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Active Guelph GCAT Survey

August 27, 2026

Gcat
Katherine volunteering at GCAT event

GCAT Survey

 

What are the three (3) most important active transportation issues in your Ward, and what will you do about them if elected?*

The three most important active transportation issues in Ward 6 are connectivity, safety and planning infrastructure alongside growth. We need to close gaps in sidewalks, cycling routes and trails so people can safely reach schools, parks, shopping and transit, and improve crossings and intersections along our busiest roads. With significant work planned for Gordon Street and Clair Road, the next term of Council presents an important opportunity to ensure those projects are designed thoughtfully and purposefully. We need to consider pedestrians, cyclists, transit and vehicles together, connect existing and future neighbourhoods, and build infrastructure that will serve Ward 6 as it continues to grow.
 
 

Please tell us about your own lived experience as an active transportation user in the City of Guelph. When walking, cycling, or rolling to places within Guelph, what challenges or barriers do you personally encounter? *

I predominantly walk or use public transit to get around Guelph, so my experience with active transportation is primarily as a pedestrian. I have also gained a much greater appreciation for accessibility and for how much distance can exist between a bus stop and someone’s actual destination. What feels like a short walk can be a significant barrier for someone with limited mobility. I see transit and active transportation as connected systems. Every transit trip also involves getting safely and accessibly to and from a stop. My own experience has made me more aware of sidewalk conditions, safe crossings, winter maintenance and the importance of considering the entire journey and not simply whether a route exists.
 
 

Commitments

1. Active transportation as part of the transportation network

Guelph invests in a transportation system that includes roads, public transit, sidewalks, trails and cycling facilities.

Do you support continuing to invest in walking and cycling infrastructure as part of the City’s overall transportation and capital program during the 2026–2030 Council term?

YES
 
Walking and cycling infrastructure are important parts of a complete transportation network. I support continued investment that improves safety, closes gaps and creates better connections between neighbourhoods and destinations. These investments should be planned alongside roads, transit and other infrastructure so our transportation system works together and provides residents with practical choices for how they move around the city.
 
 

2. Trail development

The Guelph Trail Master Plan was approved in 2021 with an original 10-year implementation timeline. Following the 2025 Budget Update, most new trail construction was deferred, with projects originally identified for 2021–2030 rescheduled over a period extending to 2045.* Do you support bringing priority new trail projects back into the City’s 10-year capital plan?

YES

 
 
The Trail Master Plan was developed for a reason, and extending most new trail construction to 2045 just seems too far away. I support reviewing priority projects for inclusion in the 10-year capital plan, particularly where they close important network gaps or improve safety and accessibility. This should be done responsibly through the capital budget process, considering available funding, project readiness and other infrastructure priorities.
 
 

3. Cycling network

The City’s 2026 capital budget states that 46 short-term Transportation Master Plan projects containing cycling network components were deferred through the 2025 Budget Update. The budget also identifies reductions to Cycling Master Plan implementation and funding for in-road protected cycling infrastructure.*

Do you support continuing to build toward a connected cycling network during the 2026–2030 Council term, using a combination of stand-alone projects and improvements coordinated with road reconstruction and other capital work?

YES
 
A connected network is what makes cycling infrastructure useful. I support closing gaps through stand-alone projects and coordinating improvements with road reconstruction. Where feasible, I support separated multi-use paths that provide greater separation between cyclists and vehicle traffic and can serve a wider range of users. These options may require greater investment, but safety and long-term value should be considered when we design and rebuild our roads.
 
 

4. Walking and road safety

Guelph City Council approved the Vision Zero Action Plan in March 2025, with the goal of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on Guelph roads.^ The City’s capital plan also identifies a reduced pace for sidewalk gap infill and changes to the timing of some planned pedestrian infrastructure.*

Do you support continuing implementation of pedestrian and road-safety improvements during the 2026–2030 Council term, with priority given to locations and projects where safety needs are greatest?

Examples may include sidewalk connections, pedestrian crossings, traffic calming and Vision Zero initiatives.

YES
 
Road safety must be a priority for everyone who uses our transportation network. I support continuing Vision Zero initiatives, safer pedestrian crossings, sidewalk improvements and traffic-calming measures, prioritizing locations where safety needs are greatest. Infrastructure matters, but so does individual responsibility. Ultimately, every one of us can make our roads safer by slowing down, paying attention and looking out for one another.
 
 

Sources for Footnotes

* City of Guelph — 2026 Confirmed Budget: Capital Budget. Includes information on the Guelph Trail Master Plan, deferred Transportation Master Plan projects containing cycling components, Cycling Master Plan implementation, sidewalk infill and pedestrian infrastructure.https://guelph.ca/city-government/budget-and-finance/city-budget/2026-budget/2026-budget-update-capital-budget/

^ City of Guelph — Community Road Safety Strategy / Vision Zero. Confirms Council approval of the Vision Zero Action Plan in March 2025 and describes the goal of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on Guelph roads.