Mayoral candidate Judy Wasylycia-Leis is raising the issue of rapid transit in her campaign aimed at dethroning incumbent Sam Katz.
Wasylycia-Leis vowed on Monday that she would finish the southwest rapid transit corridor to the University of Manitoba using buses, running contrary to Katz's proposal to use light-rail transit.
"You can hold me to account on that promise," said Wasylycia-Leis. She said buses are the better option.
Wasylycia-Leis also said local bus manufacturer New Flyer would be the main choice considered for new buses if she becomes mayor.
"(The) tendering process is always important, but that doesn't mean one doesn't have methods and means in place to ensure Winnipeg is looked at first and foremost," said Wasylycia-Leis.
Her opponent Sam Katz said bringing New Flyer to the front of the line just because it's local is a dicey promise.
"It certainly would be extremely risky not going with tenders and not giving the business to whoever comes up with the best price," said Katz.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation also expressed concern about the proposal and said it could affect local jobs.
"You have to remember when you spend more on something, you have to tax people more and when you tax them more, you reduce the amount of resources they have to create jobs," said Colin Craig, prairie director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
Katz's proposal to use light-rail transit will head to council for a vote on July 21. If the proposal is approved, Katz promises to finish the rapid-transit route to the University of Manitoba using light-rail transit. That could change, however, if Wasylycia-Leis gets elected in October.
Along with Katz and Wasylycia-Leis, other candidates currently running for mayor include Nancy Thomas, Ed Ackerman and Avery Petrowski.
Voters head to the polls on October 27.
- with a report from CTV's Laura Lowe
