February 28, 2014
Industry groups form coalition to save the Gardiner
Toronto, ON – According to a newly formed coalition of diverse industry groups, tearing down the
eastern Gardiner and replacing it with any option that increases traffic congestion is not acceptable.
Maintaining the Gardiner’s capacity and improving its connection to the waterfront is the best option in
order to meet current and future needs of downtown core business operations and ensure mobility,
safety and quality of life for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
A report released by the City of Toronto is recommending that Council support removing the eastern
expressway that serves over 100,000 trips per day. While removal is the recommendation, the report
summarized all four options, only one of which maintained its current lane capacity. The report is part of
the broader objective of improving Toronto’s waterfront.
An industry coalition including CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), Canadian Courier & Logistics
Association, Ontario Trucking Association, Redpath Sugar, Ontario Motor Coach Association, Toronto
Industry Network and the Toronto Financial District BIA has been formed in order to address the issues
and impacts of the recommendation to remove the eastern Gardiner.
“Our coalition members all support the Waterfront Revitalization Project. We are in agreement that the
Gardiner Expressway can be improved without being removed. However, reducing capacity on the
Gardiner would force more commuters and trucks on to Toronto's arterial roads putting the safety of
drivers, cyclists and pedestrians at risk. This would have an enormous impact not only on the GTA’s
economy and road congestion, but also the quality of life for residents,” said Faye Lyons, Government
Relations, CAA SCO.
Congestion is costing the GTHA economy $11 billion per year, according to the C.D. Howe Institute, and
both industry and the people of Toronto will be negatively affected if lanes on the Gardiner are removed
without providing access to new transit options. The coalition is concerned that the broader impacts on
the existing Greater Toronto Area’s transportation network is not being given the level of consideration
it should.
The recommendation to remove the Gardiner also assumes that a Downtown Relief Subway Line and
additional transit lines including the Waterfront East LRT, the Yonge North Subway Extension and
Broadview Avenue transit extension are imminent. However, none are currently funded. The
competitiveness and vitality of Toronto’s downtown core must be a high priority, according to the
coalition. “Toronto’s congestion, if not improved, will continue to discourage businesses to locate in the
city, and will contribute to the frustration of those trying to get around,” said Lyons.
Page 1 of 3
Contacts
Faye Lyons, Government Relations
CAA South Central Ontario
416-708-3919, [email protected]
David Turnbull, President and CEO
Canadian Courier & Logistics Association
416-449-2860, [email protected]
Andrew Judge, Manager of Logistics & Customer Service
Redpath Sugar – ASR Group
416-933-8374, [email protected]
Doug Switzer, President & CEO
Ontario Motor Coach Association
416-229-6622, [email protected]
Marco Beghetto, VP of Communications & New Media
Ontario Trucking Association
416-249-7401, [email protected]
Paul Scrivener, Director of External Relations
Toronto Industry Network
416-444-8060, [email protected]
Grant Humes, Executive Director
Toronto Financial District BIA
416-908-3657, [email protected]
Page 2 of 3
About CAA SOUTH CENTRAL ONTARIO
As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club
which represents the interests of more than 1.9 million members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with
communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our
roads.
About CANADIAN COURIER AND LOGISTICS ASSOCIATION
The Canadian Courier & Logistics Association (CCLA) represents global delivery networks employing or using more
than 100,000 Canadians and generating more than $10 billion in sales per year. The CCLA’s mission is to represent
and advance the interests of couriers and time sensitive logistics service providers operating in Canada. The CCLA
undertakes advocacy, research and education on matters impacting our industry and its contribution to the global
competitiveness of the Canadian economy.
About ONTARIO TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) was founded in 1926, and provides services and public policy advocacy for
trucking companies hauling freight into, out of and within the Province of Ontario. OTA member fleets operate
over two-thirds of all commercial tractor-trailers on Ontario roadways and employ over 70,000 men and women
who work in the trucking industry. OTA is the only trucking association in Ontario that represents all segments of
the industry.
About REDPATH SUGAR
An employer located on Toronto’s waterfront, Redpath Sugar Ltd. is a part of ASR Group, the world’s largest
refiner of cane sugar. Redpath Sugar provides sugar products to consumers, food service outlets and food
manufacturers throughout Canada.
About ONTARIO MOTOR COACH ASSOCIATION
OMCA provides high value opportunities for their members to grow their business. OMCA is a strong inclusive
network of interdependent businesses producing results greater than the sum of their individual parts. OMCA is an
organization that cares deeply about providing the highest level of value and personal service for its members. It is
the heart of OMCA that embraces the road to sustainable and progressive development of the industry by
providing advocacy and education with the aid of technology to members across North America.
About TORONTO INDUSTRY NETWORK
Made up of a number of Toronto's large manufacturers and industrial associations, the Toronto Industry Network
(TIN) provides a voice at City Hall for the manufacturing community. TIN wants Toronto to remain a competitive
city to invest and work in. Manufacturing accounts for more than 110,000 direct jobs that create real wealth for
Toronto. Issues important to TIN include the new Official Plan and Zoning By-law, transportation, tax ratio, water
rates, electricity reliability and regulations that effect competitiveness.
About TORONTO FINANCIAL DISTRICT BIA
The Toronto Financial District BIA represents Toronto’s premier business centre, an area that includes Union
Station, the PATH underground walkway and Canada’ s five major banks and most prominent firms. With a
mandate to promote economic development in the area, initiatives include improving public spaces, showcasing
the daily activity of our thriving businesses at www.MyTOFD.com and @MyTOFD, and identifying collaborative
opportunities that ensure the Financial District and PATH are well-maintained, integrated, connected and
accessible.
Page 3 of 3