Item - 2017.EX25.24

The Executive Committee:

1.  Withdrew the item from the agenda.

As the City of Toronto deals with the task of adding affordable housing units to the city, the issue of the lack of land has been highlighted.  A solution may be found in utilizing the Hydro One Limited Gatineau Corridor lands.   

In order to considering these lands for residential communities, an environment study would be required to ensure the areas are suitable to build up and sustain residential communities. 

Undergrounding hydro wires is not a new idea. The concept was supported by Toronto City Council in July 2015 as part of a review done for proper infrastructure support as a result of issues from the December 2013 ice storm.  Recommendations can be found here:  http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2015.EX7.5.  Recommendation Number 4 states: "City Council request that Toronto Hydro enhance the resiliency of the electrical supply in Toronto through storm hardening, targeted conversion of overhead lines to underground, and conducting a Climate Change Adaptation Study".

Work to explore undergrounding hydro wires has already begun through the adopted recommendations, as confirmed in the June 16, 2015 correspondence by Anthony Haines. Toronto Hydro President and Chief Executive Officer which states "We continue to collaborate with various areas at the City of Toronto on recommendations of mutual interest. This includes working with the City's Urban Forestry Division and Major Capital Infrastructure Coordination Office to address reliability issues and potential undergrounding." This work provides a further opportunity to further investigate if the lands would be suitable for residential communities with a focus on affordable housing.

Exploring the feasibility of a pilot project in the Hydro One Limited Gatineau Hydro Corridor to see a portion of the area utilized for residential communities is an opportunity which needs to be explored.

I look forward to your support on this important matter.