Re: Winnipeg is not Toronto, April 12.

Edward Katz argues that Winnipeg's transit system can't be compared to those in other cities, such as Toronto, Edmonton and Ottawa because of the obvious population difference between those cities and ours. It must be noted, however, that those cities invested in alternative forms of public transportation long before they reached the populations they are at today.

Edmonton, for example, opened its first light rail transit line in 1978 when that city's population was smaller than Winnipeg's is today, 480,000 at the time. Work on Toronto's subway system began in 1954, when that city's population was approximately 700,000.

Although Katz suggests we compare our situation with cities similar in size (Hamilton and Quebec City), he is ignoring the fact that many cities around the world with populations similar to Winnipeg's already have rapid transit or subway systems in place.

While Winnipeg continues to drag its feet on issues such as rapid transit, young Winnipeggers will continue to flee for cities they perceive to be more progressive and stimulating. Rather than waiting for our population to reach a certain level before tackling these issues, we need to make the investment now so that young Winnipeggers know that our city council and provincial government are serious about sustainable urban planning, the environment, and our future as a progressive and vibrant city.

Yes, population and cost are obvious considerations when planning public transportation. But we also desperately need an injection of visionary thinking in this otherwise sleepy prairie city. Rather than saying Winnipeg is not big enough, why not ask what can we do today to ensure that Winnipeg is a vibrant and relevant city into the future?