Archive - July 13, 2021
On July 13, 2021, Metrolinx hosted a virtual house to introduce our constructors, West End Connectors, who will be building the tunnel as part of the Advanced Tunneling contract for this project. During the one-hour open house, representatives from the West End Connectors team presented information about tunneling and the next steps in the tunnel construction from Renforth to Scarlett. We answered as many questions as possible during the event.
In case you missed the event, you’ll find the answers in the video recording below. We also received additional questions during the virtual session and are committed to answering those as well. Answers will be posted at the bottom of this page.
Agenda
6:30: Meeting Begins/ Opening Remarks
6:35: Eglinton Crosstown West Extension Project Update
6:50: Questions and Answers
7:25: Wrap up & Closing Remarks
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.
Meet the Speakers

Fernando Triana
Project Director (WEC)

Chris Phillips
Project Director, Infrastructure Ontario

Abdellah Benkhalti
Environmental Manager (WEC)

Juan Tineo
Construction Manager (WEC)

Stephanie Chow
Communications & Public Engagement Lead (WEC)
Format & Accessibility
Questions will be answered based on popularity (total votes). We aim to answer all questions. Answers to questions not addressed will be posted after the event. Please review and note that conduct inconsistent with our policies will result in removal.
To enable closed captioning, toggle captions “on” in the YouTube video player settings.
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Comments
Any consideration given to birds?
AnonymousThese all glass stations, which I'm assuming will be lit after dark, are going to be really damaging to the bird population in the area. Was any consideration given to birds which will likely being flying into these glass structures? Seems like a terrible idea.
Answer
MetrolinxWe’re currently developing the station designs and have taken birds into consideration. Any glass used at the to elevated stations will be designed with bird protection built into them. At our last open house we showed an image of the design and that material is still available on the Metrolinx Engage website. If you have any trouble finding it just email the team and they’ll send it to you. Also, Metrolinx recently published a blog about bird protection and how it’s a key part of any glass structures. You can also find that through the Metrolinx news channel.
Scarlett Woods Golf Course access
Anonymous1. During construction, what vehicular and walk in access will be available to Scarlett Woods Golf Course?
2. What is the schedule for this to be effected?
Answer
MetrolinxAccess to the gold course, which is on the south side of Eglinton, will not be impacted.
Kipling Station
AnonymousWhere will the Kipling Station be located?
Answer
MetrolinxKipling station is the one station where the platform will be built in the right of way, underneath Eglinton, just west of Kipling. This is because of the proximity of the townhouses on the north side and also because we want to limit as much as possible any tree loss in the area. However, although the station platform is in the middle of the road underground, the station building itself is envisioned on the north west corner. At all other stations, both the platform and the station building is on the north west or east corner fully outside of the roadway. We know that traffic and tree protection in the area is very important to the community and we’re working to find a balance for both. Stay tuned for an engagement on Kipling Station and all stations later this year. In the meantime, if you’d like to understand more about the station locations please reach out to our community relations team and they will set up time to discuss it further.
Station construction (headwalls) and effect on traffic on Eglint
AnonymousI understand that the station headwalls are placed in advance and the tunnel boring machine bores through these headwalls.
How are these headwalls constructed and what effect does this have on traffic flow along Eglinton Avenue?
How long does it take to install these headwalls from start to completion?
Tunnelling Start
AnonymousWhat is the start date and what is the finishing date for the tunnelling section.
Answer
MetrolinxThe tunneling contract is starting now and expected to be complete in 2024/25. Work on the launch shaft site for the tunnel boring machine at Renforth Drive and Eglinton Avenue West has begun. Over the summer, crews will be performing construction activities there in preparation for tunneling to begin in Spring 2022.
vibration
Anonymouswhen the trains are underground it's close to us at Kipling. will we hear the noise or feel vibration? how is the tunnel built to keep that low?
Royal York stop
AnonymousDo you have a preliminary sketch of the proposed structures. They will impact my community directly as I back onto the north west corner.
