Item - 2022.EX29.3
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on February 2, 2022 with amendments.
- This item was considered by Executive Committee on January 26, 2022 and was adopted with amendments. It will be considered by City Council on February 2, 2022.
EX29.3 - Update on the Metrolinx GO Expansion Program - First Quarter 2022
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on February 2 and 3, 2022, adopted the following:
1. City Council request the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office, to request Metrolinx to investigate and provide alternative proposals to the City that reduce the impact to the ravine ecosystem due to Small's Creek project, including the approach for how the pedestrian connection from Merrill Bridge Road Park to Williamson Park Ravine will be included in the scope of the project, as referenced in the report (January 12, 2022) from the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office.
2. City Council request the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office to request Metrolinx, in consultation with relevant City Divisions and Agencies including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, to provide a publicly available ecological restoration and stewardship plan for the entirety of the Small’s Creek ravine area, which:
a. includes a walking path that maintains connection across the east and west sides of the ravine, in keeping with the ‘connecting’ goal of the Council-endorsed Toronto Ravine Strategy;
b. explores the addition of a tiered retaining wall in the Small's Creek ravine to provide both better visual as well as improved environmental outcomes;
c. provides an outline for improved noise mitigation measures that address increased vibration, sound frequency, and decibel noise levels and confirmation of measures that will be implemented prior to and as part of future expansion or Regional Express Rail work in the area;
d. outlines the roles and responsibilities for all agencies and divisions involved in the scope of work; and
e. includes consultation with community and stakeholders, including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and receives Toronto and Region Conservation Authority approval in advance of requesting further project approvals or beginning any significant early work construction that impacts mature trees and the wooded ravine slope.
3. City Council request the City Manager, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the General Manager, Transportation Services, to request Metrolinx, should it decide to run the Ontario Line aboveground in the Joint Corridor and not underground as requested previously by City Council and the local community, to hold a design competition, using the City's process for such competitions, for the Lake Shore East Joint Corridor, which is also part of the proposed expansion of GO services, to accomplish the required design excellence including the highest possible standard of noise mitigation.
4. City Council request the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office to report to the March 30, 2022 meeting of the Executive Committee on the exact size of the most current proposal from Metrolinx for a Don Valley Layover Facility, the size and location of the landed needed for that proposal, the size and location of any City-owned land for that proposal, and details on any changes to the uses Metrolinx is proposing for that facility since the last report on this matter to City Council.
5. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the Director, Indigenous Affairs Office, to report to the March 29, 2022 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on consultations with the Indigenous community on the Wonscotonach Parklands as a result of City Council's direction in Item 2018.PE26.4, "Update on the Partnership with Evergreen and Establishing an Identity for the Lower Don Parklands", and any consultations on the possible impacts of Metrolinx's proposed Don Valley Layover Facility on those parklands.
6. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, to report to the March 29, 2022 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the Metrolinx proposed Don Valley Layover Facility's possible impacts on recreational uses, trail system, natural habitat, including nearby wetlands on the Don Valley Park (Wonscotonach Parklands) and the implications for the City's Ravine Strategy.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-175065.pdf
Communications (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ex/comm/communicationfile-144400.pdf
Communications (City Council)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Celeste Shirley (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Patricia Merrilees (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Tom Connell (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Sarah Boesveld (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Jane Anderson (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Iva Jericevic (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Olivia Coombe (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Glenn Chadwick (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Birgit Siber (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Adam Ralph (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from S. O'Connor (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Beth Binnington (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Marilyn McKim (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Jeffrey Levitt (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Paul Westbrook (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Todd Lumley (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Marie-Claude Blouin (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Heidi Schwarzkopf (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Michael Terk (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Cleo Buster (CC.New)
(February 1, 2022) E-mail from Val Cline (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Catherine Berka (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Don Young (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Brendon Boorman (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Shane Compton (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Botond Ballo (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Krista MacFarlane (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Alisa Metcalfe (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) Letter from Shelley Kline, on behalf of the Lakeshore East Community Advisory Committee (CC.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/cc/comm/communicationfile-145324.pdf
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Diana Turchin (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Susan Crammond (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Fran Schechter (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Carolyn Wilby (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Anne Massicotte (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Lisa Payne (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Lenka Holubec (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Alexander Feigin (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Robyn Osemlak (CC.New)
(February 2, 2022) E-mail from Karen Kelly (CC.New)
Motions (City Council)
That:
1. City Council request the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office to report to the March 30, 2022 meeting of the Executive Committee on the exact size of the most current proposal from Metrolinx for a Don Valley Layover Facility, the size and location of the landed needed for that proposal, the size and location of any City-owned land for that proposal, and details on any changes to the uses Metrolinx is proposing for that facility since the last report on this matter to City Council.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Feb-03-2022 11:55 AM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - EX29.3 - Fletcher - motion 1a |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 24 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Mark Grimes, Stephen Holyday, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 2 | Members that were absent are Joe Cressy, Cynthia Lai |
That:
1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the Director, Indigenous Affairs Office, to report to the March 29, 2022 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on consultations with the Indigenous community on the Wonscotonach Parklands as a result of Council's direction in Item 2018.PE26.4, Update on the Partnership with Evergreen and Establishing an Identity for the Lower Don Parklands, and any consultations on the possible impacts of Metrolinx's proposed Don Valley Layover Facility on those parklands.
2. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, to report to the March 29, 2022 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on Metrolinx's proposed Don Valley's Layover Facility possible impacts on recreational uses, trail system, natural habitat, including nearby wetlands on the Don Valley Park (Wonscotonach Parklands) and the implications for the City's Ravine Strategy.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Feb-03-2022 11:56 AM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - EX29.3 - Fletcher - motion 1b |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 24 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Mark Grimes, Stephen Holyday, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 2 | Members that were absent are Joe Cressy, Cynthia Lai |
That:
1. City Council request the City Manager, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the General Manager, Transportation Services, to request that Metrolinx, should it decide to run the Ontario Line aboveground in the Joint Corridor and not underground as requested previously by City Council and the local community, hold a design competition, using the City's process for such competitions, for the Lake Shore East Joint Corridor, which is also part of the proposed expansion of GO services, to accomplish the required design excellence including the highest possible standard of noise mitigation.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Feb-03-2022 11:57 AM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - EX29.3 - Fletcher - motion 1c |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 23 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Mark Grimes, Stephen Holyday, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 1 | Members that voted No are Denzil Minnan-Wong |
| Total members that were Absent: 2 | Members that were absent are Joe Cressy, Cynthia Lai |
Vote (Adopt Item as Amended) Feb-03-2022 11:58 AM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - EX29.3 - Adopt the Item as amended |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 24 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailão, Brad Bradford, Shelley Carroll, Mike Colle, Gary Crawford, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Michael Ford, Mark Grimes, Stephen Holyday, Mike Layton, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Jaye Robinson, Michael Thompson, John Tory, Kristyn Wong-Tam |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 2 | Members that were absent are Joe Cressy, Cynthia Lai |
EX29.3 - Update on the Metrolinx GO Expansion Program - First Quarter 2022
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Committee Recommendations
The Executive Committee recommends that:
1. City Council request the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office, to request Metrolinx to investigate and provide alternative proposals to the City that reduce the impact to the ravine ecosystem due to Small's Creek project, including the approach for how the pedestrian connection from Merrill Bridge Road Park to Williamson Park Ravine will be included in the scope of the project, as referenced in the report (January 12, 2022) from the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office.
2. City Council request the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office to request Metrolinx, in consultation with relevant City Divisions and Agencies including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, to provide a publicly available ecological restoration and stewardship plan for the entirety of the Small’s Creek ravine area, which:
a. includes a walking path that maintains connection across the east and west sides of the ravine, in keeping with the ‘connecting’ goal of the Council-endorsed Toronto Ravine Strategy;
b. explores the addition of a tiered retaining wall in the Small's Creek ravine to provide both better visual as well as improved environmental outcomes;
c. provides an outline for improved noise mitigation measures that address increased vibration, sound frequency, and decibel noise levels and confirmation of measures that will be implemented prior to and as part of future expansion or Regional Express Rail work in the area;
d. outlines the roles and responsibilities for all agencies and divisions involved in the scope of work; and
e. includes consultation with community and stakeholders, including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and receives Toronto and Region Conservation Authority approval in advance of requesting further project approvals or beginning any significant early work construction that impacts mature trees and the wooded ravine slope.
Origin
Summary
Metrolinx's GO Expansion Program, formerly known as Regional Express Rail, will expand and improve service on the GO rail network to meet the needs of a growing region. The GO Expansion Program will provide faster and more efficient trains, two-way all-day service, accessible stations, and 15-minute or better service on core portions of the GO rail network. The GO Expansion Program is one part of a multi-billion, Government of Ontario, investment in transit expansion that includes light rail transit, subway and bus projects across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Portions of the GO Expansion Program's improvements to rail infrastructure have been happening incrementally in and around Union Station and along the eight GO corridors that serve 19 stations within the City of Toronto. The purpose of this report is to provide a status update on components of Metrolinx's GO Expansion Program that have achieved significant milestones since City staff last reported to City Council in September 2020.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-175065.pdf
Communications
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ex/comm/communicationfile-144400.pdf
Speakers
Motions
That:
1. City Council request the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office, to request Metrolinx to investigate and provide alternative proposals to the City that reduce the impact to the ravine ecosystem due to Small's Creek project, including the approach for how the pedestrian connection from Merrill Bridge Road Park to Williamson Park Ravine will be included in the scope of the project, as referenced in the report.
2. City Council request the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office to request Metrolinx, in consultation with relevant City Divisions and agencies including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, to provide a publicly available ecological restoration and stewardship plan for the entirety of the Small’s Creek ravine area, which:
a. includes a walking path that maintains connection across the east and west sides of the ravine, in keeping with the ‘connecting’ goal of the Council-endorsed Toronto Ravine Strategy;
b. explores the addition of a tiered retaining wall in the Small's Creek ravine to provide both better visual as well as improved environmental outcomes;
c. provides an outline for improved noise mitigation measures that address increased vibration, sound frequency, and decibel noise levels and confirmation of measures that will be implemented prior to and as part of future expansion or RER work in the area;
d. outlines the roles and responsibilities for all agencies and divisions involved in the scope of work; and
e. includes consultation with community and stakeholders, including the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and receives Toronto and Region Conservation Authority approval in advance of requesting further project approvals or beginning any significant early work construction that impacts mature trees and the wooded ravine slope.