At Oshawa's March 18th Regular Council meeting first I made the following 'time sensitive motion':
"Whereas beginning March 9, 2019 children 12 and under are now allowed to ride GO Transit fare-free
And whereas Durham Region 2019 budget deliberations are taking place this week
And whereas there is environmental, cultural and economic benefits to encouraging ridership and family outings in and around our communities, especially in our short spring summer seasons,
Now therefore the City of Oshawa urge the Oshawa members of the Region of Durham Council to press for and support the immediate provision of free transit to those children 12 years and younger."
(The next day Oshawa Regional Councillor Brian Nicholson followed up with it at the Region DRT 2019 Budget meeting and happy to report the motion for free DRT rides for youth 12 and under was approved!)
Also at the Oshawa March 18th Oshawa Council meeting I made an amendment to the Rotary Park Pool Pilot Project report with the words I added (in red) being approved!
Therefore be it resolved that staff operate Rotary Pool for the summer of 2019 and provide some instructional programming and increased lane swimming opportunities; and that during the hours the pool is open to the public for non-instructional programming that there be no admission charge; and that a report be presented to Council on attendance for the 2019 summer outdoor pool season.
Two good news stories, that will increase kids' enjoyment of Oshawa 2019! When people, especially our youth learn more about and circulate around their community they expand their experiences, which can lead to a stronger ‘sense of place’ in their community. For youth getting to know their town better there can a heightened sense of belonging and appreciation. Benefits can include increased business traffic, decreased cars on the road and fuel consumption, as well as the creation of pleasant memory ‘firsts’ and special times for young people out and about learning what is available in their city.
"Whereas beginning March 9, 2019 children 12 and under are now allowed to ride GO Transit fare-free
And whereas Durham Region 2019 budget deliberations are taking place this week
And whereas there is environmental, cultural and economic benefits to encouraging ridership and family outings in and around our communities, especially in our short spring summer seasons,
Now therefore the City of Oshawa urge the Oshawa members of the Region of Durham Council to press for and support the immediate provision of free transit to those children 12 years and younger."
(The next day Oshawa Regional Councillor Brian Nicholson followed up with it at the Region DRT 2019 Budget meeting and happy to report the motion for free DRT rides for youth 12 and under was approved!)
Also at the Oshawa March 18th Oshawa Council meeting I made an amendment to the Rotary Park Pool Pilot Project report with the words I added (in red) being approved!
Therefore be it resolved that staff operate Rotary Pool for the summer of 2019 and provide some instructional programming and increased lane swimming opportunities; and that during the hours the pool is open to the public for non-instructional programming that there be no admission charge; and that a report be presented to Council on attendance for the 2019 summer outdoor pool season.
Two good news stories, that will increase kids' enjoyment of Oshawa 2019! When people, especially our youth learn more about and circulate around their community they expand their experiences, which can lead to a stronger ‘sense of place’ in their community. For youth getting to know their town better there can a heightened sense of belonging and appreciation. Benefits can include increased business traffic, decreased cars on the road and fuel consumption, as well as the creation of pleasant memory ‘firsts’ and special times for young people out and about learning what is available in their city.