So, is Hamilton’s LRT actually going to happen?

At this point, it certainly looks like it. But watching the cost of Toronto’s Ontario Line climb from an original estimate of $10.9 billion to at least $34 billion should have every Hamilton taxpayer asking some very serious questions.

I’m not interested in another blank cheque followed by a shrug when the bill comes due.

If this project is moving forward, then Hamilton City Council should be demanding guarantees before we’re left holding the bag.

Three of them, at minimum:

1. The Province pays the operating cots.

If Queen’s Park wants this project built, Hamilton property taxpayers should not inherit an enormous annual operating bill for decades to come.

2. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 107 workers operate it. From day one.

This is public transit in Hamilton. It should be operated as part of our public transit system, with the HSR and the experienced ATU workforce already serving this city.

3. Replace the housing that Hamilton has lost.

Properties have already been acquired along the corridor, including rental housing, and residents have been displaced. Housing advocates have been raising this issue for years.

Hamilton should demand $1 billion in provincial cash and/or land specifically dedicated to replacing and expanding affordable housing along the LRT corridor and across the city.

Transit investment cannot come at the expense of housing people can actually afford.

I’m not saying Hamilton shouldn’t have better transit. I’m saying Hamilton needs to stop accepting deals where senior governments make the announcement, cut the ribbon, and leave local taxpayers to deal with the consequences.

If we’re getting LRT, then demand a better deal for the City of Hamilton

#HamOnt#CityofHamilton#HamiltonOntario#CDNPoli#ONPoli@paolotestaguzza@eric.tuck.604@atu_canada