Call-In With Your Question
As we continue to evolve the virtual engagement format, we are adding a call-in option for tonight’s event. To ask your question by voice, join the Zoom meeting here. We aim to keep each question and subsequent answer to 3 minutes allowing for as many call-in questions as possible.
NOTE: please ensure you have the latest version of Zoom installed.
Agenda
6:30: Meeting Begins/ Opening Remarks
6:35: SmartTrack Bloor-Lansdowne GO Station Project Update
7:00: Questions and Answers
7:50: Wrap up & Closing Remarks
8:00: Meeting End
Presentation Materials
Meet the Speakers
Nilgun Erkoc
Senior Manager, Community Engagement, GO Expansion Stations, Metrolinx, Moderator
Gretel Green, M.Sc. CISEC
Manager, Environmental Programs & Assessment, Metrolinx
Ghulam Mojadidi
Manager, Stations Capital Delivery, Metrolinx
Joyce Young
SmartTrack Stations Program Station Sponsor, Metrolinx
Mary Farrell
Senior Project Manager, 4TRANSIT
M.J. Rehman, P.Eng., PMP, MBA
Senior Project Manager, 4TRANSIT
Anthony Irving
Manager, Stakeholder and Community Relations, Transit Expansion Office, City of Toronto
Greg Tokarz
Program Manager, Transit Implementation, City Planning, City of Toronto
David Brutto
Senior Project Manager, Transit Expansion Office, City of Toronto
Additional Speakers
- Paramvir Lakhi, Manager, RER Fleet Maintenance Support, Metrolinx
- Gurpreet Bola, Manager, Safety Audit & Regulatory Affairs, Metrolinx
- Dan Nicholson, Manager, Community Planning, West Section (Ward 4, 9), City of Toronto
Format & Accessibility
Questions will be answered based on popularity (total votes). We aim to answer all questions. Please review and note that conduct inconsistent with our policies will result in removal.
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Comments
Access to TTC Lansdowne subway station
AnonymousHow will a convenient and seamless pedestrian connection be implemented to the nearby TTC Lansdowne subway station?
Answer
MetrolinxThe SmartTrack Bloor-Lansdowne GO Station scope of work includes a multi-use path that connects to the Davenport Diamond Greenway, via a bridge over Bloor St W. The multi-use path provides a connection between the GO station and Lansdowne subway via Wade Avenue.
Pedestrian and cycling connectivity
AnonymousWill a multi-use path connecting north to the Davenport Diamond Greenway and south to Dundas and the West Toronto Railpath Extension be built concurrently with the station? Will there also be pedestrian and cycling connections west across the tracks to Sterling Road?
Answer
MetrolinxIn coordination with the SmartTrack Stations Program, Metrolinx will be constructing a Multi-Use Path which will run along the east platform of the SmartTrack Bloor-Lansdowne GO station. The Multi Use Path will connect Davenport Diamond Greenway to the north at Wade Ave. On the south end, the project limits are at the south end of the platform at Dora Ave. That said, the SmartTrack King-Liberty Station project will continue the Multi-Use Path from Dora Ave. to the West Toronto Rail Path Extension at Dundas St. W.
Constructing a pedestrian access to the station from Sterling Rd is in the project scope.
The location for an east/west pedestrian tunnel is currently being studied and will be finalized in early 2022. We are currently assessing the extent to which we can shift the station tunnel southward to improve the experience of pedestrians connecting between Dora and Sterling, while maintaining its primary station access function.
GO station tunnel placement is guided by several technical standards and customer experience factors, providing the most direct and convenient path for passengers. Metrolinx and the City of Toronto will continue to together to advance the design and development of the station and its pedestrian connections.
Electrification
AnonymousWill this station be built in accordance with the electrification of the Barrie line?
Answer
MetrolinxElectrification is part of the GO Expansion project, and the contract for that project will be awarded in 2022. Once a contractor is on board, we will work with them to determine a schedule for construction and electrification. Approximately 200 km of new track will be installed as part of that project, and over 600km of track will be electrified. Construction will start in late 2022 or in 2023 and is expected to wrap up in 2032.
In the mean time to help mitigate noise impacts around stations and across the network, Metrolinx has also committed to:
Access to Railpath?
