Ontario drivers should pay a range of new taxes to help governments fund their road and public transit systems, reduce congestion and cut greenhouse gas emissions, a new report says.
The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario study, authored by Trent University professor Harry Kitchen, recommends the 400 series highways, the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Don Valley Parkway, the Gardiner Expressway and both the Red Hill Creek and Lincoln Alexander Parkways should have tolls applied. The report says other major arterial highways could also be included.
Mr. Kitchen's says tolls would not only reduce gridlock in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton (GTAH), it would also raise badly-needed revenue to fund the massive operating and capital requirements of public transit and roads.
“Much of this infrastructure was built years ago and is nearing the end of its life span,” Mr. Kitchen said at a news conference at Queen's Park. “Billions of dollars, perhaps tens of billions, will be required to ensure that the GTAH has the public transportation systems critical to remaining competitive.”
According to the report, a toll of 7 cents per kilometre on the 400 series highways in the GTA and Hamilton area would produce $700-million in revenue annually.
Mr. Kitchen also calls for a GTAH-wide fuel tax, set by a governing body and piggybacked onto the provincial fuel tax. The report says the tax would be relatively inexpensive and simple to administer, suggesting a charge of 6 cents per litre would generate between $300- and $420-million a year.
“A municipal fuel tax is a blunter instrument than road tolls for controlling individual behaviour but it is almost certain to have an impact as commuters are likely to drive less if gas prices rise,” Mr. Kitchen said.
Former Finance Minister Greg Sorbara says Ontario already charges enough taxes to finance highway and public transit projects but needs help from Ottawa.
“Given the current state of the economy, I wouldn't be one who would be recommending increasing taxes,” Mr. Sorbara said.
“I would be recommending strongly that the federal government and federal ministers honour their obligations to invest in infrastructure in this part of the country.”
Mr. Kitchen's report also says municipalities should be able to levy a tax on non-residential parking spaces, and recommends zone charges on public transit systems.
“Currently, fixed transit fares mean short distance travellers overpay while long distance travellers underpay,” the report says. “This has inherent inequities and is contrary to smart growth principles.”
The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario is scheduled to meet with Transportation Minister Jim Bradley on Wednesday to discuss the issue.
DARREN YOURK - Globe and Mail Update with Canadian Press
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