How any of this is controversial is just baffling.
Ultimately, it's a population themselves that 'just don't get it', and we get the political will we collectively deserve. This is indicated on a municipal level by the vast majority of Torontonians polling against a tax increase to provide the transit they so desperately need. So be it, stab your kids in the eyes so that you can watch Netflix in peace.
Let me put it this way, in other nations where they readily push ahead on matters like these, there's a much higher social conscious on what's necessary to do it. Canada is about to take a big tumble in terms of "Quality of Life" indices, standard of living, and average income per person, and ultimately, they have no-one to blame but themselves.
In giving some slack to this nation, it is a trend in other nations too, but still, the Nords and other Europeans, parts of Asia and Australasia are now well ahead of us, and leaving us in the dust.
Go Leafs Go! Hey...
I'll add a small note of optimism for this nation, especially Ontario: There is a way forward, and in the vacuum left by mindless consumer/voters and thus leadership, Private Enterprise will grab the reins. For better or worse! At least they're driven by the principle of "Business Case"...a term alien to the likes of the clowns now at QP, and predecessors. "Business Case" for the likes of the Fords of this world means a case you label to put your business in. More labels, more business for the simple mind.
There is an aspect that could be argued in the European Court. This nation is based on the Westminster Model, and 'Brexit' is in the vocabulary. It translates in a number of European languages to "suicide"....and "Lemming Pie" in others. Hold the Worcestershire sauce...
The railways need a boot up the arse about electrification
On "electrification" I digress, that's for Metrolinx owned tracks, and Metrolinx needs more than a boot up there, but the FEDS! need a boot or two, since they have the legislation, they have the financial resources and they have the *legal precedent* to mandate this...or as per my prior "Private Enterprise" reference, they have the power to 'tender' the project to an independent third party/consortium to build it, and then mandate the use of it. Whether CN, CP or Fred's Federally Regulated mining road like it or not. It's covered in detail in the Transportation Act and the Relocations Act and others.
But that would take a backbone...