Answer
MetrolinxThe Royal York station will be located fully outside the roadway at the northwest corner at the Royal York and Eglinton Ave W intersection. You can view the station location maps on our website at Metrolinx.com/EglintonWest under the “neighbourhood updates” section. We will have more information to share about station footprint and early designs for feedback at an engagement later this year!
dust and eglinton
AnonymousHow is the realignment of eglinton going to work? will you be closing lanes to dig the extraction shaft and how will you manage the dirt from all of that? Our backyards are very close!!
PM Trudeau's $12 billion transit investment
AnonymousThe reason for the elevated section from Jane to Scarlett is due to lack of funds. In May, PM Trudeau invested an additional $12 billion into Ontario transit projects including the ECWE, but in the previous meeting on June 8, Mr. Joshua Engel-Yan (project sponsor from Metrolinx) said that "this does not increase the budget" at all. Now that we have WEC here, the taxpayers want a clear answer as to where this funding is going.
Answer
MetrolinxThe federal funding will help deliver the project through the mixed alignment. We appreciate there have been many discussions on how to deliver rapid transit along Eglinton West over the years. The mixed alignment moving forward provides an optimal trade-off between the ease of local access and the speed of travelling, and outperforms all other options in offering the best network connectivity and travel experience for people living and travelling along the corridor.
Private Driveway
AnonymousMetrolinx has stated that they reached out and spoke with the building management regarding the closure of our private driveway. Our building management has had no such correspondence. Why did Metrolinx lie about that?
What considerations has Metrolinx taken upon themselves to understand the communal impacts of closing the private driveway? What traffic impact analysis have they performed, and when did they perform it (during pandemic traffic was light)?
What considerations can Metrolinx demonstrate they have processed to conclude that our driveway has to be closed and cannot be maintained?
Answer
MetrolinxWe understand many residents in the buildings use the driveway today and we are working with the City of Toronto to fully understand the impact the closure will have to traffic in the area and map out a plan to address that. We are currently assessing the overall traffic and transportation network in this area. There are a host of potential mitigation measures that can be used if necessary – such as changes to signals to adjust flow, which in some cases does the trick. Other options can include extending turning lanes on to Scarlett or Eglinton to provide additional space. We will keep the community updated as the traffic impact analysis work is completed. We have a few years before the driveway would need to close (approx. 2025) so there is time to work together on the best way forward.
Utilities
AnonymousWill underground utility relocation be required prior to boring the tunnel? And if so, when?
Tunneling
AnonymousI back on to Eglinton, what can I plan to hear or feel when the tunnel is being dug? Will my house be impacted??
Answer
MetrolinxWhen the tunnel boring machines launch next spring they will operate 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. They dig through approximately 10m per day, so the work is continuously moving forward. The TBMs operate at approximately 15-20m below the surface therefore vibrations will likely be perceptible while they are in close proximity, but the vibrations will be below structural damage thresholds. Geotechnical engineers will develop a zone of influence to the north and south of the alignment to assess impacts based on proximity. If a property falls within the zone of influence, then they will conduct a pre and post condition assessment. This is standard practice. Noise and vibration levels will also be continuously monitored throughout the dig.
Most importantly, though is that we are designing the tunnel and construction methods to comply with the regulatory requirements and standards. The assessments and monitoring mentioned above are what will help ensure the commitment is met.
time, efficiency
AnonymousWhat is faster to get to Bloor and Yonge? Taking the LRT or taking the bus to Kipling and then the subway.
Noise and Vibration Concerns
AnonymousHow far from the constructions sites do we expect to hear and feel noise and vibration both from above ground work and below grade tunnel boring? Are there any measures in place to protect existing homes in the vicinity from any sort of structural damage that may result from excess vibration from the work being completed? To what extent will work be completed "after hours" on evenings and weekends?
Completion Date
AnonymousWhat is the completion date for the project and where will the Scarlett station be located?
Answer
MetrolinxThe completion date for the ECWE project is 2030-31. The Scarlett station will be elevated above Scarlett Road, just to the north of Eglinton.
Royal York rd stop.
AnonymousWill the cluster of trees on the north west corner be removed? Has consideration been given to adding more trees to the area in order to cushion the adjoining community from the increased “traffic” both visual and in terms of noise, security, privacy etc. Thank you.
