Hamilton LRT is not an election issue

It’s been approved and supported too many times to count. Get on with it

New Democratic Party leader Andrea Horwath was in Hamilton a couple of weeks ago speaking with The Spec’s editorial board. In that meeting she clarified the role of the provincial government in relation to Hamilton’s pending LRT construction. She stated, quite rightly, that transit falls under the municipal realm of responsibilities and that despite making her sad enough to cry, she would have to abide by city council’s decision should they decide to cancel the project. She seemed to be echoing Doug Ford’s $1-billion promise to turn LRT funding into just funding. For anything.

I couldn’t believe what I read. It seems I wasn’t alone. The outcry from LRT supporters on social media was swift and furious. Two days later, Horwath backtracked on her comments stating unequivocal support for LRT. She said: “Waffling on this project equals more delays on this project — and Hamilton can’t wait any longer.” Although I’m not sure how she would force council should they change their minds, maybe with legislation? I do know lawyers would be involved and lots of money would be wasted on the work that’s already been done, never mind the lawsuits arising from any broken contracts.

Last week I was in Ottawa for a meeting. I was just in for the day so time was tight. From the train station it was a quick one-bus trip to downtown and the foot of Parliament Hill. The first thing I noticed about the Ottawa Transpo system is that you can see out the windows. None of the buses I saw were wrapped in advertising. They were clearly branded red and white, and there was no mistaking them for anything but Transpo buses. The next thing I noticed was how well serviced the train station was; buses were coming in so regularly that I hardly waited at all. They have a bus rapid transit system, in addition to the LRT they are building. I got to the Hill in no time and all the way there I could enjoy the view from the window at the same time. Bonus.

In the wake of Horwath’s comments, reports of the Ottawa LRT debacle of 2006-9 where shared on social media. To recap, Ottawa city council approved an LRT plan and proceeded to the point of tendering $700 million in construction contracts. The next city council that was elected cancelled that LRT plan and came up with another one. Siemens, PCL Construction and Ottawa LRT quickly moved to sue for damages arising from the now broken contracts. They initially sued for $217 million, but settled for $36.7 million, payable over several years. Also lost was $54 million in federal funding, over $2 million in legal costs and the $73 million already spent. As the provincial government approved the original plan, they were clear that no provincial funds would pay for the broken contract costs. The settlement is all on the backs of municipal taxpayers, $36.7 million, money I’m sure they would want spent elsewhere.

Pay attention, Hamilton. We do not want to go backward on this project. We do not want to cancel it. Guaranteed, we will lose if we do. Taxpayers don’t have the money to throw around for the changed minds of our decision makers. That was clear with the gas plant cancellations. That’s money we need to address the very real challenges that we have around affordable housing, health and poverty issues. We need real help in these areas for our more vulnerable citizens. Make a decision and stick with it.

In November 2017, the Toronto Region Board of Trade recommended that the province take over transit responsibilities for municipalities in the Toronto-Waterloo corridor. In her rationale, Jan Da Silva, president and CEO, pointed to Hamilton and Brampton as examples of municipalities that can’t get their act together because of local political posturing. Hamilton has voted in support of the LRT I don’t know how many times for sure, but I know it’s over 50. At some point we have say: there’s no going back. This is the project we support. What’s the alternative?

I asked an Ottawa bus driver what he thought about the LRT mess. He shrugged and said, what can you do? LRT is the way of the future. You can’t stop progress. You might slow it down, but it barrels ahead; jump on or be left off altogether.

The LRT is not an election issue, so get it off the table. It has already been voted on, by the citizens of Hamilton in the last election and by city council in the years since. Don’t be dissuaded by specious political promises. Just get on with it. Margaret Shkimba is a writer who lives in Hamilton. She can be reached at menrvasofia@gmail.com or you can “Friend” her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @menrvasofia@gmail.com