Item - 2013.PG29.7

This report responds to questions regarding the Relief Line initiative and recommends a project assessment process and public consultation framework to determine the alignment and station locations for a new rapid transit line connecting the Danforth Subway to the Yonge Subway south of Gerrard Street.  This project is required to deal with future demands on the Yonge Line that exceed capacity and to relieve congestion on that line, the Danforth subway and at the Bloor/Yonge interchange station.

It is proposed that the Relief Line Project Assessment be conducted in coordination with the Metrolinx Network Relief Strategy and Yonge Relief Study that will examine other transit network alternatives and phasing that will address relief in the Yonge Subway corridor and provide broader regional benefits.  A summary is presented of studies by the TTC, Metrolinx and City Planning, as well as information on the options available to undertake an environmental assessment, and recommends that the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning Division, proceed with the first phase of the Relief Line Project Assessment, specifically to engage in a public process to review and finalize the proposed Terms of Reference (scope of work) contained in Appendix B of this report.

The proposed Terms of Reference are intended to clearly set out the work that will be undertaken, timing and deliverables for the study.  The Terms of Reference also contain a draft public consultation framework  that will be used to guide development of a detailed Public Consultation Plan with public input, to ensure a transparent and accountable process that engages the public and stakeholders in the decision making process for the following stages of this study.  The Terms of Reference and accompanying Public Consultation Plan will be brought back to City Council in early 2014 for approval.  TTC and Metrolinx representatives have been consulted in the preparation of this report.

This item was previously published on the agenda with the following title “Response to Questions Regarding the Relief Line Project Assessment (formerly the Downtown Relief Line)”