Canton convenes seven‑community transit consortium to map regional options ahead of county millage

Canton Township Supervisor Ann Marie Graham Hudick opened a July town hall at the Canton Public Library to present draft mobility strategies developed by a seven‑community Western Wayne County consortium and to solicit public feedback. She described the meeting as "an educational forum" and said the goal was to share findings, explain where planning stands, and hear residents’ questions and ideas.

The consortium — which includes Canton Township, Northville (city and township), Plymouth (city and township), Westland and Van Buren Township — pooled public engagement and planning work to evaluate gaps and possible route adjustments. "Transportation does not stop at a municipal boundary," said Erin Shutlow, Canton associate planner, explaining the rationale for a collaborative approach focused on equity, serviceability and competitiveness for state and federal grants. Panelists stressed the town hall was not advocacy for the county millage but rather an opportunity to align local priorities with SMART’s regional proposals.

Panelists described the process and next steps: OHM consultant Adrianna Jordan said OHM led a one‑year study phase, two rounds of community engagement, and two rounds of board/commission briefings; the team will develop an implementation plan, pursue grant partnerships and offer the draft plan for adoption by interested consortium members. Attendees were invited to review poster boards at the back of the room and complete an exit survey; a SMART representative named Jordan was available after the event for SMART‑specific questions.