This time in Winnipeg:
The simmering debate on the $590-million rapid transit project looks about to boil over, with a councillor in Mayor Sam Katz’s inner-circle now calling for a referendum on the entire thing.
Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) … said on Wednesday that the decision to continue with the project or not should be taken to a vote.
“As nice as rapid transit phase two would be to construct for Winnipeggers, and it’s a big city thing, I honestly don’t think it is our best value for almost $600 million worth of capital infrastructure,” he said.
Note that (a) only transit is proposed for a referendum, (b) only those sceptical of rapid transit propose it, and (c) it’s only a ‘big-city thing’ – so, presumably, optional.
The bigger problem in Winnipeg is the absence of political leadership (of any kind) at the local level. The debate is simplistic because sprawl is still supported by the conservative-oriented council, and mobility choice remains framed in a dichotomous manner to the public, by both politicians and in the media: road building/repair vs. transit, transit passes for university students discussed as a subsidy vs. an incentive, etc. There is no discussion of improvements to quality of life, economic and other benefits, or how a car dependent city will address the needs of changing demographics and trends (seniors, car-free young people ).