Ontario Premier Doug Ford champions expansive infrastructure projects, aligning with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s “build, baby, build” directive. Ambitious initiatives include a major new highway, an upgraded spa, science centre, and concert venue, a vast tunnel, a massive convention centre, the world’s largest nuclear station, and widespread transit expansions.
Opposition to Ford’s Vision
Critics voice strong concerns over increased traffic, airport noise, high-rise shadows, and nuclear power, favoring wind energy instead. Ford dismisses delays, pushing forward despite resistance.
For instance, plans to expand Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport to accommodate jets draw ire from Mayor Olivia Chow, who opposes jets near condo-lined shorelines. Ford counters, “I know Mayor Chow wants to expand it. She may disagree with the jets, but those jets are coming in there, one way or another.” The province intends to assume control of the airport.
Announce First, Plan Later Approach
Ford often reveals projects before detailed planning. A Greenbelt housing proposal faced public backlash and stalled. Similarly, he criticized Toronto’s convention centre as “one of the worst in the world” during a major mining event, announcing a new site “unlike any other location in the entire world… Wait until you see the design.” This involves creating landfill along the lakefront.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles calls it “just another idiotic idea,” adding, “Nothing about this makes life easier for people in Ontario.”
Detractors argue these projects overlook urgent issues like homelessness, gas prices, university funding, and downtown gridlock. The Ontario Place revamp, featuring a $400-million parking garage and luxury spa, plus a proposed Highway 401 tunnel, fuel further debate.
Broader Canadian Challenges
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre highlights economic stagnation: “In the middle of a massive price hike for oil, our industry is not expanding, it’s retreating.” Carney and Poilievre advocate dismantling barriers, accelerating permits, and boosting infrastructure.
Yet, obstacles persist. Toronto forfeits federal housing funds rather than broadly allow six-unit buildings. A compliant 10-unit, six-story project fell to resident opposition. Provincial efforts to ease rules yield limited results. Courts even deem bike lane removals unconstitutional.
Ford’s Key Victories
Progress occurs on select fronts. Construction starts soon on an all-season Ring of Fire road in northern Ontario. Hospital expansions, including a $14-billion Mississauga teaching hospital, advance. A 52-kilometre highway bypasses Highway 401, reviving a prior Liberal plan. A site secures approval for a nuclear plant powering 10 million homes.
Housing Crisis Persists
Housing lags amid formidable municipal barriers. A June federal deal followed tense talks, but condo sales plummet and 2025 home purchases hit a 45-year low. Prices ease slightly but remain unaffordable for many. Ford labels it a “massive inferno,” signaling relentless pursuit.
Entering his third term, Ford eyes a fourth, promising more bold initiatives amid expected pushback.
