On Wednesday March 30, we hosted a virtual open house to talk about this work. Representatives from Metrolinx project team and our constructors, West End Connectors, gave a presentation on these topics and answer your questions.
Agenda
6:30PM - 7:00PM: Project Update
7:00PM - 8:00PM: Questions and Answers
Meet the Speakers

Joshua Engel-Yan
ECWE Program Sponsor, Metrolinx

Omid Nakhaei
Principal Designer, ARUP (ECWE Technical Advisor)

Stephanie Chow
Communications and Public Engagement Lead, West End Connectors

Fernando Triana
Project Director, West End Connectors

Nasir Qureshi
ECWE Senior Project Manager, Metrolinx

Mario Nalli
ECWE Senior Project Manager, Metrolinx
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.
To enable closed captioning, toggle captions “on” in the YouTube video player settings.
Comments
Green spaces
AnonymousWill the forested areas on the north side of Eglinton, specifically at Islington and Kipling corners, be affected? There is original growth on the Kipling corner and substantial greenspace on the Islington corner. During construction how far north of Eglinton will be affected with the construction and for how long, ie) 50'? 100'? 1 year, 3 years? And when do you anticipate it beginning?
Answer
MetrolinxOur goal is always to keep the number of trees we remove to a minimum and we strive to replace them in areas where they are being removed. Any time we have to remove trees, we ensure our plans are carefully studied by a qualified arborist and reviewed by our municipal partners and local conservation authorities. Specific trees were removed ahead of the headwall construction at the Martin Grove and Kipling sites in late March 2022. Only trees that directly impact construction were removed. We strive to keep tree removals to a minimum and only remove trees that are absolutely necessary. Our goal is always to plant more than we remove and all tree removals will be compensated in accordance with the Metrolinx Vegetation Guideline and the City of Toronto’s permitting process. Our approach goes above and beyond what’s required by local environmental regulations. Metrolinx follows municipal bylaws for compensating for trees removed outside of Metrolinx lands and provides additional compensation for trees located in designated natural areas. In addition to the compensation required by the City of Toronto for ECWE, Metrolinx has an agreement with the TRCA to plant additional trees along the route as early as we can. Advance planting under this agreement began last fall, with more plantings scheduled for later this year.
Headwall construction work at the Kipling intersection is scheduled to begin in May and is scheduled to complete in Spring 2023. Headwall construction at Islington Ave. is not expected to begin until Fall 2022. Details including lane closures, schedule and work activities will be shared over the next few months. For the Kipling station location, we conducted a virtual open house in December 2021 and released a survey asking the community weigh in on two options for the Kipling station location: a northwest option, which places the station entrance on the northwest corner of Kipling and Eglinton on the boulevard and a hybrid option, which would stack the station entrance on top of the station box and require a realignment of the existing roadway. The top-rated priorities when it came to station construction were protecting the woodlot, followed by reducing construction timelines. The hybrid option was the preferred location, with 55% of respondents preferring this option for the station entrance location. After reviewing this feedback, the project team came up with a new option combining aspects of the hybrid option and the north-west option where they were able to minimize the station entrance and ancillary building footprint as much as possible while only moving Eglinton Ave south by 3m. This resulted in only a few meters of encroachment into the actual boundary of the woodlot. This protects the existing multi-use path on the south side and also reduces the number of impacted trees on the north side. You can find the March virtual open house video recording here where we presented this information as well.
Fiscal Transparency and Accountability
AnonymousIn May 2021, the federal government added funding of $12 billion to four 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? Where can the public access information on allocation of taxpayers funds?
Answer
MetrolinxThe federal funding was provided to the project as it is currently designed with the mixed alignment of tunnel and elevated guideway.
When it comes to decisions related to transit planning and construction, the role of Metrolinx is to provide evidence, analysis, and advice to the Provincial government, who then makes decisions about how to allocate taxpayer dollars. This evidence, analysis and advice is communicated through the business case process, which is a comprehensive collection of evidence and analysis that sets out the rationale for why an investment should be made to solve a problem or address an opportunity. It’s part of an open and transparent decision making process. The business case lifecycle – the transition from options analysis to planning and design on a preferred option and finally to delivery and operations – relies on a progression of decisions to guide the advancement of an investment.
Public consultations
AnonymousThese virtual meetings are poorly advertised. Residents need to have better and regular communication from Metrolinx not just some small postcards occasionally sent in the mail. Is this a tactic to keep awareness, attendance and public feedback low? Metrolinx has a huge PR budget, communities deserve proper public consultations.
Answer
MetrolinxThank you for your feedback. Along with sharing notifications of upcoming public engagements through mail, we also use our digital channels to spread the word. You can sign up to our monthly e-newsletter here or you can also send us an email at [email protected] if you would like to be added to the weekly e-blast distribution list. You can also follow us on our twitter channel @EglintonWestEXT for latest updates!
Elevated Section Survey
AnonymousNot much of a survey without design options to choose from. Here’s a guideway design option, here’s a lighting design option, here’s an ugly concrete wall beside the cricket field. Options, where are the options? Pretty much a waste of time and money just so Metrolinx can continue to claim they engage in meaningful public consultations. Keep checking off those boxes on your PR to-do-list. What a shallow attempt to convince communities that there's even a dialogue. It will be heartbreaking when the chainsaws rip through our irreplaceable and beautiful parks. Keep the line underground.
