It has been a unique characteristic of Peterborough for decades: only sitting an hour and a half's drive from downtown Toronto but without any solid connection to Toronto or the GTA. Peterborough has been a weirdly isolated city with few similar traits of its counterpart to the south-west. No rapid expansion, relatively stable and low housing prices and a much slower lifestyle. This could soon come to an end.
Peterborough's MPP, Jeff Leal, announced this weekend that GO Bus service will be extended out to Peterborough by the fall of 2009. This is all part of the GO expansion coming as a result of increased funding to public transportation from the federal government. During the October, 2008 election campaign, Peterborough MP, Dean del Mastro, had committed to extending GO Rail service to Peterborough. The bus service would act as a temporary service until the train line is put into full force.
This could have a whole whack of benefits. For one, it'll be cheap and convenient service into Toronto. When I took the GO service from Oshawa to Hamilton, it cost me around $9. This is much cheaper than the Greyhound, which is currently the only cheap form of public transit going into and out of Peterborough. For commuters, this could mean wonders. No more having to drive hours upon hours waiting in traffic along the 401. For students, getting into Toronto will be much easier.
Businesses are very happy as more people from Toronto and the GTA area will now have easy access to Peterborough. Tourism could boom as GTA folk may wish to escape the urban jungle and explore the natural wonders of Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
From an environmental standpoint this could be great. Canadians often complain about the need for more public transit. It'll take cars off the road and put cash back in people's pockets.
But some people won't be happy about this. Peterborough's isolation can be a very nice touch. It doesn't deal with the rushed lifestyle of the GTA nor does it feel very big. Peterborough has a small-town feel about it. The worry is that by extending the GO service, Peterborough could slowly become more similar to the GTA. From my perspective, this is bad. The natural features of Peterborough could be lost to the need to 'develop' the area.
But if you're looking to make a quick buck, I'd recommend purchasing some property in Peterborough. As more people come and commuting from Peterborough becomes easier, housing prices will probably climb.
Having the GO could be a great thing, but as long as the characteristics of the GTA don't come to Peterborough. If so, you could wave goodbye to the title, "Gateway to the Kawarthas". What a terrible shame that would be.
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