Mr. Legrain and Ms. Jianfar presented on the Downtown Movement Plan and provided a project overview and an update. The Downtown Movement Plan consists of a technical study of the Downtown Strategy and Action Plan and delivering Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan. The City of Mississauga plans to go through an Environmental Assessment process to speed up the implementation and determine the most effective options for the Downtown core. They spoke to the Downtown 21 Master Plan and the six guiding principles. They outlined the phases of the Downtown Strategy and the Downtown Movement Plan. The received feedback from Phase One (1) focused on four themes; walking, cycling, transit and driving. The Downtown Movement Plan's next steps are to conduct a Public Meeting in Winter/Spring 2021 that will consist of reviewed public feedback and alternative solutions prior to reporting to Council.
Brad Butt, Community Group Representative recalled a previously piloted shuttle bus service in the downtown core and suggested initiating that service again as an automated electric shuttle bus in order to reduce the number of driving trips and/or walking during the winter months. Councillor Carlson noted he was a big supporter of the shuttle bus, however further noted the reasons behind the pilot not succeeding was due to lack of density at the time in the core and no return bus service, which generated longer wait times. Therefore, if those elements were addressed another shuttle services could be successful. Mr. Legrain noted that a large number to driving trips within the core are under 5km. Mr. Legrain responded by noting that a shuttle service has been pitched to MiWay, however received mixed reviews and the City is currently looking a variety of transit alternatives for the downtown core.
Melanie Kramer, Community Group Representative suggested incentives for business to shift working hours to reduce peak times. Mr. Legrain responded by noting shifting work patterns, such as working from home would help offset peak times and create more efficiency to use alternative modes of transportation, however also noted that this may cause more driving due to the less congestion on the road.