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“[That means] the 905 is going to determine how the residents of Toronto are taxed,” Ms. Stintz told reporters Wednesday, noting a consensus is building to add the item to the May 7 council agenda.

“I believe it is the job of council to make our opinions known to Metrolinx. That is what I’m fighting for and that’s what I think is important,” Ms. Stintz said, dismissing suggestions that her position was fuelled by her own mayoral ambitions.

“[Mr. Ford] has completely abdicated his responsibility on the transit file,” she said. “He talks about wanting to build subways; he doesn’t talk about how he’s going to pay for them. And when we’re asked for our opinion on what we think might make for a good revenue option, he decides to defer the matter entirely.”

In a fiery speech a day earlier, the mayor called the Metrolinx process “completely ass backwards,” reiterating his long-held position that “hell would freeze over before I support any new taxes.”

But even those councillors who frequently vote with Mr. Ford said the transit-funding issue should come before council now.

“This is no time to duck the question of what the challenges are and how we should be facing them,” Councillor John Parker said. His colleague, Councillor Josh Colle, said all members of council should have a chance to provide input.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Mississauga, councillors broached concerns Wednesday about the disproportionate impact of some of Metrolinx’s proposed revenue-generators. Councillor Pat Saito took particular umbrage with parking levies — a tool backed by Toronto city staff.