In public policy, just like in business, it’s important at times to think differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective in order to come up with novel or creative solutions to stubborn problems. This is truer when it comes to transit policy where the benefits can span across entire local, regional, and national economies. These benefits are widespread and include employment opportunities, less strain on city infrastructure in and around the downtown core, improved transit accessibility and convenience, reduced congestion and travel times, more efficient movement of goods, reduced carbon emissions, and increased property values.  As you can see it is easy to argue the benefits of improved transit.

However, continuously increasing property taxes to fund the City’s share of transit projects, particularly for major capital investments is becoming less and less practical.  This is not unique in that many other jurisdictions in Canada are searching for new public transportation options. The following outlines alternative funding options that can be used in combination with each other and at different stages of SETWAY.  A number of these optionswill require support from all three levels of government.