Southwestern Ontario transportation task force final report

This document contains the recommendations of the Southwestern Ontario Transportation Task Force (“Task Force”). The views, opinions and recommendations expressed in this document are solely those of the Task Force and are not made on behalf of the Government of Ontario or any First Nation, Indigenous community or Indigenous government. They do not reflect official policy, position or views of the Government of Ontario, any of the First Nations, Indigenous communities or Indigenous governments.

Affirmation of indigenous rights

The Task Force acknowledges that the lands, waters and resources of what is now Southwestern Ontario are the traditional territory and treaty lands of First Nation and Indigenous communities, that have Aboriginal and treaty rights recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. This report and its recommendations are to be read so as to uphold existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and to not abrogate or derogate from them in any way.

The Task Force also acknowledges that it was not delegated any consultation responsibilities by the provincial Crown regarding the Connecting the Southwest transportation plan. As such, the involvement of the First Nation leadership in and discussions of, the Task Force do not constitute consultation for the purposes of fulfilling the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate for decisions or actions that have the potential to impact Aboriginal or treaty rights.

Message from the chair

I am pleased to provide this Final Report of the Southwestern Ontario Transportation Task Force. Let me express both my gratitude and respect for the 16 leaders, including those from municipalities and First Nations who collectively prepared and advanced these recommendations with a true spirit of collegiality.

The Task Force met virtually over the last year due to COVID-19 and the logistics posed by the wide geographic area of Southwestern Ontario. In addition to regular Task Force meetings, our group also facilitated workshop meetings with more than 100 local stakeholders to solicit input according to the key transportation subjects of Rail, Air, Roads and Highways, Ferries, Active Transportation, Local and Regional Transit and International Crossings. Workshop participants were afforded the opportunity to discuss problems and opportunities from their informed perspectives. They were also encouraged to consider the impacts of emerging and future technologies; as well as the preeminent issues of sustainability, economic recovery, equity and accessibility.

In consideration of the top 41 recommendations in the report it became clear that six key themes had emerged, namely, Getting People and Communities Connected and Moving; Supporting a Competitive Business Environment; Improving Safety; Providing More Choice and Convenience; Preparing for the Future; and Indigenous-specific priority recommendations. It is the hope of the Task Force therefore, that this report will provide a blueprint for the Province of Ontario to plan for the transportation needs of Southwestern Ontario for the 21st century.

And finally, I would be remiss if I did not extend my thanks and appreciation on behalf of the entire Task Force to MTO staff. Their guidance, patience and professionalism in facilitating this process was truly invaluable, and it will remain central to the successful implementation of this report.

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Introduction

Context

In January 2020, the Ministry of Transportation released Connecting the Southwest: A draft transportation plan for Southwestern Ontario, the first of four regional transportation plans for Ontario. The draft plan includes more than 40 actions, detailing the province’s plans to address current challenges and explore future opportunities in Southwestern Ontario, including the need for continued engagement with community members and leaders.

As committed in Connecting the Southwest, the Southwestern Ontario Transportation Task Force was launched in March 2021 by Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. The Task Force was a forum for local leaders to discuss priorities in the region’s transportation system and share their diverse range of perspectives, knowledge and experiences to identify existing and future needs and opportunities.

The Task Force’s objective was to ensure that the Ministry of Transportation’s plans and initiatives are informed by local priorities. Specifically, it was asked to review Connecting the Southwest, provide advice on the implementation of its actions and determine whether updates are appropriate to better align with the region’s needs, including new or revised actions. The Task Force was also asked to consider new and emerging challenges affecting the region’s transportation system, such as impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other topics of local or regional interest. All modes of transportation, both existing and anticipated, were considered by the Task Force.

The Task Force was composed of 16 leaders from local municipalities, First Nations and organizations, representing the range of interests across Southwestern Ontario. Several members also participate in regional organizations that were represented in varying capacities across its work, such as the London District Chief’s Council, South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation (SCOR EDC) and Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.

