Vote on proposed LRT route has broad implications
$1.6 billion in Ontario funds committed to transit project, but some dispute its value
On Wednesday, Brampton City Council will decide whether or not to accept the province’s proposed route for a $1.6-billion LRT that Queen’s Park has committed to funding.
Those opposed to the plan, such as Councillor John Sprovieri, want a different route. They say almost half of the proposed Brampton route cannot support an LRT and will only have about 1,000 workers by 2031, according to projections, compared to 131,000 workers along the entire Hurontario-Main LRT.
Mayor Linda Jeffrey says, borrowing a line from the movie Field of Dreams: “If you build it, he will come.” She argues that the city’s downtown is in need of renewal and the Metrolinx plan will provide exactly that.
Here is what people on both sides of the debate have been saying ahead of Wednesday’s historic vote:
The Yes Vote
Brampton could lose out on its share of $1.6 billion in provincial funding if it refuses the Metrolinx LRT plan. The LRT could end at Steeles Ave.
The province has said Brampton would have to pay for any alternative plan that goes beyond the $1.6-billion cost.
The proposed alternative plans are too costly and would add travel time.
The Metrolinx plan will dramatically alter the downtown core, breathing new life into the aging commercial area.
The proposed plan is crucial to connecting Brampton riders to other regional transit lines, such as the Lakeshore GO Train.
The proposed Metrolinx plan will reduce car congestion downtown and bring more foot traffic to the area.
Ridership will dramatically increase with a transformational LRT along Brampton and a total travel time of 47 minutes.
The No Vote
Brampton cannot proceed with the Metrolinx plan until the province details local capital and operating costs. The province has not done so.
Brampton leadership was not at the table, resulting in a “made for Mississauga” plan with little Brampton direction.
Population and employment density and growth along much of the proposed route can’t support an LRT.
There will be little opportunity to capture revenue from land-value increases along the proposed route.
An alternative, with more density and opportunity for revenue from land-value increases, should be funded by Queen’s Park.
Downtown businesses will suffer during construction and LRT riders will later be diverted to Mississauga for shopping.
The city’s Main St. heritage area will have its character altered by an LRT running through its spine.