Ontario Liberals introduce SMART ideas to improve transportation, housing across the province
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2024
QUEEN’S PARK – Today, Andrea Hazell, MPP for Scarborough–Guildwood and the Ontario Liberal Critic for Transportation, will introduce the Supporting Mobility, Affordability and Reliable Transportation in Ontario Act, designed to bring forward smart, simple ideas to get transit moving in Ontario.
If passed, the SMART Ontario Act will:
- Require Metrolinx to ensure any public property they sell to build housing has 20% of the units designated for affordable units.
- Require Metrolinx to coordinate transit systems in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area with local bike-share programs and consider options to integrate transit fares with bike-share fees.
- Introduce mandatory maintenance standards for Highways 11, 17, and 69 in northern Ontario, mimicking standards for Class 1 highways.
- Revert the changes the Ford Conservatives made to short-line railways back in 2019, where they repealed the government's right of first refusal to purchase shortline rails that are shutting down.
"Ontario’s Liberals believe in smart, practical solutions to ensure everyone in Ontario can live a better life.
We believe in creating abundant opportunities and ensuring we deliver the positive change Ontario families need.
The SMART Ontario Act will help Ontario families afford homes and travel more efficiently in the GTHA, throughout southern Ontario and in our North. These ideas will enhance public safety, deliver environmentally-friendly solutions to transporting goods, and unlock the potential to build new affordable homes."
— Bonnie Crombie, Leader of Ontario’s Liberals
"These are four changes to existing legislation that this government can adopt and implement immediately to improve transportation use and access across our province. It is a simple Bill – no fluff, just four smart ideas.
While Doug Ford drags his feet, Ontario’s Liberals are ready to move transit forward in Ontario."
— MPP Andrea Hazell, Transportation Critic
Following the BUILD Ontario Act and the PLAY Act, the SMART Ontario Act is the third in a series of legislation introduced by Ontario’s Liberals to make life more affordable and accelerate abundant economic growth.
Important Documents
SMART Ontario Act.pdf
PDF - 258 Kb
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Carter Brownlee
Press Secretary, Ontario Liberal Party