Study says tolls and taxes should fund infrastructure repairs

A study concludes that cities in the GTA and Hamilton should impose road tolls and new fuel taxes to reduce gridlock and pay for better public transit.

Harry Kitchen an economics professor at Peterborough's Trent University who authored the study says it's the best and fairest way to make much-needed repairs to the quickly crumbling infrastructure.

"Much of this infrastructure was built years ago and is nearing the end of its life span. Billions of dollars, perhaps tens of billions, will be required to ensure that the GTAH [Greater Toronto Area plus Hamilton] has the public transit and transportation systems critical to remaining competitive," Kitchen said at anews conference at Queen's Park.

Right now, municipalities can only raise revenue from property taxes and user fees. His recommendations would require legislative changes by the provincial government.

The study, commissioned by the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario, calls for road tolls on the Don Valley Parkway and the Queen Elizabeth Way.

It also recommends a fuel tax of six cents a litre, as well as levies on non-residential parking spaces and motor vehicle registration fees to fund their road and public transit systems, reduce traffic congestion and cut greenhouse gas emissions.