have always believed municipal government is particularly important because it's the level of government closest to us and most visibly responsible for the quality of life we enjoy in our communities.
As Regional Chair, I think transportation issues are a perfect example of what I am talking about. Whether it is efficient vehicle travel to and from work or safe pedestrian travel to and from school for our kids, transportation issues touch all of us 'where we live.'
Residents of Old Ottawa South will know exactly what I am referring to. The Region of Ottawa-Carleton has been very busy on a wide range of transportation-related issues since I became chair in 1997. Among them have been measures to calm and slow down traffic in certain areas and we rely heavily on neighbourhood input when we investigate the need to make changes and when we make decisions to do something.
Many Old Ottawa South residents are concerned about how busy Bronson Avenue is becoming and we at the region are acting there as well. Capital Ward Councillor Clive Doucet and I have tabled to motion to halt the Bronson - Portage Bridge extension because it would increase Bronson traffic.
The region has also launched a modest light rail initiative in hopes of eventually reducing private vehicle traffic in the area. The first trains will be delivered in January 2001 to run between Greenboro Station and Lebreton Flats using existing rail that runs through Carleton University.
We've been busy in other ways too. We launched public sessions on how to properly install child safety seats and, with private sector participation, we introduced a "Good Bears Buckle up" project to ensure safe vehicle travel for children.
Taking care of business on the transportation front is vital to improving the quality of life enjoyed by residents of Old Ottawa South and residents elsewhere in our region.
As we move into the 21st century with predictions of high growth in the new city of Ottawa we are creating, reckoning with transportation issues must remain a top priority.