Councillors here are up for the challenge, especially when it’s a friendly rivalry with its neighbours in Mapleton.
Recreation director Dave Stonley told members of Minto council that the Commuter Challenge is a national program to encourage Canadians to walk, job, cycle, inline skate, use transit, telework, or carpool.
The challenge runs May 31 to June 6, and Stonley said there is a challenge from Mapleton. “They would like to track the kilometres saved through any of these methods used during the commuter challenge.”
He used the example of people travelling together to work – such as if recreation staff from the same area travelled together to the workplace.
“Other possibilities included council or staff leaving their car at one of the local arenas and walking to the workplace.”
“We are looking at council and staff participating.”
Stonley said the part-time seasonal staff are willing to make a spreadsheet to track those accomplishments. His question to council is if they are ready to take on the challenge.
“Are we good to go?” asked Deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen.
The response from councillors was affirmative, although Dirksen added an official motion from the table would be appropriate since the next council meeting would be during the challenge itself.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said councillor David Turton.
He quipped he would like to see councillor Rick Hembly park at the arena and walk to work. Hembly works in Cambridge. Stonley suspected Hembly might be able to do it.
Councillor Wayne Martin added, “He’d likely run the distance.”
Dirksen asked, “Does everyone understand what we’re signing up for?” She then asked if it applied to just town, or any business.
“I want to win the challenge,” Stonley said. “Any saved kilometres, we will track.”
“We want to humiliate Mayor [John] Green,” laughed Hembly.
Stonley noted the recreation department has taken a step forward on the commuter challenge. “It is something with a year-round impact.”
Two parking spots at each of its recreation facilities have been painted green to designate them as commuter parking spots.
He said it provide another opportunity for individuals to carpool and thereby reduce the carbon footprint.
