GTTA faces some major issues as it changes its name to Metrolinx
By Alan Liczyk Staff Reporter

The Greater Toronto Transportation Authority (GTTA) may have a new name, but the issues it deals with remain much the same.

The GTTA's name was changed Dec. 4 to Metrolinx, chair Rob MacIsaac told the Greater Toronto Countryside Mayors Alliance at its meeting last Friday in Halton Hills.

MacIsaac explained many thought the GTTA name was confusing and people got them mixed up with other groups.

"We wanted to avoid the confusion," he said.

They came up with Metrolinx because it covers a broad metropolitan region. The organization was created by the Ontario government to develop and implement transportation plans for the City of Toronto, the four surrounding regional municipalities of Peel, York, Durham and Halton, as well as Hamilton.

MacIsaac said they're facing some key transportation issues including severe congestion.

"We're among the top five congested regions in North America," he said.

He added their roads are at 95 per cent capacity. This brings consequences for the economic, social and health issues of the area, he said.

Three million more people are coming to the area in the next 25 years at a clip of more than 100,000 people per year, he continued.

Changing the way people get around can have positive effects on public health, he added.

MacIsaac then discussed the provincial government's Places To Grow strategy.

"Places To Grow can't work without a transportation plan supporting it," he declared.

He noted provincial legislation envisions Metrolinx taking on responsibility for GO Transit. While it's in the legislation, Metrolinx hasn't taken on those duties yet, he explained.

He also pointed out Metrolinx will have completed a final regional transportation plan by the fall of 2008. It's a comprehensive blueprint for an effective transportation system across this region.

He concluded they have an opportunity for an improved quality of life, a stronger economy and an enhanced environment.

During a question period with the mayors and chief administrative officers from the 14 municipalities of the GTCMA, MacIsaac noted there was $500 million in the provincial government's Dec. 13 economic statement for transportation. Some was for state of good repair and some was for additional transit projects. He believes further clarification is needed from the economic statement.

Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette pointed out the last GO train in his municipality arrives at 6:30 p.m. and there's no way to get to Acton in the evening.

MacIsaac responded it's absolutely on their radar screen. He added municipalities need to come together with a vision.

King Township Deputy Mayor Bill Cober asked if there's a communications strategy for lower-tier municipalities.

MacIsaac responded he's meeting with every mayor and there's an easy way for municipalities to plug in.

"I'm reaching out to you today," he said. "It's a twoway street. It's an open door."

Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison commented on the GO service to Georgetown, explaining she's gone to Toronto and couldn't get back. She believes if GO provided the service it would be full.

"You're exactly right," MacIsaac told her. "There's no magic in the things that need to happen."

"We hope you'll make it happen," Morrison said. "You have the magic wand."

MacIsaac invited the mayors and CAOs to go to their Web site, www.metrolinx.com.

The next meeting of GTCMA will be held in Milton, Feb. 29.