Toronto Star

Tomorrow marks the fifth anniversary of the Star's campaign for a "new deal for cities." In a front-page editorial on Jan. 12, 2002, we launched the crusade because we felt Canada was suffering an urban crisis. "Simply put, our cities – our greatest economic and cultural assets – are sliding into mediocrity," the editorial stated. "We have a stark choice: Either we manage our cities' future and aspire to greatness, or manage their gradual decline. We opt strongly for greatness." Since the campaign began, much has been accomplished but much more remains to be done before our cities will be able to achieve that greatness. And the evidence for more action is clear in Greater Toronto. Our public transit system remains underfunded and there is a continuing shortage of affordable housing. Our streets are jammed and our schools are still strapped for cash. Waterfront development is painfully slow and garbage pickup and street cleaning are suffering.