This paper was presented at the `Managing Change in an Era of Scarce Resources' session. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is the most dynamic urban area in Ontario. In fact, it is safe to say that the GTA has no real rivals within Canada when it comes to economic activity, fast-paced development or depth of cultural and recreational activities. Collectively, the province and GTA municipalities spend over $2 billion annually on transportation. Estimates suggest that an additional $30 billion worth of transportation infrastructure will be needed to accommodate long term GTA growth. Two years ago, senior provincial and municipal staff responsible for transportation and planning in the GTA began discussions on this matter. It was agreed that there is a need to strive for greater cost-efficiencies, to re-examine the way transportation services are delivered, to resolve interjurisdictional issues and competing priorities, and to ensure that GTA transportation infrastructure and services are fiscally affordable and funded from stable revenue sources. Acting on these discussions, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation in partnership with the regional municipalities of the GTA, have initiated the development of an integrated transportation plan for the GTA city region. This paper describes more fully why the project was initiated; current and emerging transportation pressures/challenges which the GTA faces; and the various transportation policy responses presently under investigation. (A)
Samenvatting