Niagara Region has prepared a report on inter-municipal transit after public consultation via numerous studies over the past two years.
The report is intended to enable Regional council members and municipal councils to evaluate options for moving forward with inter-municipal transit.
The starting point would be enhanced service between Welland, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.
The Role of the Lower-tier Municipalities
Under the municipal act, the transit authority rests with the lower-tier municipality.
To bring any transit related service to the Regional level, it must go through the triple majority voting process and the lower tier municipalities will be participating in that vote.
How a "Triple Majority" works
Triple majority approval is required for the Region to pass a by-law to become a fourth major municipal transit operator and be involved in public transit.
For this by-law to come into effect, the following must happen: (as outlined in Ontario's Municipal Act)
- Niagara Regional council must vote in favour of the by-law
- At least seven of the 12 town/city councils must vote in favour of the by-law
- If seven or more town/city councils vote in favour, then the number of eligible voters in those towns/cities are added up and must be more than the number of eligible voters in the towns/cities that voted against.
Example 1:
- 9 municipalities vote in favour and have a total of 150,000 eligible voters
- 3 municipalities vote against and have 90,000 voters.
- The by-law passes
Example 2:
- 8 municipalities vote in favour and have a total of 100,000 eligible voters
- 4 municipalities vote against and have 140,000 voters.
- The by-law does NOT pass
Inter-Municipal Transit Project has Three Phases
Inter-municipal transit is a three-phase project, currently in Phase 1. It will be determined on January 28 whether or not the project moves into Phase 2. If it does, the report recommends beginning Phase 2 as soon possible.
During that phase, the Region will be seeking significant input from residents. More information on locations, times and dates of public meetings will be shared if the project moves forward. Phase 3 is the implementation and administration of future service.
How Residents can Provide Feedback
Residents have already had the opportunity to provide feedback (through a number of different surveys) and will continue to be able to provide feedback throughout the phases of the project, should Regional Council decide to move forward with it.
If this project moves to Phase 2, residents will have the opportunity to participate in public meetings, focus groups and an online survey.
Providing the project moves into Phase 2, residents can submit their comments in writing through the Region's Clerks Department.
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