International Art Treasures Web Magazine

June 2004  

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World Class City?

Toronto, IATWM's hometown, likes to call herself a "world class city". There is so much to see and do in this vibrant and exciting place including such diverse destinations as The Royal Ontario Museum, The Art Gallery of Ontario, the CN Tower, Blue Jays Baseball and Air Canada Center Concerts to name the tip of a very long list. It's not only for art fans!

One thing lacking from this city is the ability to travel from the airport without use of Toronto's highways via car or bus. If Toronto wants to be world-class it's time to join cities like London that link either their subway system or train system to their International Airports.

The cost is the usual reason cited after the release of  yet another study to determine that a link is needed but will be a major financial drain or will take too long.

The taxpayer is not the only wallet available. Tourists use hotels, restaurants and transportation, not to mention entrance fees to many of Toronto's numerous locations of interest. Instead of focusing on the taxpayer of Toronto, who is not the only beneficiary of the various taxes collected from any visitors to the city, look to the companies that profit from the influx of tourists and business travelers.

The hotels, banks, restaurants and tourist sites could be approached for donations to meet the cost of building the necessary infrastructure to link Pearson International Airport to either the local Toronto Transit (TTC), provincial GO Transit or federal VIA Rail. These businesses will be the primary beneficiaries of increased Toronto Tourism and we suggest they take a leadership position in providing the needed capital or in the banks case low-cost loans along with financial donations.

Perhaps advertising incentives can be provided, for would a tourist really care whether they were brought to the heart of the city in a Green colored GO Transit vehicle or one with the logo and colors of a major Canadian Bank?

TTC, GO Transit and VIA have the staff and knowledge to be able to help bridge this transportation gap but what is needed is the funds and the commitment from all three levels of government to stop talking about this issue in committee and get to work.

It's 2004. Let's bring Toronto into the 21st Century like other world-class cities and provide tourists and business travelers with a fast rail service to the heart of the city!