learning – vivaNext

York Region Rapid Transit Corporation’s President, Mary-Frances Turner, spoke yesterday at the Global Public Transportation Summit in Stockholm, Sweden. Along with speakers from Melbourne, Australia; Paris, France; and Vancouver; she presented about the role of public transport in shaping cities. Her presentation, Art of the Possible: Turning a car-centric municipality into a culture of livability with transit, talks about how in York Region, smart growth and transit policies have been a catalyst to building a strong transit system and vibrant urban centres. How the rapidway projects have provided walkable, livable and desirable communities through smart growth, attractive streetscapes and investment.

The presentation in Stockholm allows us to showcase York Region, and more importantly, it’s an excellent learning opportunity, to see what other cities around the world have done to overcome challenges and shape their communities.

Last month, our Design Chief, Infrastructure and Development, Stephen Hollinger, spoke at the Urban Transit Infrastructure West conference in Vancouver on the topic of alternative financing for transit projects. This is a hot topic lately, and we were happy to share and discuss our experiences with public-private partnerships.

We only travel to a select few national and international conferences. More often, we’re part of panels and round-table discussions held in the GTA, or we’re hosting visitors from other cities around the world. Just recently, a delegation of visitors from Barcelona, Spain went for a tour of our transit service facility in Richmond Hill and the transit hub in Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. Since we opened our first rapidway segment on Highway 7 East in 2013, we’ve received visitors from several cities across North America, delegates from Europe, and our tours have been part of conventions held locally by public works and transit associations.

Whether it’s learning from the best and brightest in Ontario or around the world, we’re always exploring and discovering the latest in community building and transportation technology, so we can continue to plan the best travel options for those who live, work and travel in York Region.

learning outside the classroom

While your kids may lament the early mornings and long days that come with being back in school, there’s no denying the amount of pride they feel when they learn something new. This fall, embrace learning by visiting York Region’s centres of culture and education.

Markham: Flato Markham Theatre

Located just off of Highway 7 at Warden Avenue, Flato Markham Theatre is a cultural destination for everyone, regardless of their tastes or interests. This season, Flato Markham Theatre is housing a wide variety of showcases. From concerts, to tributes, to dance shows, to local theatrical productions, there’s something for everyone, and with it’s convenient location at Highway 7 and Warden, everyone can get there with Viva.

Vaughan: Ansley Grove Library

Ansley Grove Library is attached to Chancellor Community Centre just north of Highway 7 in Woodbridge, and is home to a variety of books, magazines and multimedia materials in many languages including English, French and Italian. The library also features a children’s room, where events for little ones are put on throughout the year. When you’re done, take an easy walk to Highway 7, where transit will get you home.

Newmarket: Elman W. Campbell Museum

Located on Historical Main Street in the heart of Newmarket, the Elman W. Campbell Museum serves as an educational connection to Newmarket’s history. The museum is a non-profit educational centre created to preserve and display local artifacts. The Elman W. Campbell Museum also hosts events, including Culture Days open houses and family Halloween parties. This destination is a “can’t miss” for those looking for a compelling, educational outing, just a short walk from Viva Yellow.

These are just a few – every town or city has places to learn and experience culture and history. YRT and Viva will get you to and from the theatre, the library and museum, and since you don’t have to do the driving, bring some reading material and learn on the road! Wondering what your transit options are? Try downloading the YRT/Viva app!

– Sydney Grant, student Public Relations Coordinator