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Yonge North Subway Extension

Yonge North Subway Extension - Environmental Project Report Overview

By its nature, providing reliable, safe and accessible public transportation brings environmental and social benefits. Metrolinx is committed to the preservation and protection of the environment, while working to provide an integrated and sustainable transportation system.

To maintain strong environmental oversight, Metrolinx has prepared an addendum to the previously-completed 2009 Environmental Project Report (EPR) and 2014 EPR Addendum – which includes studying existing environmental conditions and completing an environmental impact assessment.

Metrolinx released the EPR Addendum for the Yonge North Subway Extension Project for public review from February 10, 2022 to March 14, 2022. In accordance with O. Reg. 231/08, Metrolinx has updated the EPR Addendum following the public review period and published the Updated EPR Addendum on April 14, 2022.  This report includes a final description of the Yonge North Subway Extension project, and an assessment of environmental impacts, mitigation measures, monitoring activities, potentially required permits and approvals, and other components as outlined in O.Reg 231/08.

The sections below describe the different environmental components that have been studied throughout the Yonge North Subway Extension project area and the impact assessment reports that we will use to share those findings.

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EPR Addendum Process

This diagram outlines the environmental project report (EPR) addendum process, starting with the pre-planning phase that includes documenting existing conditions and carrying out impact assessments. Following the public review period and within 65 days of the issuance of the Notice of EPR Addendum, Metrolinx will update the EPR Addendum with a description of the issues resolution process and what Metrolinx did to address any concerns raised by reviewers. After the EPR addendum is updated, the Minister has up to 35 days to review and approve the changes. Public, stakeholder and Indigenous Nations engagement occurs throughout the entire EPR Addendum process.

Since the completion of the 2009 EPR and 2014 EPR Addendum, additional changes to the Project have been made, necessitating an update to the existing environmental assessment.

In accordance with Section 15 of O. Reg. 231/08, an EPR Addendum is required to:

  • Evaluate and document the project updates;
  • Carry out environmental assessment studies;
  • Identify potential impacts, mitigation and monitoring  requirements; and
  • Undertake stakeholder and community consultation.

In accordance to Section 16 of O.Reg. 231/08, given the lapse of time since the completion of the EPR in 2009, the current EPR Addendum also entails a detailed review of:

  • Existing environmental conditions in the Study Area
  • Updated potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures

Changes to the Project that are assessed in this 2022 EPR Addendum compared to the 2009 EPR and 2014 EPR Addendum include:

  • An at-grade segment emerging from a portal structure south of Langstaff Road East in the City of Markham to Moonlight Lane in the City of Richmond Hill, travelling along CN’s Bala rail corridor; 
  • Revised number and location of ancillary facilities such as Traction Power Substations and Emergency Exit Buildings; 
  • Two new stations (Bridge Station and associated bus terminal, and High Tech Station); 
  • Revised station locations at Steeles Station, Royal Orchard Station, and Cummer Station; 
  • Modifications to the existing Finch Station; 
  • Addition of a bus terminal at Clark Station; 
  • Revised design and location of the Steeles Station bus terminal;
  • Location and design of the proposed train storage facility; and
  • Construction method including a tunnel boring machine launch shaft south of Langstaff Road and an extraction shaft at the existing Finch Station. 

The public review and comment period for the Environmental Project Report Addendum closed on March 14, 2022.

Metrolinx established an issues resolution process to attempt to resolve any concerns raised by the public or Indigenous Nations during the EPR Addendum review period.

Following the review period, Metrolinx updated the EPR Addendum by adding a description of the issues resolution process, what Metrolinx did to address any concerns, and if the Project timeline will be impacted as a result of addressing concerns.

Metrolinx published the updated EPR Addendum on the project webpage: https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/full-report-environmental-pro... and issued a Notice of Updated EPR Addendum on April 14, 2022.

Environmental Project Report addendum approved - April 27, 2022

The Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks informed Metrolinx that a notice imposing conditions would not be issued and that Metrolinx may proceed with implementing the changes to the Yonge North Subway Extension project in accordance with the EPR Addendum.

The updated environmental studies are building off the work previously done on the Yonge North Subway Extension, including:

2009 – Environmental Project Report (EPR)

  • Proposed 6 stations
  • Proposed bus terminals at Steeles Station and Richmond Hill Centre Station

2014 – EPR Addendum

  • Included a train storage facility north of Richmond Hill Centre Station
  • Extended the project one kilometre north

2021 – Initial Business Case

  • Establishes why the project should be pursued
  • Provides evidence on viability of options
  • Brings forward new route proposal for consultation

2021/2022 – EPR Addendum

  • Assesses proposed changes to the project, including changes to route, stations and train storage facility
 

Environmental Studies