King-Victoria Transit Hub

[numberguy]

Maybe a growing economy can happen again. I am pessimistic of that, however. In the 80s, Canadians still had kids > 2.1 per couple and population was growing. Right now, our demographic growth resembles Europe and Japan more. Without young people, its difficult to grow one's economy, as Abe is finding out. This goes beyond prudent fiscal management. 1-2% growth is the new normal, the economy will not grow 5-6% like in the 70-80s, those days have come and gone.

Interest payments is the third biggest line item on Ontario's budget, bigger than transportation, bigger than everything except for health and education. I'd say that is not a good thing.

Empirically, P3s have been very rewarding in Ontario for the private partners and expensive for the public partners. Those are the experienced facts. Steps are being taken to change that in the future and to mitigate current arrangements. That's neither good nor evil, it just is.

I don't see the intermodal hub proceeding quickly, given the state of the Province's economy and the fact that the Region is currently engaged in a major P3 (ION) already. Having said that, perhaps the right major development player can come along if they see enough value add proposition for them. The Municipal Act precludes direct incentives, but perhaps some creative means can be found.