CivicAction applauds Toronto Region Board of Trade's decision to get
serious and specific on funding options
TORONTO, March 18, 2013 /CNW/ - The Greater TorontoCivicAction Alliance applauds the Toronto Region Board of Trade's (TRBOT) major
contribution to the discussion of how to fund a transportation network
to address our region's growing congestion crisis and deliver a more
prosperous region.
In October 2012, CivicAction and the members of its Regional
Transportation Champions Councillaunched a movement to build support for sustainable ways to fund an efficient,
affordable, and integrated regional transportation network for the
Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) by asking the question "What would you do with 32extra minutes* in your day?".
In today's announcement, TRBOT proposed four ways to raise money built on key principles of dedicated, efficient, fair,
and sustainable funding: regional sales tax, parking space levy,
regional fuel tax, and high occupancy tolls. Its paper shows that the
business community knows it's time to get serious and specific about
how to address our congestion crisis.
Metrolinx also posted today a comprehensive review that examines tools used by regional
transportation authorities around the world to fund transportation.
TRBOT's paper, in conjunction with the Metrolinx review, will spark
discussion as Metrolinx finalizes its Investment Strategy due to the
Province and heads of GTHA municipal governments by June 1, 2013.
CivicAction is continuing to engage civic leaders and residents of the
GTHA in its your32 campaign, and will shift its conversation to "What would you do for 32?" in April. We are pleased to see the discussion advancing and
encourage residents across the GTHA to become informed and take part in
the discussion.
About CivicAction
For the past 10 years, the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance
(CivicAction) has brought together senior and rising leaders from all
sectors to tackle some of our region's toughest social, economic, and
environmental challenges. For more information visit: civicaction.ca, @CivicActionGTA
*Thirty-two minutes is the difference between average commute time if
The Big Move is funded and built over the next 25 years (77 min), and
if no comprehensive system is put in place (109 min). Source: Metrolinx
SOURCE: CivicAction
