^ The elm tree stands tall during construction. Elm trees can grow to more than 25 metres in height. Image, Metrolinx.

This Saturday, October 16, Metrolinx and GO Transit are renaming Lincolnville GO Station to honour the 200-year-old elm tree that stands on the site of the new station.

That day, the transit agencies start dubbing the station in the Town of Whitchurch - Stouffville as Old Elm GO Station.

In a Metrolinx news blog post Aman Gill, Metrolinx communications planning senior advisor, writes, “In preliminary plans for the new station, the tree was slated for removal to clear a path for the new bus loop. However, after consultation with the community and stakeholders in 2019, the importance of the tree to the surrounding community was clear and its preservation quickly emerged as a top priority for the project.”

The project to replace the station with a new one continues. According to the post, “the future relocated Old Elm GO station will be easier to navigate and provide [passengers] a safer and more reliable transit experience. It is also designed to accommodate increased GO service along the Stouffville line.” Metrolinx expects to complete the new station in early 2022.

^ Rendering of the future Old Elm GO Station (formerly Lincolnville). Image, Metrolinx.

One of the major safety improvements at the new station means passengers no longer have to cross tracks to catch their bus or train.

Old Elm GO Station will also include:

• 672 parking spaces;
• better access for pedestrian and cyclists;
• A bus loop to connect GO passengers with York Region Transit; and
• An accessible platform, and barrier-free access to parking and passenger pick-up and drop-off area.

The current Lincolnville GO Station will become a train-layover facility where Metrolinx can store and maintain more trains.

^ Rendering of the bus loop at the future Old Elm GO Station (formerly Lincolnville). Image, Metrolinx.

Metrolinx and GO plan to accommodate more passengers and increase service along the Stouffville line, as part of their GO Expansion Program (formerly “regional express rail”).