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The Subway That Took a Generation: Why the Eglinton Crosstown’s Delays Were Even Worse Than You Think

  Toronto has a long history of transit projects that drag on, but the Eglinton Crosstown LRT has become the city’s defining example of how complicated, political, and painfully slow building transit can be. Most people think of the project as something that started in the early 2010s and simply ran over schedule. The truth is far messier—and stretches back decades. A Project With Roots in the 1990s Long before shovels hit the ground in 2011, the idea of rapid transit along Eglinton was already alive. In the mid‑1990s, the TTC began digging tunnels for what was then called the Eglinton West Subway . Construction actually started—tunnels were being carved out under the street—until the project was abruptly cancelled in 1995. The partially built tunnels were filled in, and the corridor sat untouched for years. That early false start meant that by the time the Crosstown was revived as part of the Transit City plan in 2007, planners weren’t starting fresh. They were restarting a dr...
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TD Bank: Navigating Challenges and Changes

 

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), once revered as the pinnacle of banking, is facing a shift in perception. The bank, known for its robust profits and investor appeal, is experiencing a tarnished reputation. A series of events, including messy succession planning, a dimmed growth outlook, and a more reserved stance on social issues, have contributed to this change.

The bank’s attempted acquisition of First Horizon Corp was blocked by U.S. authorities, revealing significant anti-money laundering issues and attracting the Department of Justice’s attention. This setback, coupled with the departure of key executives, has raised questions about TD’s future direction.

Despite these challenges, TD remains a strong lender with solid operations. It continues to command respect from investors, reflected in its stock trading at 10.8 times next year’s expected earnings. However, it now trails behind its chief rival, Royal Bank of Canada, which trades at 11.5 times estimated earnings.

TD’s Canadian personal banking division struggled during the pandemic, while its peers thrived. The bank’s leadership, once a close-knit ‘corporate family,’ now appears more restrained, with less substantive communication.

As TD approaches a leadership transition, it retains fundamental advantages, such as a stable source of cheap funding from retail deposits. Some questioned strategies are showing promise, like the revamped Aeroplan program and expansion in capital markets with the Cowen Inc. acquisition.

In summary, TD Bank is at a crossroads, with its once-unquestionable trust starting to wane. The bank’s next steps will be crucial in maintaining its esteemed position and regaining the confidence of stakeholders. The future leader will inherit a bank with a solid foundation but must navigate the uncertainties that lie ahead.


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