Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34) brought a welcome perspective to the epidemic of congestion phobia at City Hall as he spoke at a round table of municipal officials on this subject. Mr. Minnan-Wong said the last thing Toronto needs is no congestion. He said any successful city has congestion. Those with none — like Detroit and Cleveland — are business ghost towns. These remarks temper the frantic atmosphere in which this subject is usually discussed by Councillors. Here in South Bayview, it is true that the business district in frequently “congested” although during this unforgiving winter we might wish to see more congestion. It means the place is a source of activity, that people are working and consumers are probably going to spend money. Congestion is a real issue, but it is one of a number which is seized upon by politicians who wish to be seen doing something, if not actually saving the world. Congestion on St. Clair Ave. West was cited as a reason for the concrete barrier known as a streetcar right-of-way. A monstrous calamity for the community in the name of ridding it of congestion.