Answer
MetrolinxIn terms of the overall alignment, we’re trying to balance a number of competing needs including minimizing impacts to trees as well as impacts to traffic. With that in mind, yes the station will be on the north west side and we anticipate some tree loss, however we will only remove trees that are necessary to build the station. Right now, we are in the midst of a full tree inventory which will tell us what trees would be impacted and we will share that information with the community. The station designs themselves are also still in the very early stages and we will have an engagement later this year to get your input into the designs before they’re finalized. Avoiding impacts to trees is the best-case scenario and we always strive to do that first, but there is also a lot of work happening now to plan for local tree planting as part of the compensation of tree loss. We expect to have more information in September so please stay tuned.
Densification
AnonymousAs we are all aware, the City of Toronto is facing a huge housing shortage, is there any thoughts of densifying around these new proposed station or build on top of them? (i.e transit oriented development)
Any trouble tunneling under the Humber River?
AnonymousIn England, many many tunnels are able to be dug underneath the Thames River with no problems. Why is it so hard and so so expensive to tunnel underneath the Humber River whose width is just a fraction of the Thames?
Answer
MetrolinxThe key consideration is that the area between Scarlett Road and Jane Street is in an identified flood plain zone. Tunnelling would require building underneath three flood-prone waterways (under the Humber River) and present significant environmental and technical challenges to building and operating the line. Elevating the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension between Scarlett Road and Jane Street eliminates these challenges and will help to prevent potential service disruptions along the corridor during times of heavy rain and flooding.
Effects of the elevated section across the Humber River
AnonymousLike you said, TBMs are the safest option in the world when it comes to tunneling. If that's the case, what is stopping them from tunneling the short distance under the Humber River? Is it worth the expense of building a giant bridge with many negative effects on nature and landscape?
Answer
MetrolinxThe key consideration is that the area between Scarlett Road and Jane Street is in an identified flood plain zone. Tunnelling would require building underneath three flood-prone waterways (under the Humber River) and present significant environmental and technical challenges to building and operating the line. Elevating the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension between Scarlett Road and Jane Street eliminates these challenges and will help to prevent potential service disruptions along the corridor during times of heavy rain and flooding.
Bicycle Connections/parking to New stations
AnonymousWill Metrolinx be providing bicycle crossing protection across Eglinton Avenue to connect the existing cycling facilities on the south side to the new stations, which are all located on the north side of the road allowance? Will adequate short and long term (secure/weather protected) bicycle parking be provided at each new station?
Answer
MetrolinxSafety and accessibility are always at the center of our design thinking and process at Metrolinx. Opportunities will exist along the entire Eglinton West corridor, and we continue to engage with our project partners like City of Toronto, TTC and TRCA to be sure that the project is considering all users of the corridor and all community members. This includes not just transit users travelling by subway or bus but also pedestrians and cyclists. The stations will prioritize connections made by transit, walking and cycling. All stations will offer bike parking.
kipling area
Anonymousare lanes will be reduced along eglinton?
Multi-Use Trail along Eglinton Avenue West
AnonymousHow will the multi-use trail, on the south side of Eglinton Avenue West (between Martin Grove and Renforth) be impacted by the construction, tunnelling work?
Elevated guideway between Jane and Scarlett
AnonymousThere are many home owners and residents who are against the elevated guideway between Jane and Scarlett. The environmental issues have not been fully addressed and it is going to have an overall negative impact to this area. When is the environmental study and the geological study going to be made public?
Woodlot on NW corner of Eglinton & Kipling
AnonymousWill this woodlot be affected in any way?
Timeline
AnonymousThis has gone way over time. Is there a realistic end date yet?
Renforth
Anonymoussince Renforth station is below-grade, how many entrances are there where are they located in the intersection
Answer
MetrolinxThe Renforth station will be located near the existing Renforth station at the eastern terminus of the 19km Mississauga Transitway. The new station will be designed and built for a seamless customer experience. It will be a mix of underground/above ground like the BRT route is already, with a direct connection between stations. Information about station layout including station entrances is in the early design stage. Stay tuned for an engagement later this year where we will provide more information for feedback.
