Toronto appointed a traffic czar to fix the worst traffic congestion in North America. Montreal and Vancouver are close behind. Automotive journalist Lorraine Sommerfeld questions whether this is real change or political theater—and why Doug Ford's control over Toronto's municipal decisions keeps blocking progress.

Shane and Lorraine dig into why Canadian cities are gridlocked, why cities were never designed for through-traffic, and why we keep asking the same questions while expecting different answers. They discuss the real cost of congestion (tens of billions annually), why pickup trucks are now cheaper than mid-sized SUVs, and why car manufacturers keep forcing expensive, tech-heavy vehicles on buyers who just want basic transportation.

Discover why the entire relationship with transportation needs to change, why hanging onto your 7-8 year old car is the smartest move right now, and why 2026 might finally shift the conversation toward smaller, cleaner, more affordable vehicles.

KEY TOPICS:
Toronto traffic czar appointment and effectiveness
Canada's worst traffic congestion cities (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver)
Doug Ford's municipal control over Toronto transportation decisions
Why new cars cost $60,000+ and are over-engineered
Electric vehicles vs hybrids for Canadian climate

GUEST: Lorraine Sommerfeld, Automotive Journalist | http://driving.ca

Originally aired on 2026-01-07

Toronto appointed a traffic czar to fix the worst traffic congestion in North America. Montreal and Vancouver are close behind. Automotive journalist Lorraine Sommerfeld questions whether this is real change or political theater&mdash;and why Doug Ford's control over Toronto's municipal decisions keeps blocking progress.
Shane and Lorraine dig into why Canadian cities are gridlocked, why cities were never designed for through-traffic, and why we keep asking the same questions while expecting different answers. They discuss the real cost of congestion (tens of billions annually), why pickup trucks are now cheaper than mid-sized SUVs, and why car manufacturers keep forcing expensive, tech-heavy vehicles on buyers who just want basic transportation.
Discover why the entire relationship with transportation needs to change, why hanging onto your 7-8 year old car is the smartest move right now, and why 2026 might finally shift the conversation toward smaller, cleaner, more affordable vehicles.
KEY TOPICS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Toronto traffic czar appointment and effectiveness</li>
<li aria-level="1">Canada's worst traffic congestion cities (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Doug Ford's municipal control over Toronto transportation decisions</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why new cars cost $60,000+ and are over-engineered</li>
<li aria-level="1">Electric vehicles vs hybrids for Canadian climate</li>
</ul>
GUEST: Lorraine Sommerfeld, Automotive Journalist |<a href="http://driving.ca"> http://driving.ca</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-07

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.