Members include:

• Chair — Mayor Ed Holder, City of London
• Vice-Chair — Mayor Drew Dilkens, City of Windsor
• Mayor Trevor Birtch, City of Woodstock
• Mayor Mike Bradley, City of Sarnia
• Mayor Darrin Canniff, Municipality of Chatham-Kent
• Chief Adrian Chrisjohn, Oneida Nation of the Thames
• Chief Jason Henry, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
• Chief R. Stacey Laforme, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
• Marta Leardi-Anderson, Chair, Owen Sound Transportation Company
• Tania Lee, Vice President of Sales, Blue Water Bridge Duty Free Inc.
• Mayor Hilda Macdonald, Municipality of Leamington
• Mayor Dan Mathieson, City of Stratford
• Mayor Stephen Molnar, Town of Tillsonburg
• Councillor Sidney Nadjiwon, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
• Mayor Joe Preston, City of St. Thomas
• Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden, Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Regular discussions among its members were held to determine the approach to gathering feedback, plan activities and share perspectives on priorities or areas for consideration. At the end of its 12-month term in March 2022, the Task Force’s work culminated in this report it has prepared and is submitting to the minister detailing the results of its discussions and the recommended improvements it identified.

Approach

To support the Task Force in identifying needs, opportunities and challenges that could form its final recommendations, the Task Force established seven mode-specific sub-groups (see Appendix A for details): Active Transportation, Air, Ferries, International Crossings, Local and Regional Transit, Roads and Highways and Rail. Each sub-group was chaired by members of the Task Force and augmented with additional local partners and stakeholders. This allowed the Task Force to engage over 100 local partners and stakeholders and delve into specific issues affecting each mode.

Seven two-hour workshops were hosted by the sub-groups and attended by invited residents, businesses and community leaders between June and July 2021. Each workshop was focused on encouraging informal and candid discussions between the Task Force members and participants, with foundational information provided by the Ministry of Transportation to support broader understanding of a topic or mode. At each workshop, participants discussed challenges, opportunities and their suggestions for priority actions. Participants were encouraged to think broadly and consider ways to improve equity and accessibility, sustainability and economic recovery, as well as prepare for emerging technologies.

Following the workshops, the Task Force reviewed the feedback provided by participants, identifying a series of early recommendations for each sub-group. Workshop participants and members of the Task Force were both asked to review, validate and evaluate the proposed recommendations. Evaluation was based on three criteria: feasibility (how easy the idea is to implement), time to implement (how quickly can it be achieved) and impact (how much will this impact regional transportation). Responses to this exercise assisted the Task Force in discussing, refining and prioritizing the lists of recommendations being brought forward by each sub-group.

The Task Force identified two lists of recommendations that reflect the dozens of ideas that have emerged through its work, while identifying those it feels are the most important. A short — or prioritized — list of recommendations is captured in the next section. The full list of ideas for the minister’s consideration are presented in Appendix B.

Timeline of task force meetings and activities

Phase 1 — Information gathering

March 2021 — Meeting #1

• Overview of Task Force
• Established seven sub-groups

Spring and summer 2021 — Partner and stakeholder feedback

• Mode specific workshops attended by local leaders, businesses and residents
• Discussion on local and regional priorities, challenges and opportunities to generate feedback and ideas

Phase 2 — Feedback analysis

September 2021 — Internal analysis

• Create and analyze a draft list of recommendations

October 2021 — Meeting #2

• Report-back on what was heard and ideas for consideration
• Process to draft recommendations

Phase 3 — Recommendation development

December 2021 — Meeting #3

• Finalize list of recommendations

Phase 4 — Report writing

January / February 2022 — Report writing

• Prepare a draft report highlighting the recommendations

March 2022 — Meeting #4

• Draft report presented to Task Force for review, approval

April 2022 — Finalize report

• Revisions, draft finalized following feedback from Meeting #4

April 2022 — Submit report

• Submit report and recommendations to minister

Priority recommendations

Recommendations listed in this section are identified by the Task Force as priority initiatives for the minister’s consideration. The top 40 recommendations have been merged, listed by mode and organized around six themes that closely relate to the goals in Connecting the Southwest, including:

1. Getting people and communities connected and moving
2. Supporting a competitive business environment
3. Improving safety
4. Proving more choice and convenience
5. Preparing for the future
6. Indigenous-specific priority recommendations

See Appendix B for the full, detailed list of top and additional recommendations proposed by the Task Force.

Getting people and communities connected and moving

As a growing region, Southwestern Ontario residents, businesses and visitors need access to a connected transportation network that gets them to their destination using the mode that suits their needs. To achieve an interconnected transportation network, the Task Force recognizes the unique opportunity to leverage the City of London as a transportation hub, due to its centralized location and proximity to communities across the region.

