TORONTO, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has launched a petition calling on Toronto Mayor John Tory and Premier Kathleen Wynne not to impose a toll on the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway (DVP) – two major arteries in and out of Toronto. Reports late Wednesday revealed that the mayor plans on making a pitch for the tolls, which will require approval from the provincial government.

“After years of opposing tolls, including an anti-toll protest when David Miller was mayor, suddenly now John Tory thinks they’re a good idea? He must not be talking to the people of Toronto and the GTA, who rely on these highways to get to work,” said CTF Ontario Director Christine Van Geyn. “The Tory-toll is going to cause gridlock on surrounding streets, and hurt commuters. Commuting to work isn’t a luxury – most people who commute do so because they can’t afford to live in Toronto because of government policies like the double-land transfer tax. This toll takes advantage of people who rely on their cars to make a living.”

The toll is being proposed shortly after the announcement that the cost of the TTC is rising again, for the sixth year in a row. Mayor Tory is also proposing a hotel tax, which will also need to be approved by the provincial government.

“If you want to commute on the TTC its’ going to cost you more. If you want to drive into the city it’s going to cost you more. If you want to stay overnight in a hotel in the city, it’s going to cost you more. If you want to buy a house in the city, it’s going to cost you double. Toronto might as well hang out a sign that says ‘for rich people only.’ Because that’s the Toronto John Tory is creating,” concluded Van Geyn.

The CTF’s petition opposing the John Tory toll can be found HERE.