Posted March 06, 2020
A lot has happened since Transport Minister Caroline Mulroney was chased out of town with a police escort back in December after cancelling Hamilton LRT.
Through leaked documents, we have learned that the cost estimates she quoted were false. We also learned of problematic connections with her staff which, once reported, resulted in the transfer of these staff from her office.
The numbers of LRT supporters have surged as more and more information comes out. More recently, the federal government stepped forward and offered to contribute financially to LRT, but is waiting for a formal request from the province.
Most importantly, a Transportation Task Force was established to provide recommendations to Mulroney on how best to spend Hamilton's LRT money and we know that LRT is still on the table for consideration. The Task Force is due to provide their recommendations on March 16.
We are now at an important moment and we need to make our voice heard. We need to tell the Task Force to choose LRT for Hamilton and not squander this opportunity on projects with less impact:
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LRT has the highest positive impact for Hamilton in terms of economic, social and environmental benefits. Multiple studies show the massive benefit this project will bring and Metrolinx's own comparisons show Hamilton LRT has higher net benefits compared to other projects in Toronto.
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Hamilton LRT is the only project of its size that is ready to be implemented. With 12+ years of planning, extensive pre-construction work complete, over $160 million already spent and over 60 properties expropriated, the LRT project is well underway.
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The federal government has offered to cover the funding gap for Hamilton LRT, which was the only reason Mulroney cited for cancelling the project in the first place.
Given these facts, the best solution is that the task force recommends LRT and any extra funding needed comes from the provincial government or the federal government.
You can tell the Task Force to choose LRT for Hamilton by filling out the form below.
http://hamiltonlightrail.ca/statements/new
Please help us run a constructive civic campaign by refraining from the use of personal insults and derogatory language when submitting a statement. Be passionate but civil.
