Barrier Free Washrooms

 

We believe making ensuring Western promotes and offers a safe space for all is a priority.  As a result, Team Ocean will look to incorporating barrier free washrooms into our campus. As the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (The “AODA”) aims to build an accessible Ontario by 2025, we look forward to beating this target goal. These barrier free washrooms will serve those with disabilities and will double as a gender-neutral area.

 

Pedestrian Safety

 

Safety of pedestrians on campus is of vital concern. Team Ocean will continue to work with the municipal government to bring a scramble intersection to the Philip Aziz and Western Road intersection and begin advocacy efforts for one at University Drive and Talbot College intersection. Additionally, the 20 KM/H speed limit on Lambton Drive continues to be neglected, the same site where a first-year Western student was struck down and killed by an intoxicated driver in 2015. Team Ocean will work towards placing a guard rail at this site.

 

Affordable Intercity Transportation

 

A large portion of our student body is from communities outside of London,  the largest being students originating from the GTA. The average student visits home at least every few weeks. Yet, unlike services offered at other Ontario Universities, London lacks affordable and accessible transportation methods departing from campus. This year, the USC developed a successful airport shuttle system to assist students commuting home for the holidays. Team Ocean is looking forward to growing this idea by piloting an affordable and accessible weekly transportation option that will allow students to travel from campus to the GTA on Fridays, with a return option on Sunday evenings. By partnering up with nearby Universities that are already offering similar services, Team Ocean expects to expand destination options, secure demand and ensure feasibility for this initiative.
 

Improved Bus Shelters for Bus Stops

 

While the Kings/Brescia Shuttle bus is a popular transportation option for many students, there is a lack of shelter available to students at these sites. We’ve experienced the unpleasant nature of waiting for the shuttle in the middle of winter. To ensure that students are protected from wind, rain and snow while waiting for the shuttle, Team Ocean will work towards adding Shelters to each of the Kings-Brescia Shuttle bus stops as well as other popular LTC stops on campus.  

 

 

Improved Snow Removal

 

Since London is located in a snowbelt, both campus and nearby student neighbourhoods are often hit with very heavy snowfalls. Team Ocean recognizes that students deserve better snow removal both on campus and in nearby neighbourhoods. We will work diligently with the City of London to ensure that snow is cleared swiftly and effectively as well as maintain safer pedestrian and driving conditions when encountered with heavy snowfall.

 

Retainment of USC Student Jobs and Avoid Cutting Business Hours

 

It is no secret that very few, if any, Ontario businesses have an answer for the current minimum wage hike, as well as the upcoming minimum wage hike. While some businesses will look towards cutting jobs and business hours, Team Ocean will refuse to do so. Despite this change to the current economic landscape of Ontario, Team Ocean strongly believes that as the USC, we must continue to work for students and offer them quality services at affordable prices. We will therefore double down on our budgeting efforts to ensure student jobs are not lost, business hours are not cut, and the inflation of prices is sustainable and maintains goods affordable.

 

London’s Bus Rapid Transit System

 

London Ontario has committed to improving it’s public transportation services and shifting to a bus-based rapid transit system. While this initiative will profoundly improve the lives of public transit users, it is essential that UWO students are considered in the implementation of the system. Team Ocean will advocate for transit stops to be strategically placed on behalf of student interests, as well as that the construction of the BRT system on campus is prioritized and doesn’t interfere with student life on and off campus.