AnonymousWhat will be the connectivity to the West Toronto Railpath? Having a simple connection to it would make it easier for people from adjacent neighborhoods (e.g. Roncesvalles, Junction) to access the station by bike
Answer
MetrolinxIn coordination with the SmartTrack Stations Program, Metrolinx will be constructing a Multi-Use Path which will run along the east platform of the SmartTrack Bloor-Lansdowne GO station. The Multi Use Path will connect Davenport Diamond Greenway to the north at Wade Ave. On the south end, the project limits are at the south end of the platform at Dora Ave. That said, the SmartTrack King-Liberty Station project will continue the Multi-Use Path from Dora Ave. to the West Toronto Rail Path Extension at Dundas St. W.
Provision for 3rd track?
AnonymousMuch of the northern section of the Barrie corridor has been built for the provision of a 3rd track for future express service (example is Rutherford GO station). Will this station have a provision for a future 3rd track, even if it passes the station without a platform?
Answer
MetrolinxThere is no provision for a third track at the SmartTrack Bloor-Lansdowne GO station as the Davenport Diamond Grade Separation is not wide enough to accommodate it. It is the intention for all trains serving the Barrie corridor to stop at this station, so there would be no need for a third track for the purpose of bypassing the station.
What date will this station be functional?
AnonymousAnswer
MetrolinxConstruction of SmartTrack stations is expected to be finished in 2026, with stations being open to riders shortly following the end of construction.
Train bells at station
AnonymousWhat alternatives to bell ringing from the trains are being explored by Metrolinx? The increased train traffic from SmartTrack will create a further disruption to local area residents.
Answer
MetrolinxAlternatives to bell ringing are currently being explored through the UP Express Bell Ringing Cessation Pilot. The Pilot is currently delayed as the project team works to ensure that all safety risks identified are mitigated. Since there is a high level of interaction between the public and trains at stations, this work is a vital step in the process.
Metrolinx is continuing to work with the third-party vendor and internal I&IT to put forward risk-based, informed solutions that will ensure customer safety while mitigating bell ringing concerns.
At this moment, we cannot commit to an official pilot start date, but we will ensure to keep the community up to date on the project’s progress. We appreciate the patience of the community and the concerns around noise from bells. Safety is Metrolinx’s top priority and we must ensure that the safest solution is implemented.
What are the plans for access to Sterling Road?
AnonymousGiven the development on Sterling Road, I think it would be important to provide a direct access to Sterling Road (for both directions of travel)
Answer
MetrolinxConstructing a pedestrian access to the SmartTrack Bloor-Lansdowne GO Station from Sterling Rd is in the project scope.
The location for an east/west pedestrian tunnel is currently being studied and will be finalized in early 2022. We are currently assessing the extent to which we can shift the station tunnel southward to improve the experience of pedestrians connecting between Dora and Sterling, while maintaining its primary station access function.
GO station tunnel placement is guided by several technical standards and customer experience factors, providing the most direct and convenient path for passengers. Metrolinx and the City of Toronto will continue to together to advance the design and development of the station and its pedestrian connections.
Noise Barrier Wall
AnonymousWhat are the plans for installation of a noise barrier wall along St. Helens Ave. between the track/platforms and the residences spanning Dora Ave. to Bloor? Considering the timeline for electrification has been delayed to after the station is scheduled for completion, there will be idling diesel trains next to these residences.
Answer
MetrolinxA noise impact assessment was completed for Bloor-Lansdowne Station which identified the noise impact of electrified trains to be under 5 dBA, which does not warrant the need for noise mitigation along the east side of the rail corridor.
However, as was pointed out in this question, the station is scheduled for completion prior to the electrification of the Barrie line. To help mitigate noise impacts on the surrounding neighbourhood prior to electrification, exhaust noise silencers will be installed on all future and existing Metrolinx diesel trains which will reduce the sound from these trains by 3 dB. It is anticipated that all Metrolinx trains requiring exhaust silencers will have them installed by the third quarter of 2022, meaning they will be equipped prior to the completion of the station.
Existing barriers at the west platform that will be removed for station construction will be replaced with noise walls. Given the delay in electrification, additional noise barriers on the east side of the corridor are currently being explored and assessed; the results of that will be communicated to residents once the assessment is complete.
