Metrolinx and the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Working Out Differences on Funding

Metrolinx is working with the Greater Oshawa Chamber to resovlve issues related to the planned funding solutions for Transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. There are some concerns raised by the Business Group regarding


The Regional council and the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce have some concerns regarding an investment strategy put forward by Metrolinx, the organization responsible for public transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. Metrolinx’s investment strategy outlines ways to finance its $50 billion project called

“The Big Move.” Included in the strategy are the various revenue tools Metrolinx has deemed necessary to pay for the 25-year plan. One portion of The Big Move is to extend GO Train service to Bowmanville, adding a new GO station in Oshawa in the process.


The first revenue tool is a one-point increase to the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Doing so would generate $1.3 billion annually, claims Metrolinx. There are also proposals for a five-cent regional fuel and gasoline tax, a 25-cent business parking levy and changes to development charges to help fund transit.