Passenger transportation

1. Explore improvements to passenger rail services that address existing barriers and improve connectivity within Southwestern Ontario and to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including:
   • GO Train service extensions and expansions to additional communities in the region and increase frequency for existing services
   • Collaborate with the federal government and the rail sector to explore solutions to infrastructure barriers that prevent rail service improvements, such as existing bottlenecks or restrictions
   • Collaborate with the federal government and rail sector to research the ability to share active spur lines for regional transportation use

2. Improve transit within and between communities to provide a range of trip options for Indigenous, rural and urban residents in accessing critical services, job opportunities and transportation hubs, including:
   • Launch a second intake of the Ontario Community Transportation Grant Program, which provides funding to eligible communities without existing transit services
   • Collaborate with local transit systems to improve rural communities’ and Indigenous nations’ access to transit services

Ferries

3. Work in collaboration with the Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) to improve ferry service reliability and address the varying needs of travellers, residents and businesses reliant on marine transportation, such as those on Pelee Island, including:
   • Ensure that vessels and facilities are fully staffed, maintained and operational during the sailing season
   • Explore opportunities to reflect sailing conditions and travel demands into seasonal sailing schedules
   • Review fare policies to ensure consistency across provincial ferry services

Air travel

4. Support the sustainability of municipal airports in their roles in interregional and international connectivity and in delivering emergency medical and rescue services, including:
   • Encourage collaboration between all governments to seek solutions affecting the financial sustainability of airports
   • Launch campaigns to inform and educate communities about the value of their airport

Supporting a competitive business environment

Southwestern Ontario is home to the province’s most active trade corridors, several international crossings and prominent agriculture and manufacturing industries that rely on appropriate infrastructure, facilities and services to keep goods moving. The Task Force supports efficient and reliable connections to U.S. markets and destinations, including the need to ensure the security of international crossings from disruptions that affect the movement of people and goods.

5. Ensure infrastructure, facilities and services are available to support the safe and efficient movement of goods and commercial vehicles, including:
   • Increase workforce mobility using local and regional transit, which is imperative to attract new economic growth and allow expansion of existing industries
   • Explore options for safe and direct routing between cities and transportation hubs, such as between Windsor and Sarnia
   • Expand the network of well-lit and serviced rest areas and border preparation locations for truck drivers along key highways through the use of unused federal and provincial government properties
   • Offer dedicated ferry services for agriculture and goods movement vehicles accessing communities reliant on marine transportation
   • Expand the eligibility and availability of dedicated infrastructure and bridge funding streams to all rural and agrarian communities

6. In collaboration with federal and municipal governments, the Task Force recommends MTO explore opportunities to support the sustainability of transportation businesses and sectors in Southwestern Ontario, including:
   • Work with industry partners on retaining, retraining and attracting transit operators, aircraft pilots, truck drivers and ferry operators to meet the growing demand for qualified operators in all modes of transit and transportation operations in Southwestern Ontario
   • Identify new investment streams for airports, such as through targeted awareness campaigns, explore partnership opportunities and establish a regional working group
   • Review funding models for short-line railways serving local industries, including agriculture and manufacturing

Improving safety

Through discussions with local and industry partners and stakeholders, the Task Force heard suggestions for areas the Ministry of Transportation could explore to improve safety, particularly on Ontario’s highways, including:

7. Expand the network of paved shoulders along provincial highways to reduce conflicts between motor vehicles and vulnerable road users (e.g., cyclists, horse and buggies, farm vehicles)
8. Support efforts to improve traffic enforcement operations and reduce incidents of speeding on provincial highways by expanding automated speed enforcement, driver education, traffic calming strategies and police enforcement
9. Improve the visibility of road and lane markings, especially in dark and wet conditions

Providing more choice and convenience

As transportation options in the region expand, travellers and service providers are seeking new approaches to better connect and integrate transportation systems to make intercommunity travel more convenient and seamless.