Metrolinx communication
AnonymousThis event has been poorly advertised and most people in the neighbourhood aren't even aware of the pending station construction and associated issues (bell ringing, idling diesel trains, etc.). What is the Metrolinx communications strategy that will ensure the neighbourhood is well aware of what is happening?
Answer
MetrolinxThere is a communications strategy for the SmartTrack Stations Program which includes:
That said, we are always open to hearing from the community about the best way to share information and engage with local stakeholders. Please feel free to share your recommendations with us here or by emailing [email protected]
Will trains be efficient quiet electric or noisy dirty diesel?
AnonymousThe short sighted UP Express bandaid that is stubby diesels with barely more capacity than the King Streetcar,
is at least quiet.
Go Trains are horrendously loud.
What trains will run on this and with what sort of dB ratings?
Answer
MetrolinxElectrification is part of the GO Expansion project, and the contract for that project will be awarded in 2022. Once a contractor is on board, we will work with them to determine a schedule for construction and electrification. Approximately 200 km of new track will be installed as part of that project, and over 600km of track will be electrified. Construction will start in late 2022 or in 2023 and is expected to wrap up in 2032.
In the meantime to help mitigate noise impacts around stations and across the network, Metrolinx has also committed to:
What is the plan for fare integration?
AnonymousAnswer
MetrolinxFuture fare setting decisions will be considered in the broader context of regional fare integration.
The Province and Metrolinx will continue to engage the City, including TTC and other municipal partners to develop a regional fare integration framework and associated measures to ensure a seamless travel experience through the broader region.
284 St Helens
AnonymousSome residential units at 284 St Helen's will directly be facing the station to the south, and some will be facing the platform to the east. What is the design plan to ensure noise, safety and privacy for these neighbours? Will the public have direct access to 284 St Helen's?
Answer
MetrolinxThe public will not have direct access to 284 St Helens Ave. from the platform. East platform access will be from Dora Ave and a retaining wall with a fence above will be installed along the rail corridor (east side of platform and east side of Multi-Use Path) to ensure no passengers enter private property from the platform.
Traffic on St Helen's
AnonymousWill there be a 'kiss and ride' design for this station? If so, how will traffic be managed on St Helen's for commuters who might be dropped off at this station by a car?
Answer
MetrolinxThe SmartTrack stations are being designed to encourage multi-modal, active transportation options such as walking and cycling along the Multi-Use Path.That said, we recognize that some people will want to drop-off and pick-up passengers to and from the station using a car.
We are currently exploring the option of on-street, designated pick-up / drop-off areas along St. Helens Ave. (at Dora Ave.) or Sterling Rd. On the one hand, we recognize this might impact the availability of on-street parking, but on the other hand, a lack of a dedicated pick-up/drop-off area might lead to drivers utilizing those spaces for station pick-up / drop -off regardless of whether they have been designated as such. We will continue to update the community as our exploration of the issue continues.
What is the current plan to minimize overnight construction?
AnonymousWe hope that given the negative experience of local residents with excessive overnight construction on the Davenport Diamond project, that Metrolinx will work to find ways to minimize overnight construction on this coming project.
Answer
MetrolinxThe SmartTrack Bloor-Lansdowne GO Station is being built along a busy rail corridor, and therefore a significant portion of the station construction will likely take place in the evenings, weekends and overnight when the trains are not running or during track closures. When night work must be scheduled, crews practice noise mitigation tactics as much as possible. Nearby residents and businesses will receive ample notification of work.
bell ringing
AnonymousThere has been a lack of consistent and clear information regarding the cessation of bell ringing in dense, urban areas. We have previously received information that a pilot was underway, but the most recent information from Phil Verster is that no such pilot has commenced. What is the status of the pilot program and will this be addressed soon?
Answer
MetrolinxThe UP Express Bell Ringing Cessation Pilot is currently delayed as the project team works to ensure that all safety risks identified are mitigated. Since there is a high level of interaction between the public and trains at stations, this work is a vital step in the process.
Metrolinx is continuing to work with the third-party vendor and internal I&IT to put forward risk-based, informed solutions that will ensure customer safety while mitigating bell ringing concerns.
At this moment, we cannot commit to an official pilot start date, but we will ensure to keep the community up to date on the project’s progress. We appreciate the patience of the community and the concerns around noise from bells. Safety is Metrolinx’s top priority and we must ensure that the safest solution is implemented.
What is the plan for integrating public art in this project?
