When you look at other routes like Queen Street for example we know there are discussions and proposals potentially for a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) along Queen Street. I know there is additional planning and analytical work that needs to be done. I expect in the coming months we’ll have more discussion on the BRT and perhaps we will be in a position to provide some funding toward advancing those projects.

But when you look at ridership both current and projected along Main Street (35 million riders by 2031) versus Queen Street you see that the numbers aren’t even close. Main Street is by far the better route.

Q: Would a no vote derail the project entirely?

A: If ultimately council decides they don’t want an LRT to run up to the Brampton GO station I will respect the wishes of council. From what I can tell at this point in time, that would mean the LRT would run from Port Credit GO up to Steeles Avenue at Shoppers World. And that would be the extent of the project and then we would get on with continuing to build the rest of the regional transit network. I personally believe that would be an enormous missed opportunity for Brampton.

Q: Is the province open to changing or redefining the proposed route?

A: I’ll respect the decision that council makes on July 8 but I am really not opening the door to extensive, ongoing negotiations about routes.

Q: So this is essentially crunch time for Brampton?

A: I wouldn’t call it crunch time. I would call it opportunity time for the people of Brampton and Brampton council.

Q: Mississauga has been far more receptive to this plan. Why?

A: I wouldn’t want a debate in which everybody agreed 100 per cent of the time because then you miss some of that enlightening tension that helps you make better decisions ultimately. I don’t look at that as a bad thing. I sincerely hope the best evidence-based decision will be made on July 8.

Q: Is Mayor Jeffrey worrying that the July 8 vote will not go her way?

A: I’ve known Mayor Jeffrey for years. I have a ton of respect for her as a friend and as a former colleague and as someone who is working very hard for her community. I think she is, as I am, a firm believer in making decisions based on evidence, based on facts and also taking into account what the future potential is. I know it’s not easy for everyone to envision the potential of what we are trying to do but having lived in the GTHA my entire life, I know that there was a long stretch of my own lifetime where provincial governments and federal governments neglected to build transit and transportation infrastructure that we so desperately need.

I know Mayor Jeffrey gets it. We are willing partners and want to engage in the discussion to provide the information and the facts as best we can. Brampton is an important part of our region and an important part of our province. But I will say I sincerely hope Brampton grasps the opportunity that is sitting right there for it to take. I hope that (Brampton) will help us help it transform itself over the next decade and beyond.