Passenger transportation

10. Work with municipalities, Indigenous nations and transit service providers to integrate and coordinate transit systems for enhanced user experience and connections, including:
    • Improve coordination of local and regional transit schedules
    • Improve the integration of local and regional transit, such as supporting the co-location of bus and rail stops at transit hubs and promoting connections between local transit services
    • Provide guidance and resources to communities and service providers on best practices for achieving fare, service and schedule integration and digital booking options

Active transportation

11. Explore opportunities, in collaboration with community, government, First Nation and industry partners, to expand the network of connected active transportation routes that offer safe options across the region for local or visiting active travellers to walk, cycle or ride, including:
    • Identify opportunities to expand off-road active transportation corridors, such as along existing rail and utility corridors
    • Review and establish consistent accessibility guidelines for the use of e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric mobility devices on roads, trails and active transportation routes
    • Promote Southwestern Ontario as an all-season active transportation tourism destination

Ferries and air travel

12. Support access to Southwestern Ontario destinations for tourists, residents and businesses using alternative modes, including:
    • Promote travel options and services offered by municipal airports
    • Explore increased trip frequencies and options during peak seasons when travelling on a provincial ferry service

Preparing for the future

Transportation and how we travel continues to evolve with the adoption of new and emerging vehicle technologies. The Task Force recommends the Ministry of Transportation continues to prepare for a future of transportation with greater automation, connectivity and electrification in collaboration with neighbouring jurisdictions and industry partners.

13. Encourage the federal government to ensure coordination on cross-border implementation of new and emerging technologies, including connected and automated vehicles
14. Explore testing and preparations for emerging technologies in collaboration with other jurisdictions at the international border
15. Review transit funding streams to reflect expected decreases in gas tax revenues due to the growing number of fuel efficient or electric vehicles on Ontario’s roads
16. Increase electric vehicle charging station availability on area highways and provide greater incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles

Indigenous-specific priority recommendations

The Task Force recognizes the unique and distinct circumstances that Indigenous communities face within Canada, specifically with respect to the legacy of colonialism, ongoing racism, discrimination and continuing infrastructure and transportation related issues and needs. In particular, the Task Force notes that there are Indigenous specific matters that were not able to be fully captured or discussed as part of the general sub-groups and that, consequently, these are not fully canvased or reflected in this report.

For example, Connecting the Southwest acknowledges that “up to 60% of all human trafficking in Canada involves using the 400-series highways” and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Final Report includes specific Calls to Action related to the increased vulnerability to Indigenous women and girls to trafficking that is linked to a lack of safe transportation options, among other matters. Ensuring the safety of Indigenous communities and individuals in Southwestern Ontario is a priority for all leadership in the Task Force and deserves further consideration and engagement.

Indigenous leaders also shared the unique challenges facing their communities, such as First Nations who seek unabided access to treaty lands on either side of the Canada-U.S. border. The Task Force acknowledges the importance of ensuring the right for Indigenous peoples to pass through international borders and supports further nation-to-nation discussions on this issue with the federal and provincial governments.

The Task Force recognizes that these recommendations do not reflect the full input or comments of the First Nations’ leadership or their communities on these, and other, important issues and recommends that the Ministry of Transportation:

17. Undertake direct engagement and consultation with First Nations and Indigenous communities to further consider and address Indigenous specific interests, issues and concerns as part of Connecting the Southwest and its implementation

Appendix A — Sub-group membership and participants

Air sub-group

Date: June 25, 2021

Co-chairs

• Mayor Mike Bradly, City of Sarnia
• Mayor Stephen Molnar, Town of Tillsonburg

Workshop participants

• Mayor Ed Holder, City of London
• Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden, Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc
• Warden Glen McNeil, County of Huron
• Councillor Deb Gilvesy, Town of Tillsonburg
• Kelly Provost, City of Sarnia
• Gary Blazak, City of London
• Dan Cameron, Retired Ontario Provincial Police Pilot
• Karen Richards, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
• Mark Seibutis, Sarnia Airport Working Group
• John Wood, Sarnia Airport Working Group
• Mike Roberts, Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport
• Chris Wood, Region of Waterloo International Airport
• Michael Seabrook, London International Airport
• Marion Smith, Chatham-Kent Municipal Airport

Active transportation sub-group

Date: July 26, 2021

Co-chairs

• Mayor Darrin Canniff, Municipality of Chatham-Kent
• Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden, Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Workshop participants