AnonymousAnswer
MetrolinxAt this time, there are no plans for public art at SmartTrack GO Stations.
Wtr
AnonymousWhen will the Railpath extension actually see shovels in the ground?
Answer
MetrolinxThe extension of the West Toronto Railpath is intended to begin construction in late 2022, subject to agreements between Metrolinx and the City of Toronto.
Accessibility
AnonymousWill the station design take into account the needs for those with mobility issues… will all entrances be assessable? Otherwise those with issues may have long routes.
Answer
MetrolinxAll station entrances at the SmartTrack Bloor-Lansdowne GO Station will be accessible.
Artwork
AnonymousThe station would be a great canvas for indigenous and local artists. MOCA is right next door on Sterling
Answer
MetrolinxAt this time, there are no plans for public art at SmartTrack GO Stations.
Why no Tunnel between Dora Av and Sterling Rd?
AnonymousWhy don't the plans presented include a tunnel connection linking the Dora Av and Sterling Rd entrances? The majority of bike parking appears to be at Dora Av, but for people who need to go between there and the southbound platform, they have to walk nearly the full length of the northbound platform to reach the tunnel near Bloor - not practical.
Answer
MetrolinxThe location for the east/west pedestrian tunnel is currently being studied and will be finalized in early 2022. We are currently assessing the extent to which we can shift the station tunnel southward to improve the experience of pedestrians connecting between Dora and Sterling, while maintaining its primary station access function.
GO station tunnel placement is guided by a number of technical standards and customer experience factors, providing the most direct and convenient path for passengers. Metrolinx and the City of Toronto will continue to together to advance the design and development of the station and its pedestrian connections.
Why cant the layover currently planned for the Don Valley
AnonymousWhy can’t the diesel train layover currently planned for the DV Layover be instead located in the area by Lakeshore and Eastern Avenue mentioned as a future location for a station
Answer
MetrolinxThe Don Valley Layover is not part of the SmartTrack Stations Program. The Don Valley was selected after meeting a number of criteria, specifically its proximity to downtown. For more information about the Don Valley Layover, please visit: https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/engagement-initiatives/don-valley-layover-facility
Tunnel
AnonymousIt would be great if community members could access St. Helens from Sterling or vice versa using the tunnel without payment…will this be possible?
Answer
MetrolinxYes, the planned pedestrian tunnel is meant to serve as an east/west connection for the community. You would not have to pay to access this connection.
Entrance from value village?
AnonymousThere is a proposed development for the value village site, can a ----de-sac Pudo be included there?
Much closer to bloor st.
Answer
MetrolinxConstructing a permanent accessible pick-up and drop-off area for the SmartTrack Bloor-Lansdowne GO Station is part of the scope of work for the developers of 1319 Bloor St. W.
Green
AnonymousWhat green standard is the station being built under ?
Answer
MetrolinxThe SmartTrack Bloor-Lansdowne GO Station will meet the City of Toronto Green Standards for Mid to High-Rise Residential and Non-Residential, Version 3 Tier 1, as applicable to the station.
Connection to Lansdowne Station?
AnonymousWill any sort of allotment be made in current construction for a potential underground connection to Lansdowne Station, perhaps even via future residential construction that is likely to come on the north side of Bloor?
Answer
MetrolinxThe SmartTrack Bloor-Lansdowne GO Station scope of work includes a multi-use path that connects to the Davenport Diamond Greenway, via a bridge over Bloor St W. The multi-use path provides a connection between the GO station and Lansdowne subway via Wade Avenue. Future improvements to at-grade streetscaping along Wade Avenue and Bloor Street in conjunction with future development may allow for improved weather protection and comfort for transferring passengers.
Why Bloor?
AnonymousGiven that there are many options for transit on Bloor Street just steps away (UP, Subway), why didnt Metrolinx and partners consider building this station a bit further north, say on Dupont? There is a nexus of high density buildings there which could have benefitted from closer transit options other than buses.
Answer
MetrolinxThe station was selected based municipal and regional land use and transportation policy direction supported by the Toronto Official Plan.
The station site is located in a mixed-use area, which is slowly transitioning from its former industrial character to a more residential one. The site is surrounded by medium-density residential buildings and low-density employment/ commercial uses. There are also vacant and underused properties around the site with redevelopment potential.