Tag: summer

Categories
Going Green Innovation Uncategorized

visions of the future

Blogpost by: Sara Grilli

Cellphones, television and public transit all have something in common – innovation.  At the time of their initial release, they each took a simple task [i.e., communication, entertainment and travel] and turned it into something easier and more accessible.  As time marched forward, each has continued to innovate.  Cellphones are now smartphones, televisions became “smart” and our favourite shows can be streamed.  Transit has also changed, from basic buses to GPS-tracked high-capacity vehicles with payment by smartphone and WIFI at terminals.

For several years, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation has hired summer students in various fields of work such as engineering, communications, finance, etc.  As part of their summer experience and learning, we assigned a group project to the students.  This year, the guidelines were purposely vague.  We asked our 16 students to imagine what the future would look like.  This task was not to focus only on transit, but big picture ideas as well – such as environmental, social/health benefits and community engagement.  They were to brainstorm, research, and then present their ideas to their colleagues and managers.  Here are a few amazing ideas they brought forward:

  • Customized transit services, available at the right time and place for each individual
  • Environmentally conscious travel, with solar panels and a commitment to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions
  • A change to the economy, where businesses and agencies can not only rent ad space on public transit, but also rent space to provide services
  • Social benefits, helping people to foster happiness and wellbeing by increasing their daily social interactions
  • More community engagement, where people can easily connect to what’s around them

No matter what your vision of the future looks like, it’s about making changes for the better.  If our young people are seeing these types of changes, you can bet that at least some aspects of them will come true.  We hope so, and we hope to see our students use their innovative thinking to flourish in their chosen careers!

Say innovation! 13 of our summer students from 2018
Categories
Construction Rapidways Safety Signs and barrels Traffic signals Uncategorized

school’s out for the summer

Blogpost by: Katherine Yasinska

With the rising temperatures, it’s clear that summer is here! Summer brings barbecues, beach days and trips to the zoo. And now that school is over for the summer, kids and their families will be spending more time outside and on our roads.  It also means that the construction of our rapidways – on Highway 7 West in Woodbridge, Bathurst & Centre in Thornhill, and on Yonge Street in Richmond Hill and Newmarket – is in full swing.

Summer is our favourite season, not only because of the beautiful weather, but also because it means our vision of efficient and reliable transportation is becoming closer to completion every day.

safety in construction areas is key

Children of all ages are trading in their backpacks and pencils for bikes and basketballs. With school over for the summer, kids and their families will be spending more time outside and on our roads. That’s why we’d like to remind motorists to drive carefully and exercise caution in order to keep kids safe and sound!  In construction areas, safety should be even more top of mind – for everyone.

have fun and keep safe this summer

It’s inevitable that drivers can get distracted from time-to-time. The warmer weather and busy summer schedules may create even more distractions, which is why it’s so important to remember to be alert and cautious.

safety is a shared responsibility

When you’re driving through a construction zone or driving through a neighborhood filled with kids playing outside, it’s important to give your undivided attention to the road, pay attention to construction signage, and be alert for pedestrians, construction workers, and cyclists.

Summer brings many fun activities, but it also requires more attention to help everyone enjoy their summer. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility.

 

For information about ongoing vivaNext projects, be sure to subscribe to email updates, and follow us on Twitter. Questions or comments? Comment below or email us at contactus@vivanext.com.

Categories
General Innovation Uncategorized

more choices, more benefits #moretocome

Blogpost by: Sara Grilli

Ah, the freedom of summer. Warm weather opens up our options – we’re more likely to play, travel, and/or work outside. Whether you walk, bike, take transit or drive, how you get from A to B is your choice.

We all value the freedom to choose, and that’s why it’s important to keep building infrastructure that expands our travel options. In York Region, many people are choosing to live in places where they have more options. Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, Markham Centre, downtown Richmond Hill and Newmarket – what all of our urban centres have in common is that there are lots of choices in where to go, and how to get there.

