As a result, not since Bill Davis was Premier have our provincial highways been in such good condition. Now, we plan to build on these record investments as we prepare our province for the growth we expect over the next 20 years. Every hour we spend stuck while travelling is an hour wasted, for both our personal lives and Ontario's economy. One thing is certain. If we fail to plan our future growth properly, we face a future with more traffic congestion, more pollution, and a lower quality of life.
Inefficient growth means more urban sprawl, and less green space.
It also means higher infrastructure costs, higher taxes, and a reduction in Ontario's ability to compete. And that would be unacceptable - both to this government, and to the people of Ontario. To prevent these things from happening, Mr. Speaker, our government is pursuing Smart Growth to find transportation solutions that work. And so, I am pleased to be able to announce several new initiatives today. To prepare for the dramatic population and economic growth of the future, and to ensure access to markets in the United States, and to support our tourism industry, Ontario, working with other governments, will create modern international gateways at the Windsor and Niagara borders.