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Council candidates backpedal on cycling issues

The Sault Cycling Club recently surveyed candidates in the November 10 City Council election on cycling-related issues. The club has asked SooToday.com to publish the survey results, a request with which we're delighted to comply.
Bike

The Sault Cycling Club recently surveyed candidates in the November 10 City Council election on cycling-related issues.

The club has asked SooToday.com to publish the survey results, a request with which we're delighted to comply.

**************************************************************** Gary Bedryk, mayoral candidate

Are you in support of developing bike routes in this City? - Want to promote action and completion of our present board walk and cycle/walking projects.

Would you support the establishment of an annual funding formula to implement the cycling component of the City's Trail Master Plan? If so, what amount would you want allocated? - Would set aside 1%-5% of recreation budget with further increases from increased tourism revenue to bolster city cycle and walking/running routes.

What bike priorities would you recommend for development? - No answer given.

Do you have any additional comments that you would like to provide? - A healthy community decreases the need for adults and seniors to seek health care. Our youth are obese and unhealthy; therefore, activity outdoors can only be stimulated with services. I invite SCC executive to have on-going discussion about funding formula.

Patricia Jennings, mayoral candidate

Did not respond

John Rowswell, mayoral candidate

Are you in support of developing bike routes in this City? - We are developing bike routes in the city as best we can afford to do so, for this important matter.

Would you support the establishment of an annual funding formula to implement the cycling component of the City's Trail Master Plan? If so, what amount would you want allocated? - It will depend on each budget. The snow-mobilers actively sell their sport by the economic benefits. This rationalizes their trail development. How are you selling bike trail development as a benefit to the community as a whole?

What bike priorities would you recommend for development? - I have worked hard and will continue to work on bike/snowmobile trails along the new direct link truck route from 2nd line to the International Bridge. Shared trail development in other areas are very much a consideration.

Do you have any additional comments that you would like to provide? - You could have just come and talked to me and explained how we can work together on this. See you in 2004.

Peter Vaudry, mayoral candidate

Are you in support of developing bike routes in this City? - I support the trail initiative 100%.

Would you support the establishment of an annual funding formula to implement the cycling component of the City's Trail Master Plan? If so, what amount would you want allocated? - I also agree that some monies should be dedicated to realize the objectives in the Trails Master Plan. I cannot give an amount that should be tied to this until the next Council sits and discusses the budget.

What bike priorities would you recommend for development? - no answer given

Do you have any additional comments that you would like to provide? - no answer given

Steve Butland, Ward 1

Are you in support of developing bike routes in this City? - Yes

Would you support the establishment of an annual funding formula to implement the cycling component of the City's Trail Master Plan? If so, what amount would you want allocated? - Willing to investigate. Did this with Arts community. Not sure of funding formula.

What bike priorities would you recommend for development? - - No expertise. Leave it to the club. Along waterfront would be fantastic if possible.

Do you have any additional comments that you would like to provide? - Would be receptive to meeting with membership to discuss issues, potential routes, strategies to accomplish. Might want to appoint a committee of council to deal with issue.

James Caicco, Ward 1

Are you in support of developing bike routes in this City? - Yes

Would you support the establishment of an annual funding formula to implement the cycling component of the City's Trail Master Plan? If so, what amount would you want allocated? - Would support investigating the idea.

What bike priorities would you recommend for development? - Follow priorities in Trails Master Plan.

Do you have any additional comments that you would like to provide? - Would participate in any discussions or meetings that might be appropriate.

Paul Christian, Ward 1

Are you in support of developing bike routes in this City? - Yes/Yes.

Would you support the establishment of an annual funding formula to implement the cycling component of the City's Trail Master Plan? If so, what amount would you want allocated? - I think a funding plan would be a good idea. At this point however, I don’t feel I am capable of offering an informed opinion.

What bike priorities would you recommend for development - 1) Repairing of roads on the route should include lanes for bikes. - 2) Routes in the downtown core should be part of the route. - 3) Routes should be part of and connect many of the historic sites.

Do you have any additional comments that you would like to provide? - There should be a direct link to the Trans Canada Trail. Strong visibility and easy access from city’s trail to the Trans Canada Trail.

Dan Lewis, Ward 1

Are you in support of developing bike routes in this City? - Most definitely!

Would you support the establishment of an annual funding formula to implement the cycling component of the City's Trail Master Plan? If so, what amount would you want allocated? - Yes, until elected into municipal office, I would have to obtain additional information to consider what amount I would want allocated.

What bike priorities would you recommend for development - Same as question #2. I would need to see proposals as well as the City’s Trail Master Plan.

Do you have any additional comments that you would like to provide? - Any ideas that support healthy lifestyles for our citizens in SSM will get my total support.

Andy Martens, Ward 1

Did not respond

**************************************************************** To read more ward candidate responses, please click here.


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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