Communities Across Ontario Want Active Transportation with More Emphasis on Public Transit and Cycling

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 20, 2012) - If they could design infrastructure for the needs of their community ten years from now, almost three quarters (73%) of Ontarians would place more emphasis on public transit according to a new Ipsos Reid poll released on behalf of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute. Not far behind in priority, six in ten (60%) would place more emphasis on cyclists. Further, a majority (52%) would place more emphasis on infrastructure for pedestrians.*

"Ontarians are clearly shifting gears in favour of active transportation. People today want more choices in transportation, more public transit, and a more walkable community. The really good news for Ontario is that healthy communities also mean stronger economies in our communities," said OPPI President Mary Lou Tanner, MCIP, RPP.

Detailed survey results will be released on Friday, September 21, 2012 to coincide with an OPPI Symposium entitled "Healthy Communities and Planning for Active Transportation - Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk" at the Hilton Suites Markham Conference Centre. Key issues being discussed include: the importance and benefits of active transportation - health, safety, environmental, social, community and economic; the planner's role in active transportation; implementing active transportation plans; and OPPI's position on active transportation. Attendees will examine these challenges and identify emerging opportunities.

"People in Ontario get it! They want a community that is less reliant on the automobile and one that gives them choices to walk, bike and take transit," said Symposium Chair, Nick Poulos, MCIP, RPP.

The OPPI Symposium builds upon the themes of the recently released Call to Action - Healthy Communities and Planning for Active Transportation. Active transportation, particularly cycling and walking, is fundamental to healthier communities and sustainable city regions. In support of this, OPPI released the Call to Action in support of an active transportation system that is safe, efficient, convenient, equitable, and based upon good policy and planning principles that will serve present and future generations. Copies of the Call to Action are available at: www.ontarioplanners.on.ca/pdf/Planning-and-Implementing-Active-Transportation-in-Ontario-Communities-June-21.pdf.

The Ontario Professional Planners Institute is the recognized voice of the Province's planning profession. Our almost 4,000 members work in government, private practice, universities, and non-profit agencies in the fields of urban and rural development, urban design, environmental planning, transportation, health and social services, heritage conservation, housing, and economic development. Our Members have met strict practice requirements and are accountable to OPPI and the public to practice ethically and to abide by a Professional Code of Practice. Only Full Members are authorized by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute Act, 1994, to use the title "Registered Professional Planner" (or "RPP"). www.ontarioplanners.on.ca

* Ipsos Reid conducted a poll between August 27 and September 4, 2012, on behalf of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute. Further information, including additional survey results and a copy of the slide presentation from the Symposium, will be posted online on Friday, September 21^st at: www.ipsos-na.com/news/.