We need to stop discussing Scarborough transit projects in isolation, and instead look at how an integrated network of express buses, LRTs and subways can create economic, cultural and social benefits for eastern Toronto. It’s time to look to the future and create a vision for Scarborough, so we can realize the benefits that investment in transit can bring.

The subway extension to Scarborough Civic Centre can be a catalyst for investment. It can attract corporate headquarters, municipal offices and manufacturing companies and create employment opportunities.

It can provide transit to a new living arts centre that showcases Scarborough’s rich diversity and hosts cultural events.

It can revitalize the Civic Centre and allow it to flourish and become the vibrant and dynamic place it was intended to be.

It can stimulate development of new residential housing and create a new walkable neighbourhood.

Since announcement of the subway extension, planning applications have been prepared to create thousands of new residential units near Scarborough Centre. Investment in Scarborough is already underway.

The war that has been launched on the Scarborough subway extension is destructive and unfair. Critics of the extension consistently fail to mention that it is the cornerstone project within a larger network proposal for Scarborough.

They also consistently fail to mention that costing also includes the underground Triton bus terminal that acts as a regional hub.

The lack of full funding for the entire transit network has given opponents of the subway extension the opportunity to create division and create fear by claiming the costs of the subway will prohibit any additional transit infrastructure.

With a provincial election this spring, and a federal election next year, we need to put pressure on our governments to step up and provide funding to the City of Toronto to construct the LRT projects in Scarborough and continue funding the subway extension.

A long-term, dedicated funding stream, will end years of debate about subways vs. LRTs and will finally allow the City of Toronto to move forward and provide Scarborough with a fully integrated transit system that relies on all modes of transport, including the subway, LRTs and express buses.

Scarborough has much to offer. To fully realize the benefits that transit infrastructure can bring, we need an ambitious Scarborough-specific economic development plan that looks far to the future.

The subway extension and new bus terminal at Scarborough Centre will become an important regional transit hub that will bring passengers from the downtown core and across the GTA, by providing an important connection for Greyhound, Go Transit and Durham Region Transit.

Once in Scarborough, using our integrated transit network, visitors and residents could experience Scarborough’s internationally praised ethnic restaurants. Or they could visit our outdoor attractions, including the Scarborough Bluffs, Toronto Zoo and Rouge National Urban Park.

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With some vision and good planning, Scarborough can once again be seen as a destination, not a point of departure. It’s time to have a strong Scarborough that benefits all Toronto.

Jennifer McKelvie is president of the Scarborough Community Renewal Organization (SCRO). SCRO is a non-profit organization of dedicated volunteers committed to creating and realizing bold visions for Scarborough. www.renewscarborough.org