WATCH: Global’s Crystal Goomansingh breaks down the options being debated for the eastern portion of the Gardiner expressway.
TORONTO – Mayor John Tory is expected to face a fierce battle at city council next week on the future of the Gardiner East.
Several councillors have already publicly announced their intentions in the last 24 hours and the indication is the vote will be close.
Councillor Justin Di Ciano issued a press release on Wednesday to support the hybrid option which would keep a portion of the elevated expressway intact.
“From an economic standpoint, the math clearly shows that tearing down the Gardiner results in an estimated $37 million in lost productivity annually from increased congestion,” wrote Di Ciano.
“The one-time cost differential for building the Hybrid option of $94 million is thus the more fiscally sound choice for Toronto long term.”
Councillor Frances Nunziata also issued a statement in support of the hybrid option while Josh Matlow is favouring the tear down after citing a city staff report which states the average delay will only be 52 seconds during the morning rush hour.
“Spending a minimum of $252 million to save a relatively small number of people one minute on their morning commute is not something I can reasonably support when there are so many pressing, real and underfunded (or unfunded) priorities waiting for investment,” Matlow said in a statement.
An informal survey tallied by the Toronto Star shows 27 councillors either solidly in support or strongly leaning to one option while 18 are undecided or did not respond.
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