Rob Ford has asked the provincial government for an immediate injection of cash to get the Sheppard subway extension underway. It's a move that's bound to be characterized by critics as hypocritical given the faith that the mayor has previously shown in the plan to fund the line via public-private partnerships, but Ford supporters will surely point out that when Ford dismantled Transit City the arrangement with the province stipulated that up to $650-million could be made available for the subway extension if it is not required for the Eglinton LRT, the bill for which Ontario is footing.

"We'll take a look at the request. I think I've got a slightly different take on the $650 million," McGuinty told the Toronto Star after the meeting. "The memorandum of understanding that we entered into provides that we could make up to $650 million available once we have determined what our costs are associated with the Eglinton line. And it's pretty hard to make that determination at this point in time."

Apparently Ford's desire for quick action on the possible funds has to do with concerns that $333-million in federal money might be lost if he can't secure cash from the province. Assuming this is true for a moment, one thus wonders what will happen in the event that McGuinty ultimately doesn't provide the funds that Ford is after. Could the Sheppard expansion come to a quick demise, or would Ford continue to remain defiant?

Ford also asked for the province's blessing to sell over 900 Toronto Community Housing Corporation homes and about provincial subsidy for child care in Toronto.

See also:

• Ford's plea for transit cash gets cool response from McGuinty (via the Star)
• Mayor Ford asks Ontario for $650-million for subway expansion (via the Globe)

Photo by Wendy Shaky Hands