Moved by: Regional Councillor Santos
Seconded by: Mayor Brown
Whereas in 2019, the City of Brampton declared a climate emergency and on Sept, 23, 2020 unanimously endorsed the Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan with a target to reduce green house gas emission targets by 80% by 2050;
And whereas transportation represents 60% of GHG emissions generated in Brampton;
And whereas enabling and encouraging other sustainable modes of transportation and transitioning away from a car based culture will help reduce GHG emissions;
And whereas during the past year, the City and Region has seen an increased demand and use of active transportation infrastructure;
And whereas, investments in the built environments that facilitate active mobility support the health and well-being of residents;
And whereas Council unanimously passed the Active Transportation Master Plan on September 25, 2019 which sets out an implementation framework to deliver a connected city-wide AT network and supporting policies and programs;
And whereas on January 28, 2021 the City of Brampton identified the implementation of active transportation infrastructure as a Term of Council Priority;
And whereas the Region of Peel unanimously passed a motion on April 8, 2021 to advance Sustainable Active Mobility and work collaboratively with lower tier municipalities and community advocates to improve the active transportation network across the region;
And whereas, on February 10, 2021 the Federal government announced $14.9 billion of funding over the next eight years to support infrastructure projects as part a plan to create one million jobs, fight climate change, and rebuild a more sustainable and resilient economy;
And whereas, on March 12, 2021, the Federal government announced the first federal fund of $400 million over five years dedicated to building active transportation to help build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails for cycling, walking and pedestrian bridges;
And whereas the City of Brampton is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of its employees, and has a number of existing benefits and programs in place to support an active lifestyle;
And whereas creating incentives to encourage City employees to learn and use active transportation infrastructure would demonstrate a “lead by example” approach as we all strive to address the climate emergency and live healthier lifestyles;
Therefore be it resolved:
1) That the City advise its employees of existing incentives supporting sustainable transportation options and active lifestyles;
2) That an awareness campaign be launched this summer, to include but not be limited to education, employee challenges and/or group rides, that promote and encourage sustainable and active transportation among City employees;
3) That staff work collaboratively across all departments and report back by Q1 of 2022 (before Earth Day 2022) to Council, with opportunities and recommendations to incentivize and/or further enable, encourage, and support employees in using sustainable and active modes of transportation.