Pearson
AnonymousDid u figure out which level the connection to Pearson station and th' station itself is used?
a) elevated
b)at-grade
c)below-grade
d)underground
Answer
MetrolinxWe are looking at the design options now with the GTAA, the City of Toronto and Mississauga. In 2019, the GTAA announced $40 million in funding to advance technical work for the extension and there is a business case underway that will lay out the options and predicted costs etc. When that work is complete, we will share it for review.
Connecting to underground stations via underground tunnels
AnonymousAre any tunnels being considered from Condo buildings at the underground stations for direct indoor access.?
Timelines
AnonymousWhen is the expected completion date for the extension? The original completion date for the Crosstown was 2018, then 2020, then 2021, then 2022. Will we have to expect the same delays for the West extension?
Answer
MetrolinxThe Eglinton Crosstown LRT project construction on Eglinton began in the summer of 2011. The project is expected to be complete in 2022. The extension of that project is the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension for which we are starting construction now. MX and IO are working together to deliver the project by 2030-31.
Inreased traffic on side streets during construction
AnonymousProject staff previously indicated that during construction, traffic will increase on nearby side streets. A hazard already exists on Bemersyde Drive due to northbound cars speeding to get through the Eglinton traffic lights. Can speed control measures, such as a few speed humps, be installed between Tettenhall and Eglinton to help manage speeds of the increased traffic? Thanks.
Existing gas line near Eringate
AnonymousWhat safety provisions are being considered with respect to the oil pipeline that runs along Eglinton just North of the Eringate neighbourhood? How will you ensure the tunneling and construction does not impact or compromise the neighbourhood safety from this oil pipeline?
Eglinton bus service for Eringate residents
AnonymousWith Eringate not receiving a station, it will be the longest stretch of the new line that is without a station.
1) What will be the bus frequency on Eglinton between Martingrove and Renforth stations (serving East Mall and Eringate neighbourhood) since these residents cannot directly access the LRT?
2) And what will it be like to transfer from the bus to the LRT at Martingrove?
PLEASE move along to answer MORE Questions!!!!
AnonymousRoundabouts along Eglinton in Etobicoke
W. K. LisIs it possible that the "traditional" intersections along Eglinton Avenue West be rebuilt with roundabouts instead. With cycling and pedestrian underpasses connecting directly with the stations and bicycle garages using ramps instead of stairs, like they have in the Netherlands.
Answer
MetrolinxThat type of decision is and work is beyond our scope and best addressed with City of Toronto transportation services. As for cycling and pedestrian connections to stations – safety and accessibility are always at the center of our design thinking and process at Metrolinx. Opportunities will exist along the entire Eglinton West corridor, and we continue to engage with our project partners like City of Toronto, TTC and TRCA to be sure that the project is considering all users of the corridor and all community members. This includes not just transit users travelling by subway or bus but also pedestrians and cyclists.
Test Pit holes not filled westbound Eglinton Ave west of Kipling
AnonymousHello Please fill-in the the test pit holes with hot mix where the soil samples were taken for the ECWE The holes are located within the driving lane on Eglinton just west of Kipling. These core holes are very large and are located in the right wheel path.
Thank you
Adam
Infill staions
Anonymousare there any infill stations planned ?
Answer
MetrolinxWe don’t anticipate any additional stations on this route but we’re also not excluding the potential. In the early design stages, many different stations were considered along the route. The design we’re moving forward with is seven new stations and each of those connect with the major surface, local bus connections available. We’ve maximized the locations based on nearby people, destinations, and local transit connections. Although it is not impossible to add an additional tunneled station in the future, it would be a huge undertaking and would likely require shutting down the line.
Where will Renforth Station be placed?
KevinWould you be able to clarify how the line will travel from Martin Grove to Renforth. Will the station at Renforth be underground, at grade in the transitway trench or at grade or some other configuration?
Answer
MetrolinxThe Renforth station will be located near the existing Renforth station at the eastern terminus of the 19km Mississauga Transitway. The new station will be designed and built for a seamless customer experience. It will be a mix of underground/above ground like the BRT route is already, with a direct connection between stations. Information about station layout including station entrances is in the early design stage. Stay tuned for an engagement later this year where we will provide more information for feedback.
