Ford Criticizes $48 Million Estimate

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has publicly criticized the City of Toronto's astonishing $48 million estimate to remove bike lanes from three major thoroughfares, labeling the figure as “hogwash.” The controversial removal plan involves bike lanes located on Bloor Street, University Avenue, and Yonge Street, which have become contentious issues between city officials and the provincial government.

Provincial Legislation and Control

In a bold move, the Ford government is speeding up legislation that will grant the province considerable authority over local cycling infrastructure. This new law not only empowers Ontario to dictate where municipalities can install separated bike lanes but also allows for the removal of existing lanes without local consent.

Disagreement Over Costs

The disagreement over the cost of removal and the restoration of standard traffic lanes has ignited a heated dispute between Queen's Park and city hall. City officials, led by Jacquelyn Hayward, the Director of Planning, Design and Management, argue that the high estimate is justified due to the extensive work involved. “In sections that have recently been reconstructed, there are concrete curbs separating the bike lanes from motor vehicle traffic,” she explained during a committee hearing at Queen's Park. “To restore lanes in some areas, we would need to redo the roads completely.”

Ford and Transportation Minister Comment

Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria weighed in by stating that the city’s $48 million claim "just doesn’t add up," asserting that the cost is nearly double what it took to install the bike lanes in the first place. On a separate occasion, Ford reiterated his skepticism, vowing, “We know it doesn’t cost $50 million; that’s a bunch of hogwash. We’ll show them how to do it for a lot less and get traffic moving.”

Safety Concerns

Concerns about safety amid these proposed changes have been met with similar dismissal from Ford, who asserted his commitment to keeping bike riders safe without outlining any specific safety measures in the upcoming legislation.

Community Impact and Future Questions

With the Ontario government yet to disclose how much taxpayers may ultimately have to bear in costs for removing the bike lanes, the community remains on edge. Advocates for cycling infrastructure are particularly worried about the implications of these decisions, fearing a potential rollback on years of progress in promoting safer, greener transportation options in one of Canada's largest cities.

Conclusion and Future Developments

As this fight between the province and city unfolds, Toronto residents and cyclists alike are left wondering how these changes will affect traffic dynamics and urban safety in the years to come. Will the Ford government deliver on its promise of a cheaper alternative, or is this just the beginning of a larger conflict over urban planning in Ontario's capital? Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!