• Mayor Ed Holder, City of London
• Mayor Mike Bradley, City of Sarnia
• Gary Blazak, City of London
• Genevieve Champagne, Municipality of Chatham-Kent
• Brian Lima, County of Elgin
• Corinne Chiasson, Town of Essex
• Jerry Behl, County of Essex
• Diana Radulescu, County of Essex
• Chris Traini, County of Middlesex
• Jeff Hagan, City of Windsor
• Juan Paramo, City of Windsor
• Adrienne Jefferson, City of St. Thomas
• John Pilmer, Municipality of Leamington
• Krystal Kalbol, Municipality of Lakeshore
• Kate Burns Gallagher, Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
• David Meyer, Waterfront Regeneration Trust
• Marlaine Koehler, Waterfront Regeneration Trust
• Andrea Gardi, Regional Tourism Organization #4
• Joanne Wolnik, Southwestern Ontario Tourism Corporation
• Daniel Chan, Canadian National Railway
• Kevin Morse, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
• Lori Newton, Bike Windsor-Essex
• Andrew Macpherson, Ontario Trails Council
• Diane Flook, Chatham-Kent Trails Council

Ferry sub-group

Date: July 14, 2021

Co-chairs

• Marta Leardi-Anderson, Chair, Owen Sound Transportation Company
• Mayor Hilda Macdonald, Municipality of Leamington

Workshop Participants

• Mayor Ed Holder, City of London
• Deputy Mayor Dave Dawson, Township of Pelee
• Mayor Nelson Santos, Town of Kingsville
• Warden Kevin Marriott, County of Lambton
• Rick Nicholls, MPP — Chatham-Kent-Leamington
• Gary Blazak, City of London
• Crispin Colvin, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
• Allan Koop, Erie Sand and Gravel
• Dean Martin, Harrow Organic Farms
• Gordon Orr, Tourism Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island
• Jeremy Truax, Truax Lumber
• Melissa Evers, Pelee Island Co-op
• Cathy Miller, The Wandering Dog Inn
• Cindy Osadzuk, Resident
• Shelley Seguin, Resident
• Stephanie Crawford, Resident

International crossings sub-group

Date: July 21, 2021

Co-chairs

• Mayor Drew Dilkens, City of Windsor
• Tania Lee, Vice President, Blue Water Bridge Duty Free Inc.

Workshop participants

• Councillor Sidney Nadjiwon, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
• Mayor Bev Hand, Village of Point Edward
• Warden Gary McNamara, County of Essex
• Jane Mustac, County of Essex
• Andrew Teliszewsky, City of Windsor
• Gary Blazak, City of London
• Jason Cole, County of Lambton
• Regan Preszcator, Office of MP Marilyn Gladu, Sarnia-Lambton
• Bruce Rodgers, Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association
• Daryl Kaiser, Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Corporation
• Neal Belitsky, Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Corporation
• Jessica Ng, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
• Todd Kealey, Federal Bridge Corporation
• Marlene Chamandy, Ford Canada
• Olson Or, Toyota Canada
• Raed Kadri, Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network
• Stephanie Campeau, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

Local and regional transit sub-group

Date: July 7, 2021

Co-chairs

• Chief Jason Henry, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
• Mayor Dan Mathieson, City of Stratford
• Mayor Joe Preston, City of St. Thomas

Workshop participants

• Mayor Ed Holder, City of London
• Mayor Stephen Molnar, Town of Tillsonburg
• Gary Blazak, City of London
• Stephanie Potter, City of Stratford
• Michael Mousley, City of Stratford
• Taylor Mooney, County of Middlesex
• Maggie Martin, County of Perth
• Demetri Makrakos, Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc
• Mintu John, D2D Group
• Angie Ricci, Angel Tours & Entertainment Inc.
• Doug Badder, Badder Bus
• Ken Westcar, Transport Action Ontario
• Terry Johnson, Transportation Action Canada
• Kim Earls, South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation

Rail sub-Group

Date: June 29, 2021

Co-chairs

• Mayor Drew Dilkens, City of Windsor
• Mayor Ed Holder, City of London

Workshop participants

• Mayor Mike Bradley, City of Sarnia
• Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden, Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc
• Gary Blazak, City of London
• Adam Thompson, City of London
• Andrew Teliszewsky, City of Windsor
• Bonnie Henderson, City of Stratford
• Maggie Martin, County of Perth
• Christina Fox, Tech Alliance
• Jennifer Diplock, TD Bank
• Stephen Bolton, Libro Credit Union
• Kristen Duever, London Chamber of Commerce
• Kapil Lakhotia, London Economic Development Corporation
• Ken Westcar, Transport Action Ontario
• Peter Miasek, Transport Action Ontario
• Terry Johnson, Transportation Action Canada
• Jim Houston, Rail Advocacy in Lambton
• Mabel Higgins, Rail Advocacy in Lambton
• Kim Earls, South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation
• Peter White, Western University
• Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, Fanshawe College
• Philippe Cannon, Via Rail
• Eve-Daniele Veilleux, Via Rail
• Steve Salmons, Windsor Port Authority
• Tony De Thomasis, Essex Morterm Holdings/Essex Terminal Railway

Roads and highways sub-group

Date: July 27, 2021

Co-chairs

• Mayor Mike Bradley, City of Sarnia
• Mayor Darrin Canniff, Municipality of Chatham-Kent
• Tania Lee, Vice President, Blue Water Bridge Duty Free Inc.

