Toronto subway to be extended

This is a rapidly growing city and in a few short years might be like what New York is at present.  No, really ....so don't smirk!!    With the kind of immigration numbers our lords and masters in Ottawa are churning out on a daily basis,  I predict that Toronto will be Canada's New York very soon, if not already so.

Mayor Rob Ford keeps us informed  like no other mayor has ever done before him.  I  for one, really appreciate it.

Here's what he says via email:

Dear Friends: 

It has been a long week at City Hall.  Council sat for four days, debating a number of very important issues that included new taxes for public transit.

I am very happy to let you know that Council said a loud NO to new taxes that could have cost families in this City $1,000 per year.  In fact, Council sent a clear message that, if the province chooses to implement new taxes, it will do so without the support of City Hall.  When you elected me as Mayor, I committed to respect taxpayers -- and I remain committed to that.

Just over two years ago, you sent me to City Hall to end the waste and keep taxes affordable.  That is what we have done.  We have reduced the size and cost of government, while eliminating unfair taxes like the Personal Vehicle Tax and kept tax increases well below the rate of inflation.  

This week, Council also recognized that Toronto needs more rapid transit across the City.  I am happy to say Council voted in favour of moving forward with a plan to extend the Bloor-Danforth subway from Kennedy Station to Scarborough Town Centre and north to Sheppard Ave.  We also voted to move forward with plans to complete the Sheppard Subway between Downsview Station and Yonge/Sheppard Station.  We need more rapid transit like this that reduces travel times and congestion.

Current plans by Metrolinx to put rail tracks down the centre of Sheppard Avenue, Finch Avenue and parts of Eglinton Avenue will do nothing to reduce travel times or congestion.  Even worse, City staff recently reported on the top 10 most congested intersections in Toronto.  Some of these are on Sheppard Avenue East. Imagine how bad those intersections might get if that happens!  I remain committed to fighting against these surface LRT plans....