In response to what has become one of the most polarizing political topics in Toronto today, St. Andrew’s, Humber Heights, hosted an open forum on public transit.
“We thought it was important for our church to show some leadership,” said Rev. Paul Kang.
On March 14, approximately 50 community members gathered at the church to discuss the merits and pitfalls of two transit strategies: Mayor Rob Ford’s resolve to build a new subway line and city council’s plan to develop Light Rail Transit (LRT). According to Kang, the vast majority of those who spoke were in favour of LRT.
While a variety of voices were heard, and councillors on opposing sides of the issue participated in the forum, the event maintained a civil tone, unlike many others in recent past.
“We wanted to make sure it was not a debate, but an opportunity to listen to each other,” said Kang. “That was the mandate: to create a forum where people’s voices can be heard, especially voices from the margins.”
The dialogue continued after the forum: city council mentioned it in a meeting and online news sources published articles on the event.
In an open letter to city council, Kang highlights the view that “those who are most dependent upon public transit: students, new Canadians, low-income families, would benefit most from a LRT along Finch Ave. W., providing easier access to other parts of the city.”
“The church sees the transit issue as a social justice issue, and hence, a faith issue,” Kang told insidetoronto.com.
“We wanted to show that faith and politics can coexist in a more positive way that improves peoples lives,” he told the Record.
Rev. Paul Kang’s open letter:
OPEN LETTER TO TORONTO CITY COUNCILIN SUPPORT OF THE ETOBICOKE-FINCH AVE. W. LRT
March 19, 2012
Dear Mayor Ford and Toronto City Council,
On Wednesday March 14th, approximately fifty people representing Etobicoke North and York West gathered at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Humber Heights for a public forum on transit. This forum modeled a healthy dialogue as people spoke with passion and listened attentively. Two clear themes emerged from the voices that spoke:
i) That the discussion on transit in our city has become too polarized and has divided our city – make a decision and move forward working in a cooperative spirit that best serves the people of Toronto.
ii) That people are in favour of the construction of a LRT along Finch Ave. W.
Both Councillor Crisanti and Counciller Perruzza presented arguments explaining their respective positions. Their presence was much appreciated. However, most of the evening was opened to the floor so people from the community could speak.
One teacher shared how he took his class on a field trip using public transit from Rexdale to Kensington Market. While waiting for a bus to arrive, one of the students asked: “Why do we have to wait so long? It seems unfair that it takes so long to get downtown.” Another individual spoke about those who are most dependent upon public transit: students, new Canadians, low-income families, would benefit most from a LRT along Finch Ave. W., providing easier access to other parts of the city.
On the next page is a collection of comments recorded at the public forum on transit. These comments represent a small yet diverse group of people, including Christians, Muslims, Jews, Atheists, rich, poor, straight, gay, older, younger, abled and disabled, who are increasingly committed to working together on issues affecting our great city. We hope that you take time to listen to the voices recorded here.
When council meets on March 21st to decide on the direction of transit for our city, we urge you to vote in support of LRTs to ensure the necessary funding for the construction of the Etobicoke-Finch W. LRT.
Sincerely,
Paul Kang
Minister of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Humber Heights, host of the public forum on transit.
Comments recorded at public forum on transit held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Humber Heights, March 14, 2012.
1. Concern that LRTs on Finch Ave. will cause people to lose their homes due to lane widening.
2: Transit has become a divisive issue.
3: If a subway is built along Shepherd, will there be money leftover to be dedicated to a Bus Rapid Transit along Finch? If not, how will the BRT be financed?
4. Educate university students, e.g., Ryerson students, the merits of LRTs and subways
5. We need LRT along Finch – we need better services in this area. About justice, fairness.
6. Cynical that we are discussing LRTs/subways at this juncture.
7. Who is dependent upon public transit? Students, new Canadians, low-income communities = least well served.
8. Amsterdam – efficient public transit system. Vienna. Let’s not leave anyone behind.
9. Gridlock = economic and human cost.
10. Happy with bus service along Finch. Only problem, can’t get from Jane/Finch to central Etobicoke quickly. I’m not satisfied with the discussion at city hall with mayor taking hardline position on subways. Both sides are guilty. We need discussion that is not polarized. We need governments that circulate money back into things that need to be built.
11. Came around to support LRTs – all environmental studies for Finch has been done, public consultation consumated.
12. Homes will not be expropriated along Finch.
13. Plenty of room for sidewalks and 4 lanes of traffic along Finch.
14. LRT gives us far greater access and more ridership vs. bus service.
15. Gear the LRT to the signal lights. People can get on / off quickly without lineups.
16. No major study has been done on buses.
17. Long-time resident of Etobicoke.
18. Express bus in Etobicoke takes 80 minutes to get to city hall
19. People from different faiths, elected officials in the community taking part.
Took students on public transit from Rexdale to Kensington Market. Students asked: “Why do we have to wait so long? It seems unfair that it takes so long to get downtown.”
20. LRT is a need for our community. Our children need it and many people in our community need it.
21. Property values for home owners will go up with building of LRTs.
22. The councillors vote…will the mayor listen to them? The mayor is not listening. If this is the situation, why are we having this discussion?
23. (spoken to the crowd) If you have a democratic vote, then exercise it.
