Province takes over Gardiner Expressway, DVP for control over Ontario Place in new deal with Toronto
CTV
The Doug Ford government will take responsibility for the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway from Toronto, potentially saving the city billions of dollars.
The Doug Ford government will take responsibility for the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway from Toronto, potentially saving the city billions of dollars.
In exchange, the city has agreed not to stand in the province’s way as it moves forward with the planning approvals necessary to overhaul Ontario Place.
The trade is part of a new deal between the provincial and municipal government meant to address Toronto’s financial woes.
The deal will shift the cost of maintaining and repairing the two major Toronto roadways to the Ontario government, something that could save the city billions of dollars.
Earlier this year, city staff said that $500 million in contracts had already been awarded to rebuild the 1.7-kilometre eastern portion of the Gardiner and an additional $650 million in contracts will be included in capital plans.
During Monday’s press conference, Premier Doug Ford said that uploading the highways to the province could ultimately provide Toronto with $7.6 billion in capital relief.
It’s also a win for the Ford government, who now won’t have to fight over the city-owned property needed for the development of Ontario Place. The premier said the city has agreed to “advance approval for Ontario Place.”
