needed in Durham Region
by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU E. CHISU, CD, PMSC,
FEC, CET, P. Eng.
Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East
Durham Region is a fast growing; dynamic region located east of Toronto, and is home to a highly skilled workforce, quality education and health care institutions, a growing technology sector and a unique rural / urban landscape. Many of the communities appear in the national 'top 10 lists' of best places to live or start a business. They have an exceptional quality of life with communities that maintain the balance between urban amenities and green spaces as they are located in the proximity of the Rouge Urban National Park and the Lake Ontario waterfront.
Unfortunately Durham Region had some major economic and social problems related to the recent closure of the General Motors facility in Oshawa and more problems are forthcoming with the imminent closing of the Pickering Nuclear Power Plant. That closure will create a drain of skilled workers from the region if no adequate measures are taken soon.
Durham Region does have several strategic priorities for the benefit of the residents and businesses to overcome these issues. It focuses on innovative projects and improvements to support the continued growth and prosperity of the Region.
Durham Region is committed to support some major infrastructure projects identified in the area but needs financial and related political support from both the federal and provincial governments.
This support is needed to continue to build a thriving community and overcome the infrastructure deficit estimated at a ratio of 1 in 10 when compared to the west end of the GTA.
The major infrastructure projects that are envisaged include:
1. The advancement of an airport and related industrial development on the federal lands in Pickering, which have been underutilized for close to a half of century, thus enabling the vision of a Toronto East "Aerotropolis".
The approximately 8,700 acres of land is sufficient to accommodate aerospace-related economic development, including transportation and logistics facilities, and indoor, year-round agriculture. The attraction of aviation and related companies to an airport complex will create thousands of high quality jobs, spark growth in the innovation corridor, strengthen Canada's global competitiveness, reduce traffic jams and strengthen business development in the region.
2. Invest in the implementation of a viable route planned for the Lakeshore GO East extension, which runs north of the 401, to ensure the transit expansion completes the integration of all GTA transit systems and meets the needs of the community and local business.
Metrolinx and the Province of Ontario committed to extend GO train service through Oshawa to Bowmanville along the CP rail line, with stops at Thornton Corners, Downtown Oshawa, Courtice and Bowmanville. The extension is supported by an approved environmental assessment, detailed planning, land acquisition and infrastructure improvements along the planned route. All that is needed is action to implement the plan.
This project will provide the best opportunity to realize investment from the private sector, aid communities in revitalization of the downtown areas and allow residents to use public transit or active transportation to move between their homes and places of work rapidly and efficiently.
3.Partner with the Province of Ontario to ensure timely intake and approval of projects to build Durham's Integrated Rapid Transit Network.
The Region of Durham is developing infrastructure to continue to attract employment and residential growth. Forming a truly integrated network, the rapid transit lines will enable fast and reliable mobility for residents and visitors as they travel between the east GTA growth centers of Downtown Oshawa, Pickering City Centre and Scarborough Town Centre, connecting transportation, business and education hubs and contributing to the GTA's overall economic prosperity. Durham Region Transit (DRT) priority infrastructure projects will require support from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) funding with additional costs borne by the Region. The federal government has already committed $95 million towards transit in Durham. Receipt of ICIP funding is crucial for Durham to move these important transit infrastructure projects forward to meet the needs of our growing community.
4.The Connect To Innovate program to provide all Durham residents with broadband access.
Broadband (high speed Internet) provides connectivity in a world that is increasingly moving online. Access to broadband is associated with quality of life and the economic competitiveness of communities. There are service gaps in Durham's rural areas and upgrading or installing broadband infrastructure is cost prohibitive for businesses, preventing them from taking advantage of innovative technology and increasing their economic vitality. In particular, Durham's rural communities need access to broadband due to the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence in farming. Connecting Durham Communities is of the utmost importance.
Presently the political representation for Durham Region at both the provincial and federal levels of government has the potential to give strong support to these initiatives. On the provincial side we have two senior ministers representing the Treasury Board and Finance Ministry, which are pivotal to providing financial support for capital projects. On the federal side there we also have Members of Parliament who are knowledgeable about the needs of the Region and senior enough to have a weight at the national level in promoting projects of national interest in the Region. If they are really interested in developing the Region I hope they will be able to work together for the benefit and advancement of the community.
Don't you agree?
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