcomes and recommendations? • How well is the final report/project deliverable written and presented, including clear and compelling visuals? ELIGIBILITY Technical/Analytical Approach: • Does the project contain a well thought out and docu- All members of the Ontario Traffic Council (OTC) are mented study approach and work plan, which helps eligible for this award. We are seeking nominations from support its recommendations? individuals, public sector agencies or private-sector com- • What degree of technical information is applied in the panies who have worked on transportation planning study, and how clearly is it conveyed? projects or studies that were completed between March, 2020 and March, 2021, that fit the above description. AWARD The winner of the Project of the Year Award will receive the All award nominees will receive a 5–10 minutes live following: presentation opportunity at the annual conference. The • Recognition and presentation as the Project of the Year timetable for presentation will be shared by OTC closer to the Award winner at the Annual OTC Conference; event dates. • A commemorative plaque from OTC recognizing the achievement, to be presented at the Annual OTC Confer- For questions regarding the submission process ence; and or the OTC Awards program, please contact the OTC • Recognition of the project on the OTC website and in office at 647-346-4050 or traffi[email protected] Ontario Traffic Magazine. 19A Semi-Annual Publication of the Ontario Traffic Council

2021 OTC Virtual Events Calendar ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SYMPOSIUM OTC ANNUAL CONFERENCE 22-23 March 2021 & SUPPLIER SHOWCASE 16-18 June 2021 VISION ZERO SYMPOSIUM 26-27 April 2021 MMLOS SYMPOSIUM 13-14 September 2021 TRANSPORTATION PLANNING SYMPOSIUM TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SYMPOSIUM 10-11 May 2021 18-19 October 2021 ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL TRAFFIC OPERATIONS COURSE IMPACT STUDY (TIS) WORKSHOP October 25-November 5 & November 15-26, 2021 20-21 May 2021 SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY SYMPOSIUM PARKING SYMPOSIUM 1-2 November 2021 & SUPPLIER SHOWCASE 31 May-1 June 2021 Update your calendar and register at https://otc.org/events/ to take advantage of early bird pricing. BOOK 7 (TEMPORARY CONDITIONS) Non-Freeway: Public Online Training MARCH 18, 2021 JULY 15, 2021 AUGUST 12, 2021 MARCH 27, 2021 SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 NEW SATURDAY OFFERING OCTOBER 21, 2021 (Pilot Program) NOVEMBER 18, 2021 DECEMBER 9, 2021 APRIL 22, 2021 MAY 20, 2021 JUNE 17, 2021 Please email traffi[email protected] with a private online Book 7 training enquiry for your staff. The available dates for private training can also be viewed on our online calendar at https://otc.org/events/