Workshop participants

• Mayor Ed Holder, City of London
• Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden, Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc
• Mayor Stephen Molnar, Town of Tillsonburg
• Councillor Sidney Nadjiwon, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
• Gary Blazak, City of London
• Kelly Provost, City of Sarnia
• Ian Clark, Municipality of Chatham-Kent
• Jason Cole, County of Lambton
• Katelyn Laforme, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
• Crispin Colvin, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
• Dave Jessop, Emcon Services
• Don Moore, Canadian Transportation Equipment Association
• Sergeant Gord Keen, Ontario Provincial Police
• Johanne Couture, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers’ Association
• Karen Richards, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
• Mike Millian, Private Motor Truck Council of Canada
• Robert Peraita, Colas Canada
• Lou Politano, Infrastructure Ontario
• Raed Kadri, Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network
• Ray Cherry, Ontario Motor Coach Association
• Anne Leonard, Arrive Alive Drive Sober
• Geoff Wilkinson, Ontario Traffic Council

Appendix B — Full list of recommendations

This section lists all recommendations developed by the Task Force, organized by sub-group and their priority ranking.

Active transportation sub-group

Top recommendations selected by the task force

1. Municipalities and Indigenous nations, with support from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), to review existing active transportation routes and facilities to identify and address connectivity and continuity gaps at local and regional levels, and with connections to the Province-wide Cycling Network.
2. MTO and municipalities to work with public and private land, utility and railway owners to identify opportunities to expand off-road active transportation corridors along existing linear corridors.
3. MTO, in collaboration with Ontario ministries, to work with regional economic partners to promote Southwestern Ontario as an all-season active transportation tourism destination. This may include incentives for private businesses for hosting active transportation infrastructure and improved access to support facilities, such as bike racks and washrooms.
4. Municipalities, Indigenous nations and industry partners, with support from MTO, to review the use of e-bikes, e-scooters and electric golf carts on roadways, trails and active transportation routes to improve consistency between jurisdictions.
5. MTO, municipalities and Indigenous nations to work with local and industry partners to explore opportunities to increase accessibility for all ages and abilities along active transportation trails, including improving access to charging infrastructure for e-bikes, e-scooters and other electronic mobility devices.

Additional ideas for the minister’s consideration

6. MTO, municipalities and Indigenous nations to collaborate on increasing awareness of the rules of the road among all active travellers, including cyclists and equestrians. This may include developing and disseminating promotional and educational materials, as well as delivering active transportation safety programs to students in collaboration with school boards and organizations such as CAN BIKE and Bike Windsor-Essex.
7. MTO, municipalities and Indigenous nations to collaborate on expanding driver awareness and education on how to safely and responsibly interact with all active travellers, including through improved signage and infrastructure.

Air sub-group

Top recommendations selected by the task force

1. MTO to encourage the federal government to work with municipal airport operators to seek solutions to ongoing challenges affecting the sustainability of municipal airports.
2. MTO to encourage Southwestern Ontario municipalities and airports to launch local campaigns to inform and educate their communities about the value of their airport.
3. Municipalities and airport operators, in collaboration with MTO, to identify opportunities for new investment streams to improve the long-term sustainability of their facilities and services, such as through targeted tourism and promotional campaigns, establishing a regional aviation working group, exploring public-private partnerships and permitting non-air services on airport lands.
4. MTO to encourage municipalities and applicable ministries to work with the Airport Management Council of Ontario on promoting travel options and essential services (e.g., patient transfer, search and rescue) offered by municipal airports to improve public support for these facilities.
5. MTO to encourage applicable ministries and air service providers to explore ways of attracting commercial passenger and freight air traffic to airports in the region.

