The Region of Peel’s first Off-Peak Delivery (OPD) pilot project will run July-December 2018 with participation from:
- LCBO
- Loblaw Companies Limited
- PepsiCo
- Walmart Canada Corp.
- Weston Foods
The University of Toronto, McMaster University and York University will contribute their expertise through the Smart Freight Centre, an initiative led by Peel Region.
Metrolinx will provide a financial contribution to support the research and innovation component of this initiative, which aligns with the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan.
The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) will also provide project funding, supporting the agency’s mandate to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution in the GTHA. “Transportation is the second largest source of carbon emissions in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and unfortunately they keep rising” says TAF CEO Julia Langer. “By shifting deliveries to off-peak hours, the Peel pilot will pave the way to reduce truck-related emissions as well as congestion and travel times for commuters.”
Deloitte Canada will act as advisors on the project.
Reducing GTHA traffic congestion
The objective of the OPD pilot project is to help reduce traffic congestion on highways and major road networks within the GTHA by optimizing:
- where freight is moving
- how to best use the available capacities of existing transportation infrastructure
- where we can benefit from new investment in transportation infrastructure
“The Region is looking forward to working with these business champions to implement the OPD pilot,” said Gary Kocialek, Region of Peel Director of Transportation. “Peel Region’s goods movement industry contributes $48.8 billion worth of GDP to the regional, provincial and national economy and recognizes the importance of helping to alleviate congestion within the broader regional transportation system. The off-peak delivery pilot will help understand how using our existing infrastructure more efficiently can reduce congestion, improve business operations, while supporting the quality of life within our communities.”