'Complicated issues' in provincial subway upload talks: Tory

Torontosun.com
March 26, 2019
Antonella Artuso

Toronto Mayor John Tory emerged from a lengthy meeting with Premier Doug Ford Monday where they discussed the uploading of the TTC’s subways.

“It was a very productive meeting but (these are) very complicated issues,” Tory told waiting media before leaving without further comment.

Ford said he’s committed to delivering better transit to people of Ontario.

Mayor John Tory emerges from a meeting with Premier Doug Ford on March 25, 2019. (Stan Behal, Toronto Sun)

“And that means getting new subways built. I am glad to have had another productive discussion with Mayor Tory on this critical file,” Ford said in a statement.

Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek said he remains confident that any outstanding issues in negotiations with the city will be resolved.

“I feel it’s been going quite well, maybe not as fast as some people would like, but it’s moving in the right direction and we’re going to continue to work down that path,” Yurek said. The province’s goal is to gain ownership of the rails, stations and trains, he said.

“We will ensure that we’re taking care of the maintenance -- that’s not happening right now -- and also the plan and design and build of new expansions,” Yurek said.

The Ontario government wants the TTC to continue operating the system, and, in exchange, keep the proceeds of the fare box.

Toronto councillors who oppose the uploading have questioned what happens to development on and around new stations, particularly potentially valuable air rights.

Development-related to subways is a key topic that the city wants to discuss, Yurek said.

“There will be the municipal rules around proposed developments but how those developments are proceeding will be fleshed out in the terms of reference,” he said.

Toronto Councillor Paula Fletcher is hosting a “Hands off our Subways” event Tuesday night with speakers NDP MPP Peter Tabuns and former city mayor John Sewell.

In the past, Tory has said council is on record as opposing the subway upload, but it’s vital that the city negotiate the best possible deal if the province moves ahead.

“Residents have written me worried that this is the first step to privatization of our subway system,” Fletcher said in a statement. “They point out our subway, buses and streetcars are all an integrated network. There is a real risk having part of that network being split off and owned by someone else. This would make the issues we currently have even worse.”