When you’re out and about this summer, consider travelling in a new way – hop on Viva or YRT, get there on foot, or ride a bike. Many of York Region’s attractions are easy to get to, and transit is a great option. If you travel along one of our completed rapidways, we hope you’ll see how adding more travel choices with attractive streets and landscaping benefits all of us and creates spaces and places we can all enjoy.

Categories
Community Events Fun & Games Live-work-play

that’s entertainment

The towns and cities of York Region offer lots of fun, entertaining activities in the summer months. Whether you’re in the mood to catch a movie and play some games at the arcade, or you’re more drawn to live entertainment, there’s something for you!

Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts

Located in the heart of the historic downtown area, the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts [RHCPA] is a state-of-the-art performance space that seats over 600 people. Featuring a variety of performances from acclaimed, professional artists, RHCPA performances celebrate the wide range of cultures in York Region. Follow the link above for schedules and ticket information, and be sure to check out the list of free summer concerts.

Newmarket Music in the Park

Every Thursday and Sunday night throughout the summer months, the Newmarket residents gather by Fairy Lake to enjoy an evening of culture, music and fun. Music in the Park is a free event hosted by the Town of Newmarket. Featuring performances from local entertainers, it’s a convenient, low-key evening that the whole family is guaranteed to enjoy. Come on out and support your local performers – they may just be the next big star!

Vaughan Colossus

Is there any better way to spend a humid, rainy summer day than taking in a movie with your friends or family? At Vaughan’s Colossus Cineplex, located right off Highway 7, you can catch all the latest flicks with your nearest and dearest. Additionally, Colossus is decked out with an XSCAPE Entertainment Centre, so you can spend time before and after the movie winning tickets for prizes in this interactive arcade.

If you haven’t visited one of these, add it to your list this summer – maybe it’ll be your new favourite place to go. York Region has lots of entertainment, and whether it’s indoor or outdoor, live performances or movies on the big screen; it’s all just a short transit ride away.

 

– Sydney Grant, student Public Relations Coordinator

Categories
Fun & Games

dive into summer

dive into summer

The towns and cities of York Region offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor athletic facilities which are open to the public throughout the summer months. Regardless of skill level, athletic prowess, or lack thereof, these destinations offer something fun and active for everyone. With easy access to our expanding Viva network, summer fun is right at your door.

Richmond Hill: The Wave Pool

York Region’s only indoor wave pool, The Wave Pool, is a destination with something to offer visitors of all ages. In addition to the central wave pool, this destination also features a twisting, 160-foot long water slide, a swirl pool and an on-deck sauna. If you’re looking for some family fun in a safe atmosphere, surf your way over to The Wave Pool.

Markham: Pan Am Centre

Built for the 2015 Pan Am games, the Pan Am Centre in Markham boasts an Olympic-sized pool with 10 lanes. A location suited for more experienced athletes, the Pan Am Centre hosts endurance lane swims throughout the week, on either a 25 metre or 50 metre course. However, if you consider yourself more of a spectator, the Pan Am Centre is home to a variety of competitions and events throughout the year.

Newmarket: Of Rock and Chalk

Located on Ontario Street, just off Davis Drive, Of Rock and Chalk is an indoor rock climbing facility in the heart of Newmarket. Decked out with over 46 different climbing routes, six different bouldering areas and a variety of other features, Of Rock and Chalk is guaranteed to be a fun time for the whole family. Additionally, Of Rock and Chalk offers a variety of courses and passes from a beginner’s course to individually booked climb time, making it an exciting challenge for people of all skill levels.

So whatever your activity while you’re out and about – chasing Pokémon, enjoying a community event or diving into your local pool – we at vivaNext are working hard on construction projects to add dedicated lanes for Viva to help you get there faster. We hope you’re enjoying this great summer!

– Sydney Grant, student Public Relations Coordinator

Categories
Construction

the freedom of July

the freedom of July

July means freedom to kids and youth who are out of school, and spending time outside walking, biking and taking transit. It’s a time filled with the promise of new adventures and fun on the horizon.