Environment Jane to Renforth.
AnonymousHow will the project ensure the the woods and natural habitat along the corridor not be affected by the proposed extension to Renforth
Environment Jane to Renforth.
SueWhat measures will be taken to ensure that the parks and natural habitat along this corridor are not affected?
Federal Funding
AnonymousIn May the federal government added funding of $12 billion to transit projects including ECWE. Metrolinx Initial Business case included a below grade option that has since been revised due to cost; wouldn't the cash infusion allow the 1.5 km tunnelling to continue to Mount Dennis station eliminating overpass stations on Jane and Scarlett? Save our trees, parks, wildlife!
Answer
MetrolinxThe federal funding will help deliver the project through the mixed alignment. We appreciate there have been many discussions on how to deliver rapid transit along Eglinton West over the years. The mixed alignment moving forward provides an optimal trade-off between the ease of local access and the speed of travelling, and outperforms all other options in offering the best network connectivity and travel experience for people living and travelling along the corridor.
Cost Comparison 1.5 km section
AnonymousWhat is the cost comparison of continued tunnelling under Eglinton to Mount Dennis station vs realignment of Eglinton Ave. to accommodate the elevated guideway? Keeping 1.5 km section underground will save greenbelt parklands, trees and birds.
Bike path
PennyWill the bike path on the southside of Eglinton closer to Islington and Kipling will be impacted by the 30 m Corredor buffer me she
Eglinton Crosstown West Extension
AnonymousWhere will the Kipling station be location?
Management Plans and Mitigation Strategies
AnonymousCan we get copies of the contractor's Traffic Management Plan as it relates to the Eglinton and Kipling station works? Can we get copies of the general conditions of the contract related to noise and vibration management and dust control?
Elevated vs. tunneled
AnonymousI feel that the entire west extension should be tunnelled from Mount Dennis to the far west end. Why is it Etobicoke gets all underground but Mount Dennis neighbourhood has a to endure a major impact to the lands in the flats? Please tunnel through the flats.
Tunnel under private property?
AnonymousWill any portions of the tunnel be located under privately owned property? If so, where?
Trees, greenspace, parks
AnonymousWhat will happen to the large patches of woodland that dot Eglinton, between Scarlett Road & Martingrove?
Animals & birds have already lost SO much of their forest due to over development, they can't lose any more, esp with our greenbelt being paved over by developers all around us.
Removal of Trees
AnonymousHow many trees will be cut down to make the 2 km bridge between Scarlett and Jane?
Oh Questions, when will they be answered?
AnonymousYou didn't answer any questions in the meeting.
Underground
AnonymousObviously, i think that th' underground stations between Royal York and Martin Grove should have side platforms for the first time.
Answer
MetrolinxInformation about station layout is in the early design stage. Stay tuned for an engagement later this year where we will provide more information for feedback.
Eglinton Metrolinx
AnonymousWhich projects are already finished along Eglinton and how long did they take ? Which projects are still in the works and when will they finish ?
Just curious, if Metrolinx is a private company and TTC is public, how is TTC affiliated with Metrolinx ( referring to Metrolinx card on TTC) ?
Merci !
Answer
MetrolinxThe Eglinton Crosstown LRT project construction on Eglinton began in the summer of 2011. The project is expected to be complete in 2022. The extension of that project is the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension for which we are starting construction soon! Construction will begin this summer on the launch shaft for the tunnel boring machine. MX and IO are working together to deliver the project by 2030-31. Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario which makes it a public owned organization.
Storage of construction equipment
AnonymousWhen construction is underway near Islington and Kipling, can construction equipment be stored on the empty lot on the northeast corner of Wincott and Eglinton? That would avoid surrounding streets being further negatively impacted during construction when higher traffic (avoiding the construction zone) will already negatively impact on surrounding streets. Thank you.
Sketch rending of the future station entrance for ECWE
darkcondor78I don't know if you shown the sketch drawing rending for the future station entrances for the ECWE Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and will any of the underground stations will have bus bays or not? I guess none will.
