Response from Jem Cain, Ward 6 Candidate, Election 2006

1. HBSCA has many members that work downtown. Currently, there is no quick, direct transit route. If elected, what action will you take to facilitate the installation of an Express bus between Humber Bay Shores and downtown Toronto? How soon after the election would this installation be completed?

Humber Bay Shores is an area with very high density residential which new developments are increasing – an Express bus downtown makes sense. There is an obvious need, and it is such a simple solution that it should have been in service years ago. The transit times from Humber Bay Shores to downtown are unreasonable. One item at the top of my priority list will be to have an Express Bus schedule introduced in and out of Humber Bay Shores. I will work with the TTC Commission, the resident’s and with your association to achieve this as soon as possible.

2. Humber Bay Shores is undergoing exponential growth, causing traffic jams at peak periods. HBSCA advocates the installation of traffic lights before construction of a new development begins, where traffic lights are part of those plans. If elected, what action will you take to assure support for that principle by City Council?

I would work with the Planning and Traffic Staff to ensure that part of the development and planning process would be to review the current situation and future impact of additional vehicles on traffic. If traffic lights, stop signs or other modifications are needed City Staff can work with the developer up front to ensure they are in place before the new residents move into the area. New developments should benefit the community and proactive planning would help ensure that is achieved.

3. Humber Bays Shores is experiencing significant gaps in community services and infrastructure. What is your vision for addressing our need for additional transit, upgrades to the road system, schools, libraries, police, fire halls, and containing odours from the sewage treatment plant on Queensway and the Humber River? If elected, how will you fulfill that vision within your mandate?

The lack of community services and infrastructure are the result of poor planning. I would work with the Planning Department to ensure that the overall needs of the community were considered and that community services, transit and traffic requirements were integrated into the planning of any new developments. All of these requirements for a vibrant community should be in place before the development is given the go ahead

No one should have to endure the odours from the sewage treatment plants – the technology is available to resolve this, and I would make that a priority.

4. How will you assure that capital improvements and related maintenance to the area will stay integral to developments planned for the Humber Bay Shores area?

At the City it appears that capital improvement and maintenance are reactive, once something is deteriorating and causing problems the City fixes it. We need a preventive approach with regular maintenance, so that issues are fixed before they become major problems or inconveniences.

5. How do you plan to strengthen the identity of Humber Bay Shores and support our role in representing this community?

I will have a current and frequently updated website. I will post information and links to all the community associations and agencies, including an events page for announcements. I will have regular Town Hall meetings which all the community associations would be welcome to attend. I will attend your meetings if there are issues and ideas you want to discuss. I will be an accessible councillor who is here to help you.

6. Why should we, as constituents of this area support your election?

Please keep all answer to 250 words or less.

The people who live and work in a community are the experts. They understand what the problems are and they often know the best and simplest solution. City Staff do not have the intimate knowledge or understanding of our community that we do. I will listen to, and work with you to achieve what you want for your neighbourhood. I will hold Public Meetings to inform about issues, planned developments and to hear your concerns and ideas. I will have a constituency office, I will be accessible, and I will return phone calls, e-mails and faxes. I will be an advocate for you and for our community. I will be accountable to you. We all work hard for our money, and I will spend our tax dollars wisely.