Mississauga council gives green light to bus line
Peter Kuitenbrouwer, National Post Published: Thursday, February 05, 2009
Mississauga city council voted yesterday to continue building a bus rapid transit line across the city, even though Mayor Hazel McCallion says the project is short $52-million.
Mississauga and GO Transit plan to build two bus-only lanes paralleling Highway 403 and other thoroughfares from Winston Church-ill Boulevard in the west to Renforth Drive, near Pearson Airport, in the east, set to open in 2012.
Yesterday, as the councillors debated signing a deal with GO Transit to build the line, the mayor warned of funding shortfalls.
"Has there been any discussion with GO Transit on the $52-million we are short?" Ms. McCallion asked Scott Anderson, who works for Mississauga's transportation department.
"We're pursuing other opportunities for funding," Mr. Anderson replied.
About a year ago, the city, province and Ottawa agreed to spend $260-million on the line. The feds and province each pay about $87-million; Mississauga and GO committed $43-million each. The true cost is now about $312-million, Mississauga says.
Councillor Carolyn Parrish suggested the city focus on bringing light rail to Hurontario and Dundas streets, and stop work on the BRT plan until it gets full funding.
"I don't believe in putting the foundation when we don't have the money to put the roof on," she said. "It is for moving people from north Oakville into Toronto. Why are we so ready to let the federal government and the province walk all over our heads?"
But the best mixed metaphors belonged to her fellow councillor, George Carlson.
"It's almost as if we bought a doghouse 10 years ago and it's bugging the hell out of us, and so we'd better go out and buy a dog," Mr. Carlson said.
"It's as if we got the band booked and the cake ordered, we're going to have to show up with a bride. I just want to make sure we don't get painted into a corner."
Councillor Maja L. A. Prentice defended the line, saying, "RIM [Research in Motion] would not have moved to Mississauga if this were not in the works. This is something to make an efficient transportation network. I'm willing to gamble that we spend the $52-million."
Councillor Katie Mahoney agreed to proceed, noting, "I think the dog's an old dog now and the married couple are thinking about divorce --it's too late."
Mississauga has awarded $22-million to McCormick Rankin Corp. for design plans and administering the construction.
Jeff Wright at Mississauga's BRT office said the city will tender construction contracts next year for tunnels, bridges, bus stations and 10.5 km of new roads. Both GO Transit and Mississsauga Transit will use the new line.
Transportation advocate David Fisher called the project a "white elephant," and agreed with Ms. Parrish that Mississauga would benefit much more from light rail.
Council voted 7-4 to proceed with the project.
pkuitenbrouwer@nationalpost.com