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What were once grassroots, often ragtag, opposition efforts gave way to sophisticated organizing, paid lobbying and high-tech public opinion campaigns. On Bathurst, small businesses opposed to the dedicated bus lanes of RapidTO were quick to mobilize with a sleek website, posters with QR codes and media-savvy members. Too quick, according to critics of videos that feature AI-faked, but realistic-looking, “residents” created by one of the anti-Bathurst bus lane groups.

Morley sees Toronto’s intensifying battles over who gets space on city roads as “old guard” residents trying to protect their privilege. “We’re at this moment where privileges we have traditionally prioritized — access to cars, multiple vehicles per household in our suburban communities — are now coming into conflict with the level of density and growth pressures, and frankly affordability, within our city,” she said. The affordability crisis has pushed a generation of young people into vertical living, with no driveway even if they can afford a car, she said.