The Missing Link of Metrolinx:Examining the Regional Governance of Transit Planning in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area

Abstract

City building requires investments and multifaceted partnerships, built on methodical long-term planning, cooperation and transparency. However, the structural conditions of Canada’s federalist system disincentivizes intergovernmental cooperation and collaboration. This paper explores through the selected cases, how five key factors, acting individually and in interaction, compromise or prevent the efficiency and stability of evidence-based policy making. As a result, the transit file often becomes excessively politicized in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Although this paper does not engage in a strict causal analysis, it will be demonstrated how the selected factors interact in complex, non-predetermined manners to destabilize regional,evidence-based planning, and reinforce the public’s perception of political paralysis. Therefore, the institutional framework of intergovernmentalism will be critically analyzed in examining why municipalities tend to operate in isolation. The Eglinton Crosstown and Scarborough subway debate will then highlight the five factors which contribute to this policy crisis. Following, the paper will explore the role of Metrolinx, and how it can become a legitimate authority to execute efficient and effective transit investments. The policy recommendation of reforming Metrolinx’s regional governance structure will be presented. In addition, expanding the role of the federal government’s fiscal spending powers will be discussed as a policy alternative.