LRT a local decision, as it should be

Short-sighted. Backward. Regressive.

We’re not talking about the likelihood of Doug Ford being Ontario’s next premier, although those descriptors apply. We’re referring to the current trajectory of Hamilton’s LRT line.

The PC leader said his government would honour the $1-billion funding pledge. Then, prodded by local candidate, city councillor and anti-LRT lobbyist Donna Skelly, he amended that: Hamilton can have the LRT cash if that’s what it wants, but if it doesn’t it can keep the billion, no strings attached.

Unlikely? Highly. Apparently Ford didn’t consult his brain trust, who would have pointed out that if Hamilton gets no-strings funding, every other municipality will want the same treatment. Regardless, Ford made the commitment. That opened the door to already shaky city councillors. When they thought the money was for LRT only, they were pro-LRT. But if they can have the money without LRT ...

Enter NDP leader Andrea Horwath, riding a nice wave of momentum in the polls. Horwath told The Spec editorial board nearly the same thing. She said if Hamilton decided it didn’t want LRT, the billion could be used for other purposes, if they’re transit-related. She also made it clear she personally supports LRT. But, she said, if city council decides otherwise, she would support that, too.

Politically expedient when she’s campaigning? Definitely. But fair enough. Horwath put the ball squarely back in Hamilton’s court. It’s fitting in a way. If council can’t find the backbone to maintain its support for the obvious benefits LRT offers, let councillors wear that during the upcoming election. History will judge them accordingly.