DRESCHEL: City doesn’t have to help pay LRT capital cost
By Andrew Dreschel
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/article/8...oesn-t-have-to-help-pay-lrt-capital-cost
It looks as if city council’s transit wish has come true.
Transport Minister Glen Murray says Hamilton won’t have to make a direct capital contribution to build the proposed $800-million LRT system.
“They’re not going to be expected to, in the sense that we’re not asking them to make a financial contribution with a very specific tax,” Murray said in an interview.
Murray’s comment is the clearest indication yet that the province intends to live up to its 2008 commitment to provide 100 per cent capital funding for the 14-km light rail system running between McMaster University and Eastgate Square.
Murray says the cash-strapped province will evaluate various revenue-raising tools to be recommended by Metrolinx in order to fund the next wave of transit projects.
And he says a logical part of the strategy for Hamilton is using new transit infrastructure to grow the commercial tax assessment base, which will in turn subsidize the projects.
“That is not to be confused with asking Hamilton to raise the levy or charge fees or make a contribution.”
“It is really to give Hamilton the tool to actually grow its tax base and build more revenue by a growing tax base.”
Councillor Lloyd Ferguson, a member of Hamilton’s LRT task force, is “thrilled” the province is living up to its promise.
“It’s quite frankly what we deserve,” says Ferguson. “Toronto got $11 billion. Why shouldn’t we get our $800 million?”
Ferguson notes Murray’s comments dovetail with a conversation he had last week with Premier Kathleen Wynne at a Hamilton Health Sciences fundraising gala.
“She chose her words carefully, as she should. But I sensed they’re still on for the 100 per cent funding.”
Prev
Linear Mode
