Item - 2023.TE3.43

The Toronto and East York Community Council: 

1. Established a subcommittee composed of Councillors from Wards 10 Spadina-Fort York, 13 Toronto Centre and 14 Toronto-Danforth impacted directly by the construction of the Ontario Line, in order to:

a.  hear from the public regarding Metrolinx's development, construction and implementation of the Ontario Line; and

b.  develop recommendations which can be forwarded to Metrolinx and the Ontario Government by City Council.

2. Directed the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office, in consultation with other relevant City staff, to report to the first meeting of this subcommittee in March 2023 on the current status of the Ontario Line, the full timeline with as much detail as we have at the present time including pedestrian and traffic management plans within the Toronto and East York Community Council boundary, and what opportunities are possible for City and resident involvement moving forward. 

Through the construction of the Ontario Line, Metrolinx will be adding 15.6-kilometres of subway track, and 15 new stations to Toronto’s transit system. While this much-needed infrastructure will greatly improve transit for riders and drivers across the City, work must be done now to ensure the best results are achieved in terms of design, construction and community benefit. 

Residents and stakeholders have expressed concern over the lack of consultation and transparency in the process so far. We have seen firsthand the problems that occur when Metrolinx and the Provincial Government do not provide rigorous public consultation, and engage constructively with community stakeholders, as seen through the ongoing issues with projects like the Eglinton Crosstown Light-Rail Transit (LRT). We must learn from past experiences and find a better path forward. 

As work prepares to begin imminently on this new transit project, it is crucial that the City of Toronto set clear recommendations to the Provincial Government and Metrolinx on how to build and implement the Ontario Line to ensure the best results for residents in the Toronto and East York Community Council boundaries and across Toronto.