County hosts virtual Public Information Centre to engage residents about transportation needs

The County of Simcoe is hosting a virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) to support updates to our regional Transportation Master Plan (TMP). Input received from residents will help provide direction for the planning, coordination and implementation of a multi-municipal road and transit network, active transportation amenities (including bike lanes and trail networks), and commuter facilities for the next 30 years and beyond in Simcoe County.

From March 25 to April 11, 2021, interested parties are invited to visit www.simcoe.ca/tmp to view the virtual Public Information Centre, an interactive engagement space containing project display boards, a public opinion survey and an area to submit feedback and comments.

“The insights from businesses, organizations and individuals during previous updates proved invaluable, providing the basis for the County’s investments in our transportation infrastructure including funding to support a variety of transportation projects, growth of trail networks and the launch of our successful LINX Transit System,” said Warden George Cornell. “The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the travel needs of our residents, and we encourage citizens, businesses and partners to provide input and help us make further strategic investments in transportation infrastructure across Simcoe County.”

Background:

Based on the findings of the 2014 TMP, the County made the following investments:

• Established the LINX Transit System, a conventional public transit system that links major urban hubs and local transit services across the region. Currently, LINX operates five conventional routes and specialized transit. Route 6, connecting the Town of Midland with the City of Orillia, with stops in Tay, Oro-Medonte and Severn Townships, anticipated to launch in August 2021, with the specialized transit starting in September 2021

• In January 2020, the County also became the majority owner of the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport (LSRA), which is fully serviced by the Canada Border Service Agency and offers a convenient location in close proximity to the Greater Toronto Area and central Ontario

• Significant investments made to enhance the County Road Network, including the expansion of County Road 90 to a four-lane cross section plus a continuous centre turning lane

• The first ‘complete street’ road design project including an off-road trail linking The Towns of Penetanguishene and Midland is currently under construction

• The Trails Connecting Communities Program (TCCP) was established in 2009 to assist municipalities in the development of active transportation and recreational opportunities, with a focus on enhancing and/or expanding trail networks for non-motorized uses and improve trail accessibility. The TCCP operates through a 50/50 matching structure, whereby County funds are matched with local municipal investment. Since its inception in 2009, the TCCP has provided more than $1.9 million in funding to local municipalities to assist in the completion of more than 80 trail and active transportation projects

  County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie  and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.