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“You really get what you pay for. If you want to reach certain objectives at the city level, in terms of mobility and the environment, some of those objectives can only be achieved by high order public transit,” he said.

“If the city is really prepared to invest (less), but at the same time, congestion continues to rise, traffic fatalities will continue to grow, and all those other impacts will get worse, it’s a decision the city has to make.”

Coun. Phil Squire, a staunch BRT opponent, said he’s concerned about the cost of next week’s transit decisions on taxpayers, and lamented the lack of financial details in the documents for Monday’s meeting.

“I don’t know how you can possibly try to mix and match all of these items, like you would in a grocery store, and know what all the financial implications are. I don’t think you can,” he said. “I think what we’re trying to do, putting together this puzzle, is really risky.”

If taxpayers have to pay more to support the transit projects chosen by council, there are options outside a tax hike. City hall could take on more debt, or delay other capital projects.

Squire said he’s unhappy seeing BRT divided into its smaller elements, and would prefer to vote it down in one fell swoop. But he’s also not prepared to leave senior government funding on the table.

“It’s a tough spot we’re in,” he said.

Council is racing the clock against a 60-day timeline imposed by Mayor Ed Holder in January to avoid losing out on provincial and federal cash because of October’s federal election.