And so it goes. Lethbridge's dependency on the use of vehicles is "just the way it is," and according to comments by Faron Ellis, that's the way it will always be. And it's tough to argue his position as long as our city is always led by those so willing to throw their hands in the air and resist change and progress. Fostering great dependency on the use of vehicles is the easy way out but not morally responsible. With the geographic size that Lethbridge is, it could be very easy to encourage more people to get around with a transit system that actually works and is designed based on efficiency. Geographically we are also an ideal size to better augment our transiting needs with well-connected bike paths and pedestrian corridors. Failing to recognize that improvements can, "and should," be made supports Mr. Ellis's comment and as long as our transit continues to prove arduous, our citizens will always be drawn to using their private vehicles.
Numerous studies provided to the city have identified aspects to make the required improvements but time and again the city ignores these recommendations. Just recently the concept of a pedestrian bridge connecting the westside to the southside downtown area was dismissed largely due to a skewed report that provided costs that were were in essence double the actual figures garnered privately.
We look for our leaders to lead. To look towards making our city better and to be brave enough to embrace concepts and ideas that at times may be challenging. It is disappointing that most of our current council can't see the benefits of being progressive, are unable or unwilling to look to a better future that promotes "less use of vehicles rather than increased use of vehicles." The cost argument of making public transit more efficient and providing better bike paths for commuting always raises its ugly head but the costs associated with obesity, inactivity and vehicles is also high . . . and ugly. Council has a choice. They can either get excited at the possibilities to make our city less dependent on vehicles, or as has been displayed in the past, they can get excited about catering to the car by building new parkades, bigger intersections and installing fancy parking meters.
Ron Bain
Lethbridge