Actually, the City does charge residents to cross the streets - it's called "taxes" and that's why the City streets, sidewalks, parks etc are considered "public goods".

The lake, too, is a "public good" as we are charged by the federal government for is maintenance and use - "taxes". So, yes, the TPA charges are a blatant money grab on income-earning, tax-paying Toronto residents. Mainland waterfront residents - with a view - are dinged once again - a 10% upward adjustment on their property tax.

Sam