Update — July 31, 3:56 p.m.: Metrolinx has now posted the final environmental project report and an executive summary of the report (.pdf) on its website. You can also comment on the project at Metrolinx’ virtual open house.
Metrolinx announced today that it has now formally finished the process of consulting with the public about its draft proposals to expand the Georgetown South rail corridor and to build a rail link between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Union Station.
Today, it issued a notice advising the Ontario Minister of the Environment that it has finished the first phase of assessing the project under the Province of Ontario’s transit project assessment process.
This means that you now have just one month to review the final environmental project report, make comments on the project or formally object to it by writing to the Minister.
During the past seven months, Metrolinx says, it has consulted extensively with neighbourhood organizations and individuals along the rail corridor. More than 2,000 people attended 18 open houses in January, April and June and 700 people posted comments on its virtual open house website. The project team held more than 20 meetings with community institutions and groups to talk about how to solve local issues. According to Metrolinx, the project team responded to community feedback and suggestions by amending and refining the proposal in a number of ways, including:
- designing a new Strachan Avenue bridge that reduces the impact to, and helps beautify, the nearby community;
- preserving the Weston farmers’ market at its current location;
- studying how to extend the West Toronto Rail Path and connect other cycling facilities along the corridor;
- keeping streets open in the Weston and Liberty Village neighbourhoods where possible;
- designing a new pedestrian bridge over the John Street rail crossing in Weston;
- helping to revitalize the Weston community after relocating Weston GO Station.
Metrolinx will post the final environmental project report on its website tomorrow. Members of the public, government agencies and First Nations groups may review the report, provide more comments or submit any objections to the project in writing by August 31.
The Minister then has 35 days to review the comments and objections and decdie whether the project can proceed.
Expanding the Georgetown expansion rail component allows Metrolinx to build the necessary infrastructure to improve GO Transit train service to west-end Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton. A private-sector operator will finance and operate the Union - Pearson rail link component.
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