Additional ideas for the minister’s consideration

6. MTO to work with the Ministry of Finance on exploring revisions to the Gas Tax program to reduce the cost of aviation fuel.
7. MTO to encourage the federal government to review existing air transportation funding models to ensure adequate financial support for both airport and air service providers.
8. MTO to encourage airports to plan for and offer services in support of emerging technologies, such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
9. MTO to encourage municipalities and transit service providers to improve transit connectivity to local airports in support of improved access to employment opportunities and trip options for travellers.

Ferries sub-group

Top recommendations selected by the task force

1. MTO, working with the Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC), to ensure that vessels and related operations are fully staffed during the sailing season.
2. MTO and OSTC to explore increasing the frequency of trips during peak periods, such as on weekend and holidays in the summer months, to increase number of travellers and provide more trip options per day.
3. MTO and OSTC to review practices and policies related to scheduling to align with the needs of all users. This may include reviewing maintenance practices, seasonal travel demands and incorporating considerations for local climatic variations into ferry schedules.
4. MTO and OSTC to explore offering dedicated early and late season ferry services in support of local goods movement and agriculture needs while not affecting vessel capacity during peak season.
5. MTO and OSTC to review fare policies for ferry services offered by OSTC to ensure consistency with services offered by MTO.

Additional ideas for the minister’s consideration

6. MTO and OSTC to explore approaches to collect ridership data to inform seasonal sailing needs and services that reflect passenger demand.
7. OSTC to explore improving amenities onboard vessels, including Wi-Fi and promotional materials for local attractions.
8. MTO to work with municipal transit services to improve transit connections to nearby urban centres and coordinate schedules with ferry operators.
9. OSTC to adopt an online trip planning and ticket payment platform to improve customer experience and convenience.
10. MTO and OSTC to confirm mandates and responsibilities in responding to and addressing customer concerns.
11. MTO and OSTC to hold annual townhall meetings with communities to improve internal and external communications. 

Indigenous-specific

Top recommendations selected by the task force

1. MTO to undertake direct engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities to further consider and address Indigenous specific interests, issues and concerns as part of the Connecting the Southwest transportation plan and its implementation.

International crossings sub-group

Top recommendations selected by the task force

1. MTO to encourage the federal government to ensure coordination on cross-border implementation of new and emerging technologies, including connected and automated vehicles.
2. MTO, with partners such as the State of Michigan and the federal government, should explore testing and preparing for emerging technologies in cross-border transportation.
3. MTO to review locations, capacities and amenities at existing rest area locations in Southwestern Ontario to identify gaps in services (e.g., restrooms and safe parking facilities) for truck drivers.
4. MTO to encourage the federal government to identify areas for truck drivers to prepare documents ahead of border crossings, maintain driver’s logs and support the upcoming electronic logging device (ELD) mandate requirements.
5. MTO to explore converting unused inspection stations or other provincial properties into truck rest areas along key highway corridors.

Additional ideas for the minister’s consideration

6. MTO to explore using technologies to alert vehicles of hazards (e.g., stopped vehicles), reduce speeds and optimize traffic flows ahead of border crossings.
7. MTO to explore ways of improving availability of travel information, such as through Ontario 511, to assist drivers and companies in optimizing their travel schedules.
8. MTO to encourage the federal government to identify approaches for prioritizing time-sensitive goods (e.g., agriculture products) to reduce wastage caused by border and travel delays.
9. MTO to explore options to reduce trucks bypassing commercial vehicle inspection stations by travelling on local roads.

Local and regional transit sub-group

Top recommendations selected by the task force

1. MTO to explore a second intake of the Community Transportation Grant Program to continue to expand transit services across Southwestern Ontario and encourage municipalities and passenger transportation companies to establish connections from rural communities and Indigenous nations to key hubs and corridors (e.g., urban centres and rail lines).
2. MTO to provide guidance to municipalities, Indigenous nations and transit service providers on best practices to achieving fare, service and schedule integration with nearby passenger transportation services to make intercommunity travel more convenient.
3. MTO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, to work with industry partners on retaining, retraining and attracting transit operators, as well as qualified transportation operators across all other modes, such as aircraft, trucks and ferries.
4. MTO to update transit funding streams to reflect expected decreases in gas tax revenues due to the growing number of fuel efficient or electric vehicles on Ontario’s roads.
5. MTO to encourage municipal service coordination to support intercommunity travel needs and improve user experience, such as the existing Southwest Community Transit System.
6. MTO to work with municipalities, Indigenous nations and transit service providers in promoting and enabling improved transit connectivity to local employment lands, supporting workforce mobility and economic growth. This may include incentives for employers to align work hours with transit schedules and partner with transit service providers to subsidize transit fares for employees.

