For the entire schedule and to register to attend, visit www.taaguelph.com/summit
Speaker List (In Alphabetical Order by Last Name)
David T. Fortin, University of Waterloo
Topic: Shaping Cambridge: Equitable Transit-Oriented Development by Design
Description: Discussing how design principles are shaping transit-oriented development in Cambridge.
Bio: David T. Fortin, a Red River Métis, is an architect and academic. He co-curated Canada's official entries to the Venice Biennale in 2018 and 2023. A Canada Research Chair in Critical Relationalism and Design, he is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. He currently teaches at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture.
________________________________________
Christopher Greyson-Gaito, TAAG/GCAT Member
Topic: Imagining Guelph as a Transit-Oriented Community
Description: In this session, we will imagine the future of living and moving around Guelph, exploring what the community will feel and look like in 10 years.
Bio: Chris Greyson-Gaito is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at McMaster University, where he researches ecology and economics. He has been a member of GCAT and TAAG for about five years and is the author of the policy document "Removing Parking Minimums: A Key Step Towards An Affordable, Healthy, and Sustainable Guelph."
________________________________________
Sam Hersh, Environmental Defense
Topic: Fixing the Broken Transit Funding Model
Description: This session will examine why Canadian transit systems are trapped in cycles of underfunding and service cuts, and how this undermines riders and cities alike. We will explore alternative funding models and policy solutions that can create stable, equitable, and sustainable transit systems that actually meet the needs of communities.
Bio: Sam Hersh is a dedicated public transit advocate who has worked to advance better, more sustainable transportation at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. He has campaigned extensively for improved public transit and active transportation. His advocacy highlights the need for reliable funding, bold investment in zero-emission buses and trains, and stronger political commitment to build cities that work for people, not just cars. He has experience in past work with the Amalgamated Transit Union, at Ottawa City Hall, and as a co-founder of Horizon Ottawa, where he has played a leading role in pushing for equitable, accessible, and environmentally responsible transportation policies.
________________________________________
Geoffrey Keyworth, Manager of Transportation Planning, Region of Waterloo
Topic: Active Transportation Planning*
Description: An exploration of active transportation initiatives and planning in the Region of Waterloo.
Bio: Manager of Transportation Planning in the Region of Waterloo
________________________________________
Peter Miasek, Transport Action Ontario
Topic: VIA Rail and Alto High-Speed Rail
Description: An update on the Alto High-Speed Rail project (Toronto-Montreal) and VIA Rail, including plans and status for southwestern Ontario.
Bio: Peter Miasek is a retired chemist who worked for over 30 years in the oil industry. He is now actively involved in numerous advocacy initiatives for sustainable transportation and improved urban planning and serves on the Board of Directors for Transport Action Ontario.
________________________________________
Andrew Pulsifer, Executive Director, TTCriders
Topic: RapidTO Bus-Only Lanes
Description: The fight for dedicated transit lanes in Toronto. This will be a play-by-play of the debate around RapidTO dedicated lanes on Bathurst and Dufferin Streets.
Bio: Andrew Pulsifer is the Executive Director of TTCriders, a membership-based transit advocacy group in Toronto. With over a decade of experience as a political organizer, fundraiser, and activist, he works to advance affordable, reliable, and accessible public transit. TTCriders has won key victories for riders—including fare freezes, discount fare programs, and dedicated transit lanes—through grassroots organizing. Andrew is committed to building a stronger movement for transit justice across Toronto.
________________________________________
Isaac Ransom, Neuron Mobility
Topic: How Shared Micromobility is Reshaping Canadian Cities
Description: Shared micromobility programs are reshaping the urban landscape across Canada. Today, there are dozens of programs across Canada, including some right here in the Greater Toronto Area. This will provide an overview of the shared micromobility landscape in Canada and explore Canada's only multi-jurisdictional shared micromobility program in the Region of Waterloo.
Bio: Isaac is Head of Corporate Affairs at Neuron Mobility, Canada’s leading shared micromobility operator. Previously, Isaac served as a senior advisor to the Mayor of Toronto and later forged a successful career in municipal relations, helping organizations navigate the complexities of local government in Canada and Australia. Isaac holds a Master of Business Administration from Monash University, a Master of Communication from the University of the Sunshine Coast and a Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University.
________________________________________
Rodney Chan, TriTag
Topic: From concerned rider to transit champion: how to (re)build transit advocacy movements
Description: My experiences from community organizing, urban planning studies, and co-op work in transportation planning has given me diverse perspectives on how to grow transit advocacy participation and build transit campaigns to successfully advocate for change. I will share my journey and learnings from previous campaigns, discussing optimal ways to recruit volunteers, build relationships, develop campaigns, use social media, and much more.
Bio: Rodney is currently a 4th-year urban planning student at the University of Waterloo and has worked co-op terms in transportation and transit planning. Originally from Toronto, he rode public transit since he was young and became increasingly frustrated, leading him into advocacy with TTCriders. Since moving to Waterloo for university, he has revived Tri-Cites Transport Action Group (TriTAG), having advocacy wins like stopping transit cuts and bringing back night transit. TriTAG is currently running a campaign named IONize, to expand more LRT throughout Waterloo Region.
________________________________________
Tom Strickland, Cycling Advocate
Topic: Cycling Lessons from Waterloo Region
Description: This session will talk about some recent developments in Waterloo Region cycling, and how they might apply in the Guelph environment. These include signed wayfinding strategies, a model to rank the priority of potential new cycling facilities, and the Cycling Guide app to help plan safe cycling routes.
Bio: Tom is a retired actuary, and a Board member of CycleWR, a cycling advocacy group in Waterloo Region. He led a team that developed a detailed spreadsheet model to rank the value of the many potential cycling routes in the Region, with a focus on equity. The project was awarded the Wheels of Change award in 2022 from the Share the Road coalition, and the Local Climate Action award from Sustainable Waterloo Region in 2023.
