Future OL Queen Station - hero image

Ontario Line

A new 15.6-km subway line in Toronto that will run from Exhibition Place, through downtown, all the way to the Ontario Science Centre.

Lower Don Bridge and Don Yard Early Works Report

Published on Aug.25, 2021

The Lower Don Bridge and Don Yard early works will include:

  • building a new bridge north of the existing rail bridge over the Lower Don River that will carry the Ontario Line tracks;
  • shifting GO tracks in the Don Yard and nearby rail corridor to accommodate Ontario Line infrastructure;
  • modifying the existing rail bridge to accommodate GO track shifts and Ontario Line infrastructure; and,
  • relocating and protecting utilities and signal infrastructure in the area.

The Lower Don Bridge and Don Yard Early Works Report outlines the purpose of early works, a description of local environmental conditions, potential impacts, proposed mitigation measures and a record of consultation.

Read the full Lower Don Bridge and Don Yard Early Works Report

Read the Statement of Completion

Read the Notice of Final Publication

Read Appendix C1 - Project distribution list

Read Appendix C2 - Project webpage

Read Appendix C3 - Consultation and correspondence record

Lower Don Bridge rendering

View of the north side of the existing rail bridge

Conceptual rendering of Lower Don Bridge for illustrative purposes only.

Potential effects and mitigation measures

Potential effects:

  • Removal of/damage to trees, terrestrial vegetation and wildlife habitat.
  • Impacts to aquatic/riparian vegetation.
  • Erosion and sedimentation to waterbodies from construction.
  • Disturbance or displacement of wildlife species and reduced habitat connectivity.
  • Potential for impacts to fish and fish habitat.
  • Risk of contamination to waterbodies as a result of spills.
  • Introduction or spread of invasive species.

Mitigation measures:

  • Sensitive wildlife timing restrictions for early works activities (e.g., removal of vegetation outside of the breeding bird period).
  • Tree/vegetation removals will be kept to a minimum and limited to within construction areas.
  • Tree removal compensation will be provided in accordance with the Metrolinx Vegetation Guideline (2020).
  • Temporarily disturbed areas will be restored/re-vegetated.
  • Erosion and sediment control measures will be implemented.
  • Ensure that all in-water activities do not interfere with fish passage, constrict the channel width or reduce flows.
  • Prior to early works activities, species-specific surveys will be completed to avoid or reduce potential impacts and meet all Species at Risk regulatory requirements.

Read more - Appendix B1 - Natural Environment Report

Land Acknowledgement

Metrolinx acknowledges that it operates on lands that have been, and continue to be, home to many Indigenous Peoples including the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples. We are all Treaty people. Many of us have come here as settlers, as immigrants or involuntarily as part of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, in this generation, or generations past. We acknowledge the historic and continued impacts of colonization and the need to work towards meaningful reconciliation with the original caretakers of this land. We acknowledge that Metrolinx operates on territories and lands covered by many treaties that affirm and value the rights of Indigenous communities, Nations and Peoples. We understand the importance of working towards reconciliation with the original caretakers of this land. At Metrolinx, we will conduct business in a manner that is built on a foundation of trust, respect and collaboration.