Additional ideas for the minister’s consideration

7. MTO to encourage municipalities and Indigenous nations to consider the use of on-demand transit in low-density communities or during times of low ridership (e.g., at night) to expand services in a cost-effective way.
8. MTO to assist municipalities and Indigenous nations in developing a standardized approach to data collection to optimize route planning and scheduling.
9. MTO to provide guidance to municipalities, Indigenous nations and transit service providers on improving first- and last-kilometre connectivity to and from transit nodes.
10. MTO to encourage public and private passenger transportation services to explore offering supporting transportation services (e.g., light goods movement) to supplement revenues and intercommunity transportation needs.
11. MTO to encourage municipalities and Indigenous nations to work with economic development offices and transit service providers to develop a coordinated awareness campaign about the availability and connections of transit services in their area.

Rail sub-group

Top recommendations selected by the task force

1. Metrolinx, with support from MTO, to work with municipalities, transit and rail service providers to improve connectivity between Southwestern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to provide access to wide opportunities for employment and services.
2. MTO to work with transit and rail service providers to improve schedule coordination between local and regional services.
3. MTO to collaborate with the federal government and rail service providers to explore infrastructure upgrades that improve passenger rail service in Southwestern Ontario, including addressing several existing bottlenecks and restrictions. Proposals have been submitted for additional sidings, by-passes, grade separations, platforms and existing rail bed and track upgrades.
4. MTO to work with regional transit providers to co-locate bus and rail stops to better connect all passenger transportation services.
5. MTO and Metrolinx to explore passenger train service extensions and expansions to communities in Southwestern Ontario in coordination with Transport Canada and Via Rail.
6. MTO to collaborate with the federal government and rail sector to research the ability to share active spur lines for regional transportation use.
7. MTO to work with municipalities to explore funding models that support the sustainability of short-line railways in serving local industries, including agriculture and manufacturing.

Additional ideas for the minister’s consideration

8. MTO to undertake awareness and promotion campaigns on the benefits of using rail and transit services, such as environmental and financial.
9. MTO, in collaboration with municipalities and Indigenous nations, to conduct a travel behaviour survey to assist in planning for rail and transit services that reflect community needs.
10. MTO, working with partners such as the federal government and rail service providers, to develop a federal-provincial rail strategy that outlines a long-term vision and actions to improve rail services across the province.
11. MTO to explore establishing a regional agency to coordinate and advocate for rail, local transit and intercommunity services.

Roads and highways sub-group

Top recommendations selected by the task force

1. MTO to increase the availability of safe parking facilities for commercial vehicles by reviewing rest areas along provincial highway corridors. This may include expanding the number of rest areas across the highway network and improving facility lighting, amenities and the design of parking facilities.
2. MTO to explore options for safe and direct commercial routing between Windsor and Sarnia, including a transportation link west of Chatham, and safety concerns on Highway 40 north of Wallaceburg.
3. MTO to install additional paved shoulders along provincial highways to reduce conflict between motor vehicles and vulnerable road users (e.g., cyclists, horse and buggies, farm vehicles).
4. MTO to support efforts to improve traffic enforcement operations and reduce incidents of speeding on provincial highways by expanding automated speed enforcement, driver education, traffic calming strategies and police enforcement.
5. MTO to improve the visibility of road and lane markings, especially in dark and wet conditions.
6. MTO to work with the federal government to ensure bridge and infrastructure funding streams dedicated for small and rural municipalities be made accessible to all agrarian municipalities.
7. MTO to work with industry partners to identify locations and install electric vehicle charging infrastructure along key corridors to support greater adoption and use of electric vehicles. MTO to also explore incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles.

Additional ideas for the minister’s consideration

8. MTO to identify and design key intersections to enable large and slow-moving vehicles (e.g., farm vehicles) to safely cross the roadway when widening highways with at-grade intersections.
9. MTO to work with municipalities and industry partners on programs and campaigns that promote safe and responsible driving, including against distracted and impaired driving.
10. MTO to improve roadside communication for drivers to improve road safety on provincial highways. This may include new electric signage for real-time updates on weather and traffic conditions, as well as additional signage about road rules and practices.
11. MTO to assess the resiliency of highway infrastructure to climate change. This may also include support for former provincial highways or downloaded roadways most impacted by climate change.