Item - 2024.TE10.40

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Transit Expansion to request Metrolinx to:

a. accelerate the restoration of the southbound streetcar tracks on York Street, to match the current schedule of the City's advanced time frame for Adelaide Street construction;

b. provide a comprehensive communication and marketing strategy by the second quarter of 2024 for Business Improvement Areas impacted by the construction of the Ontario Line, including necessary financial supports;

c. work in conjunction with the City of Toronto’s Music Office to provide support for live music venues impacted by Ontario Line construction, including, but not limited to, a detailed work schedule to ensure bookings can be adjusted in advance of disruptions; 
 

d. provide an update to the City on City Council’s request to establish minimum targets for affordable rental housing in all Transit Oriented Communities; 
 

e. take all actions available to ensure that owners and tenants do not experience financial loss due to impact or displacement due to construction of the Ontario Line;

f. provide a formalizing, public, workforce development program as part of the community benefits strategy for inclusion in the next quarterly update; and

g. investigate supports for resident and business groups outside of the Business Improvement Area framework.

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1. Requested the Executive Director, Transit Expansion, to report to the February 21, 2024 meeting of Toronto and East York Community Council with an update on the Joint Corridor Noise Barrier and Retaining Wall, including approved designs, known costs, and projected construction schedule.

2. Requested Transportation staff to review and prioritize cycling safety during all of the construction related to the Ontario Line or Transit Oriented Community at the Pape Avenue and Danforth Avenue intersection.

The purpose of this report is to provide details on the current status of the Ontario Line project within the boundaries of Toronto and East York Community Council (TEYCC), including timelines, construction mitigation plans, and community engagement milestones.

On July 19, 2023, City Council adopted TM1.2 - City of Toronto Recommendations for Metrolinx's Ontario Line Construction within the Toronto and East York District to fulfill the Ontario Line Subcommittee’s ('Subcommittee') mandate by consolidating City staff recommendations while incorporating public feedback provided throughout the Subcommittee’s duration, reflecting on City Council directives, and providing a clear and comprehensive package of initiatives that the Province and Metrolinx should implement to construct the Ontario Line. City staff have shared the recommendations with Metrolinx and Metrolinx has responded, indicating general support for incorporating the City's recommendations.

This report includes responses from Metrolinx regarding:

community benefits;

business supports;

community engagement;

traffic and construction management;

affordable housing and rental replacement;

real estate; and

parks and neighbourhood investments.

This report also includes updates on Ontario Line implementation, including the status of major contracts and other construction updates.