We’re all for adventures, but with so much activity on York Region’s streets, we hope everyone will keep safety in mind too. If you’re out for a walk or bike ride, be sure to stay outside of construction areas – even ones that appear inactive. Cross at sidewalks, and be aware of vehicles nearby. If you’re driving, give pedestrians and cyclists some extra space and lower your speed in construction areas.

Most of our projects are on or near the road, so we’re very safety conscious when setting up construction sites.

When setting up work sites, our contractors abide by legislation, safety guidelines and local bylaws, including: the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Occupational Health and Safety Act [1990], Ontario Traffic Council [Book 7], and bylaws of York Region and local towns and cities.

Safety of the site and the construction workers is very important on any project. By keeping the community informed of work and maintaining good directional signs, the teams work together to make sure everyone gets home to their families.

We hope everyone finds a little adventure and a taste of freedom this summer – stay safe!

 

Categories
Community Events Fun & Games

make some #connections this summer

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day!

It’s that time of year again, as the temperature rises and schools close, we start making plans for the summer. No matter whether you’re planning to take a big vacation or find fun and excitement in York Region, know that Viva is there to make your trips for work, shopping or playing a fast and enjoyable experience.

But on a day like today, we’re concentrating on the fun. Join us at events across York Region this summer in your community.  This July 1, our vivaNext team will be out celebrating Canada Day at the Kanata Summer Festival in Newmarket.

itching for ways to win?

Pick up a scratch ‘n’ win card from our vivaNext team at your next community event. We’ll be handing out vivaNext scratch cards for a chance to win one of 12 PRESTO cards, or one of three iPad Air 2 tablets. Both are perfect for getting you around town or staying connected to the people and places we love most. A PRESTO card is the most convenient way to get around town, connecting YRT/Viva, GO buses and trains, and the TTC with one card! And the iPad Air 2 is equally convenient for business or pleasure with a wide selection of apps to choose from [like this one, perhaps?]. For complete details, visit our website, or go straight to the rules and regulations.

up for a challenge?

For those who enjoy games check out our summer on-line game – another PRESTO card is up for grabs. The highest score wins, so play early and often to better your score. Play the #Connections Summer Game here.

Davis Drive walking tours in Newmarket

Looking for something to do this summer? Show your support for Davis Drive businesses with a short, guided walking tour of the new rapidways under construction. See the progress in action! Best of all, you’ll receive a $10 voucher to use at a participating Davis Drive restaurant on the day of your tour. Space is limited, so please register for a date and time convenient to you.

There is a lot happening around town and we hope to see you out and about this summer. In the meantime, Happy Canada Day everyone!

 

Categories
Live-work-play

those carefree summer days are here!

those carefree summer days are here

School’s wrapping up and summer’s here! Are you excited? We are. Summer is the time of year when vivaNext gets a lot done. This summer, work on our Davis Drive rapidway in Newmarket is entering the home stretch, and we’re excited to see it taking shape. We’re also widening roads and paving in Vaughan on Highway 7 West, and last but not least we are putting the final touches on our Highway 7 rapidway in Markham in preparation for the Pan Am Games.

Summer is a great time for you to get things done too – important things like swimming, cycling, camping and barbecues.

Warm weather and no school mean carefree days, which is why it’s more important than ever to drive carefully. Children and teens will be running around having the time of their lives. Sometimes they run into the streets without looking, skateboard on busy streets, or do other things you wouldn’t expect. It’s motorists’ job to be extra vigilant, helping our kids stay safe.

In our busy lives, driving sometimes feels like a race from one place to the next. Is it really worth the rush? Sidestepping rules of the road by talking on a cell phone or rolling through a stop sign can be tempting. But, take your time. Slow down and enjoy the summer. Keep your attention on the road and watch for construction detours, speed signs and children.

And if you find driving is becoming a little tedious, you can try Viva, which is running throughout York Region. As you know, six kilometres of bus rapid transit are already running in Markham from Bayview to Warden, providing travel times that are as much as 35% faster, so experience it firsthand.  This route will be a fast, convenient alternative to driving your car throughout the Pan Am Games this summer.

However you choose to get around, we hope you make the most out of your summer – drive with care and be safe!