Gas tax windfall results in Creemore bus pitch

Clearview is poised to receive $128,174 in gas tax funds for municipal transportation and Deputy Mayor Barry Burton hopes the money will be used to extend the existing Stayner transit system to Creemore.

Burton has asked that the topic be discussed at the next council meeting, on Jan 29.

“When I realized there was this gas tax money coming to us, and it has to be used for public transportation purposes, I thought this was an opportunity to look at extending the Clearview bus line down to Creemore,” Burton told the Echo. “Especially since the bank is closing, this will certainly give the opportunity for those who don’t drive or don’t have a vehicle the opportunity to get to Stayner to do their banking, for those who use the TD Bank. It also gives the opportunity for people in Creemore to have access to the other line, to get in to Stayner and continue on into Wasaga Beach or Collingwood.”

Burton said his idea, which has yet to be explored by staff, discussed by council and has not yet been approved, is to use the windfall to purchase an accessible bus, smaller than the 20-seat Stayner bus, and start by running between Creemore and Stayner on a reduced schedule, maybe three days per week.

“When we initially started the trial run for the bus service in Stayner, I heard from several residents who asked, why isn’t it coming to Creemore? I heard that loud and clear,” said Burton.

He hopes that the bus would be used by Creemore youth who wish to access the youth centre in Stayner.

“I see it being used by youth, seniors and people who don’t drive,” said Burton.

He would like to see the service implemented and the schedule tweaked depending on ridership.

“If it seems to work, we could look at extending it to some of the other areas. For example, if it ran three days to Creemore, then on the other two days, maybe it could run to New Lowell,” said Burton. “I don’t have a definite plan set out, that’s why I have asked for a report from staff.”

Since 2004, the province has committed about $4.1 billion for municipal transit through the Dedicated Gas Tax Funds for Public Transportation Program.

“Our government is committed to working with municipalities to reduce congestion, improve the environment, and support economic growth. Overall, since 2003, we have invested more than $29.2 billion in public transit in Ontario. These investments are paying off- in 2016, public transit ridership in Ontario increased by more than 220 million passenger trips compared to 2003,” said transportation minister Steven Del Duca in a letter to Clearview Mayor Christopher Vanderkruys. “We remain committed to providing a long-term, stable and predictable transit funding source for Ontario municipalities by providing two cents per litre of provincial gas tax to improve and expand transit. In 2013, Ontario moved forward with its commitment to make gas tax funding permanent with the passage of the Dedicated Funding for Public Transportation Act.”

CAO Steve Sage told council the funds, separate from the request for gas tax funds for the new 20-seat Stayner bus, came rather suddenly. He said it is his impression from other municipalities, that the province wants to see the funds spent on capital, such as a bus or bus shelters.

“This money is a gift… If we don’t use it, they won’t offer it to us anymore and if we use it for operational purposes, we may not get any more money so that’s why the focus is on a capital expense,” said Burton.

He said if the proposed Creemore bus route is not well used, the second bus could be used to expand the service elsewhere in Clearview.

“It doesn’t have to be Creemore,” said Burton. “So, I don’t think it would be a bad investment.”

At last report, the Stayner bus was used by an average of 21 riders per day and about half that on Sundays.