Item - 2022.IE29.14

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee:

1. Requested the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office to submit the following questions to Metrolinx and to report back to a future meeting of Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the provincial agency's response:

a. an explanation of why the Don Branch Rail Line is not a viable alternative site for the layover facility; and

b. what factors are considered when determining what meets the essential operational requirements for a layover, including the criteria used and decision making process when selecting a site.

2. Requested the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Executive Director, Toronto Transit Office, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, to report to the May 25, 2022 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on the proposed increase in number trains using, increased train speeds on, and removal and reconstruction work planned by Metrolinx for the railway tracks (Rosedale Siding, Don Branch, etc.) and Don River Bridge linking Union Station and the proposed Don Valley Layover Facility, and to include in that report possible impacts on recreational uses, the trail system, the natural habitat, on Don Valley Park (Wonscotonach Parklands) and the implications for the City's Ravine Strategy. 

3. Requested the General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation, in collaboration with, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, to utilize the data available from the Ecosystem Service Values of the City of Toronto Ravine System Final Report (2018) to evaluate the benefits provided by the Lower Don / Wonscotonach Parklands, and to use this information to assess the potential impacts of the Don Valley Layover Facility and to inform compensation opportunities within Wonscotonach Parklands (i.e Snow Drop Park) during all future conversations with Metrolinx.

4. Requested the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office, to share the ecological benefits and impact information associated with the proposed lands for Don Valley Layover Facility with Metrolinx for their consideration during the detailed design phase of the Don Valley Layover Facility.

To achieve service-level targets that support Metrolinx's GO Expansion Program, track improvements, infrastructure modifications and new facilities are planned across the rail network. On-Corridor, the GO Expansion Program's largest package of work, is focused on corridor electrification and includes any outstanding infrastructure not constructed as part of earlier work packages, such as new track, facilities and a number of grade separations throughout the rail network. The Don Valley Layover Facility is one of three new layover facilities planned through the Metrolinx GO Expansion Program's OnCorr package of work.

Metrolinx plans to locate the Facility north of the Prince Edward Viaduct at Bloor Street East, between the Don Valley Parkway and Lower Don Trail, along the Don Branch Rail Corridor (currently not operational), and within Toronto's park network with a variety of informal names, including Lower Don Parklands, Don River Valley Park, or "Wonscotonach Parklands". Through stakeholder engagement and outreach, the name Wonscotonach Parklands has emerged as a potential official name that could be used moving forward. Wonscotonach is understood to be the Anishinaabe place name for the Don River and likely translates to "burning bright point".

Metrolinx has noted it requires a new Facility at this particular location to reduce the congestion currently experienced at Union Station and to provide a location for storage and light maintenance of trains during day-time off-peak periods. Earlier designs identified a three-track electrified facility south of the Bloor Viaduct within a City of Toronto-designated Environmentally Sensitive Area. However, following significant feedback from the City of Toronto, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and local stakeholders, Metrolinx proposed several modifications to the Facility to minimize the impacts on Toronto's park network.

The purpose of this joint staff report is to respond to direction from EX29.3 Update on the Metrolinx GO Expansion Program – First Quarter 2022¹ considered by City Council on February 2 and 3, 2022. To begin, this report will provide an update on the current proposal for Metrolinx's Facility, including the size and location of the land needed, including City-owned land, and details on any land-use changes since the last report on this matter. This report will subsequently detail the Facility's anticipated impacts to Toronto's park network and will provide updates on Wonscotonach Parklands consultations to date.

¹ http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2022.EX29.3