TORONTO, November 15, 2000 -- Local politicians and York University have joined forces to launch a major public transit initiative. The Spadina-York Subway Extension Committee has been formed to promote the extension of the subway system from Downsview Station to York University, and north to Highway 7 and the new downtown area of the City of Vaughan. The Committee includes representatives from the City of Toronto, the City of Vaughan, the Regional Municipality of York, and York University.

"This is a shining example of inter-regional cooperation in support of a major infrastructure project," says Mario G. Racco, the Committee’s chair and a Vaughan City Councillor. "The subway extension will greatly improve accessibility to York University and will make a significant contribution to the controlled development of high-growth areas bordering the City of Toronto."

York University President Dr. Lorna Marsden notes that the University is one of the most significant traffic generators in the GTA, parking more than 30,000 cars on peak days. "The Spadina-York subway extension would make a major difference to York students, faculty and staff, and makes good economic, environmental, and community development sense," says Marsden.

The concept of extending the subway to York University and the City of Vaughan has been included in several regional transit studies produced over the past ten years. The main objective of the new Committee is to secure the necessary approvals and funding to proceed with the project.

"An expanded subway system is a viable solution to the future transit needs of the Greater Toronto Area," Racco says. "It will reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. It also will have a significant economic impact by improving access to business districts situated along the subway lines."

To promote this initiative and create public awareness, the Committee has introduced the slogan "It’s Our Way Or The Highway," suggesting public transit is the solution to the problem of increased commuter traffic.

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For more information, contact:

Mario G. Racco
Chair, Spadina-York Subway Extension Committee
(905) 832-2281, ext. 8342

Victoria Leskie
Director, Corporate Communications
City of Vaughan
(905) 832-2281, ext. 8288

Susan Bigelow
Media Relations
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22091
YU/123/00