BY STEVEN KASZAB
For many years, in fact decades I have heard the residents of Toronto, their business and professional leaders shouting from the ivory towers of Bay Street and beyond that “Toronto is a world class city”.
Well now folks all I can say is that Toronto has reached that level in the world today. I once was a participant of Toronto’s growth; an urbanite who wanted to be, enjoying all that Toronto had to offer. It’s unique cultural and entertainment events, its vibrant yet varied communities, multiple festivals and fairs. Toronto’s wonderful museums and waterfront for a stroll or boat ride. Yes those were the days, but now that you are indeed a “world class city” Toronto, I and many others cannot continue to afford to visit let alone live in your communities.
Toronto the Proud – Toronto the Good – Toronto for the wealthy – Toronto is a place to visit but not live in.
Housing in Toronto is world class expensive.
Parking in Toronto is scarce and expensive.
Entertainment is often out of reach for average Canadians.
Property and city taxes are on their way up whether you want it or not.
The city’s police and municipal budget is never under control.
The city’s political attitudes do not match those of the rest of the provinces (urban vs rural).
The city of Toronto’s appetite, its needs outreach its revenue.
Yah, Toronto has arrived, and can call itself “world class.” Like most large urban centres this city has and will continue to outgrow itself, transforming into a financial and social sponge of contradictions.
While this happens, other Ontarians will live, seek entertainment; fulfil their needs within their own communities while watching the city of the future become (a place to visit only).
