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RECOGNITION OF THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2016 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BARRIE AWARDS
Walter Fischer, Supervisor of Parks Planning and Development provided a definition of active transportation as well as the methods and benefits related to it. He discussed a community workshop that was held by the City of Barrie in to 2008 to formulate an Active Transportation Plan for the City of Barrie. He advised of the recommendations resulting from the workshop including the establishment of a working group comprised of local organizations and businesses that in partnership with the City would promote and support car-free alternative forms of transportation. He noted that one of the initiatives of the group; called Active Transportation Barrie is to recognize local initiatives, community groups and individuals who exemplify the principles of active transportation.
Mr. Fischer called upon Mayor Lehman to present certificates to the recipients of the 2016 Active Transportation Awards.
Mr. Fischer announced that first certificate was to be presented to Christy Manuel. Ms. Manuel approached the Barrie Active Transportation Working group to gain its support for an event at Andrew Hunter Public School. Ms. Manuel was successful in receiving a grant through the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program that funded the purchase of 100 new bicycles, locks and helmets that were distributed for free to students who applied through the school. He also noted that Ms. Manuel coordinated a week long program to teach each student who received a bike to ride safely with assistance from friends, a CAN-BIKE instructor and the Barrie Police Service. Mr. Fischer advised that Ms. Manuel has also been able to expand this initiative to other areas in Simcoe County. Mr. Fischer thanked Ms. Manuel for her efforts in promoting safe cycling and introducing this mode of transportation to children.
Mr. Fischer announced that the second certificate was to be presented to Mr. Steve Rastin and Anita Wong who are receiving the award on behalf of Rastin and Associates. Mr. Fischer advised that since 2002, the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association has been distributing bicycle helmets across Ontario through the “Helmets on Kids Program” and that Mr. Rastin recognized that there was a need for this program in Simcoe County. He worked with the Association to initiate this program in the City of Barrie and Simcoe County. Mr. Fisher announced that this program resulted in the purchase of 550 bike helmets throughout Barrie and Simcoe County for school children who would otherwise not be able to afford one. He noted that Rastin and Associates worked with the Barrie Police Service and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to distribute these helmets at Trillium Woods Elementary School and St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School. Mr. Fischer thanked Rastin and Associates for their ongoing passion and initiative to continue with the Helmets on Kids Program.
Mayor Lehman expressed his appreciation to the award recipients for improving access to access to equipment for children and commented that the number of children that are being assisted through the programs is extraordinary. Mayor Lehman also recognized the members of the Barrie Active Transportation Group that were present and noted his appreciation and thanked them for their efforts.