Ford Subways Toronto Developers

Developers want subways, but not to pay for them

More subway news comes today in the form of a meeting between Rob Ford and 20 some odd real estate developers, who not surprisingly are all for the construction of a subway extension along Sheppard Avenue East. The problem, like usual, is they're not that jazzed about paying for it. And that's the issue in general, isn't it? Everyone would like more subway infrastructure in Toronto, but few are interested in coughing up the dough to get it built.

Here's what Ford had to say about the meeting via the Toronto Star: "They said 'Let's do it. Every single person at the table — I said if you're against it, let us know — not one person, not one developer said we're against it.'"

This is the equivalent of that Forum research poll question that pits subways vs. LRT without any additional context. If money wasn't a factor, subways are the natural frontrunner in debates of this nature. When the financial considerations are put on the table, it's another story.

What was it that Gary Webster said in getting fired? "We don't recommend spending money you don't have on an asset you don't need." Yup, that's pretty much exactly where we remain on this Sheppard subway extension thing, regardless of who the mayor spins his meeting this afternoon.

Photo by Martin Reis in the blogTO Flickr pool


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

People spotting Toronto's fancy Roombas for cutting grass in parks are enthralled

Ontario just got hit with an earthquake and officials blame this mine

TTC workers are gearing up to go on strike and here's what you need to know

Here are the highest and lowest paying gig jobs at the City of Toronto right now

Yonge-Dundas Square renaming to Sankofa Square is about to become more official

A 7-kilometre stretch of the TTC subway will be closed for this entire weekend

Years of construction on major Toronto street set to extend even longer with new project

Toronto just got a beautiful new streetscape but oops it's already being torn up