Station location NW corner Kipling and Eglinton
AnonymousThis station will do considerable and irreversible environmental damage to the existing Richview Forest that needs to be preserved. My question is can the EG alignment and travelled roadway be shifted a bit to the south E and W of Kip to allow the station and train tunnel row to be also shifted south onto the existing NW boulevard and existing north and central side of the travelled road way of Eg. I understand a gas main is along the south side of the EG row but it may not interfere with such a jog. I do believe it is not a major trans Can pipe. Alternatively, can the station be placed on the NE corner near the townhomes recently created by CTO land disposal practices. This could also be facilitated by a slight jog to the south in the EG RoW.
Tunnels between Jane & Mount Dennis
AnonymousBefore th' line goes elevated to Jane from Mount Dennis, there a tunnel before the portal after passin' Mount Dennis station. Are they cut-and-cover or are they made by tunnel boring
LRT
AnonymousTwo Questions
1. Will the entrance to the subway going west be before or after the driveway to the apartments on Richview Rd.
2. What will happen to the bridge that crosses over Eglinton will it stay
Vibrations
AnonymousWhat can residents living in townhomes facing Eglinton between Widdicombe & Martin Grove expect to see in front of their homes during construction? Will there be drilling equipment and will we have obstructed views from what we see today any time throughout the project?
Underground Station Details
AnonymousWill ALL the new stations for the underground section of the Eglinton West extension be designed and reinforced to support the addition of new Apartment-Towers directly above, in order to align with the Province’s “Transit-Oriented Communities” policy and housing-targets..?
Question answering is taking TOOOOOO LONG!!!
AnonymousCompletion
AnonymousWhen will all work be complete and the road restored at the Extraction Shaft area?
Station Names
AnonymousWhen are we going to give names to some of the new stations on the extension? The ones planned at Jane, Royal York, Islington, Kipling and Martin Grove currently share their names with other existing and planned stations, so when will we be giving these stations unique names?
station design
AnonymousWill the stations platforms be on either side of the tracks or in the centre
Headwalls and Boring
AnonymousWhat is a headwall?
Is any of the subway above ground west of Martingrove?
Railway
AnonymousWhat kind of railway is planned for this extension?
Answer
MetrolinxLight rail vehicles are planned to be used for this extension. We do anticipate that it will be the same vehicles used on the Crosstown LRT because they will be running from end to end across the line and stored in the same facility at Black Creek/Eglinton.
East Mall Station
AnonymousA lot of people want a LRT station at East Mall and Eglinton. Why isn't this part of the plan?
Answer
MetrolinxThe design we are moving forward with is seven new stations and each of those connect with the major surface, local bus connections available. So, we’ve maximized the locations based on nearby people, destinations, and local transit connections. The tunneled alignment in that area is going through a controlled access highway area of 401 and 427. From a construction perspective we have a lot of constraints in terms of what we can do in the area because of all the other road infrastructure that exists. If there are changes in the future, we have protected for the ability to include stations however that’s very complicated to do and would likely require suspending service during construction. In short, no infill stations are anticipated but we have protected for the future possibility.
Station Locations
AnonymousWhere will the stations be located at the intersection of Royal York and Eglinton?
Answer
MetrolinxThe Royal York station will be located fully outside the roadway at the northwest corner at the Royal York and Eglinton Ave W intersection. You can view the station location maps on our website at Metrolinx.com/EglintonWest under the “neighbourhood updates” section. We will have more information to share about station footprint and early designs for feedback at an engagement later this year!
How many more times will the date change?
AnonymousI remember when we were told this project would be done in 2020, then we were told fall of 2021, now I'm not even sure what the current line is. How many more times will the date change?
Answer
MetrolinxThe Eglinton Crosstown LRT project construction on Eglinton began in the summer of 2011. The project is expected to be complete in 2022. The extension of that project is the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension for which we are starting construction now. MX and IO are working together to deliver the project by 2030-31.
Parking
AnonymousIs there any planned Parking Garage at any of the Stations?
Answer
MetrolinxStations will offer easy transit connections and bike parking, but they will not include motor vehicle parking.
Webcam "sidewalk"supervision?
W. K. LisWill there be webcams showing "live" progress on the surface and above ground sections of the construction?
Surface traffic
AnonymousHow will the underground work affect the surface traffic?