Answer
MetrolinxThank you for your submission. If there is any specific feedback you would like to share with the project team regarding the elevated section, please reach out to us at 416-202-8001 or [email protected].
Concrete vs Trees!!!!
AnonymousWhen will Metrolinx respect that the residents of Mount Dennis/York-South Weston want the LRT ECWE underground as originally planned? We deserve meaningful consultation and to have our input acknowledged and considered. Save our parks, heritage, wildlife and mental well-being. We don't want to see our parks become a concrete jungle, especially when climate crisis is real and now!!
Answer
MetrolinxThere have been many discussions on how to deliver rapid transit along Eglinton West over the years. The mixed alignment moving forward provides highest ridership increase, travel time savings, and increases rapid transit access to the most jobs; it outperforms all other options in offering the best network connectivity and travel experience for people living and travelling along the corridor. Decisions on alignments take into account a number of factors, including integration with other transit, community benefits and impacts, deliverability, operations and costs, and topography, which are unique to each project. We understand these are beautiful areas and places of pride for the community and a place where people come from all over the city to play and walk and take in the beauty. The elevated guideway will be built on the boulevard next to Eglinton Avenue West therefore no infrastructure will be built in the active areas of the parks.
how much damage is going to be done to Fergy Brown Park?
AnonymousHow much of Fergie Brown Park is going to be razed during and after construction?
Answer
MetrolinxWe understand these are beautiful areas and places of pride for the community and a place where people come from all over the city to play and walk and take in the beauty. The elevated guideway will be built on the boulevard next to Eglinton Avenue West therefore no infrastructure will be built in the parks itself. We know that some trees will need to be removed to safely build and operate the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, but we will strive to keep that to an absolute minimum. A full inventory of trees within the project area, including Fergy Brown Park and Pearen Park, and an assessment of their health is underway now. Once that report is complete, we will share the results with the community. In the meantime. we continue to move forward with replanting and revegetation initiatives, including an event in October last year with the TRCA where 400 new trees were planted along the Humber River. By planting trees now, they will have ten years to grow before the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension even opens, which will help preserve and strengthen tree cover in the community. Metrolinx will continue to work with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the City of Toronto on new planting initiatives next year.
My concern lies mostly with the noise and vibrations:
Anonymous- will you erect sound barriers?
- If we report excessive noise and your finding differ (Sensor readings) how is the stalemate resolved?
Answer
MetrolinxWe have completed the studies and taken baseline readings for noise and vibration impacts. There are several ways to mitigate noise - it can be mitigated without installation of sound barriers. Noise levels will be continuously monitored throughout construction to allow for additional mitigation measures to be implemented, as required. A site-specific construction noise and vibration management plan will be prepared in advance of construction that assesses the potential impacts of selected means and methods for the relevant construction activities and prescribes appropriate mitigation to best manage these potential impacts, taking the surrounding environment into account. We commit to working closely with the community and will be available to discuss your concerns about noise. Our community relations team is setting up smaller group tables with community members to learn about the needs of your neighbourhoods and how we can work together on solutions.
Hours of Disturbance
AnonymousIf the work is 7AM till 7PM When do I get to enjoy my homw noise and dust free? In the past I've heard concerns and compaints were only met with lip service.
Answer
MetrolinxContractors will be required to implement a suite of mitigation measures to control air quality during construction, including mud mats at site entrances, covering soil stockpiles, and use of dust suppressants. Air quality will be continuously monitored throughout construction and additional mitigation used, as required. Similarly, noise levels will also be continuously monitored throughout construction to allow for mitigation measures to be implemented, as required. A site-specific construction noise and vibration management plan will be prepared in advance of construction that assesses the potential impacts of selected means and methods for the relevant construction activities and prescribes appropriate mitigation to best manage these potential impacts, taking the surrounding environment into account. We commit to working closely with the community and will be available to discuss your concerns about noise. Our community relations team is setting up smaller group tables with community members to learn about the needs of your neighbourhoods and how we can work together on solutions.
Urgent Comment: Take the Survey before Thursday March 31st
AnonymousIf you live, work, walk, hike, play sports, bird watch, fish, picnic etc. in the Humber Valley and Eglinton Flats area, take a few minutes to go thru the survey on the 1.5km elevated guideway section. https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/eglinton-crosstown-west-exten...–-elevated-section-survey
The “Superstructure” passenger LRT stations that will span over Jane Street and Scarlett Road are intentionally not shown in the artist renderings. Despite the pretty pictures of the guideway, Metrolinx will build in the Eglinton Flats designated greenbelt parkland. Most trees will be removed, wildlife will be displaced and replaced with concrete walls and pillars. Join the community and tell Metrolinx to save our parks and keep the 1.5km section underground.
Answer
MetrolinxThank you for your submission. The elevated section runs along the north side of Eglinton Avenue West. The elevated section will be built on the boulevard, as close as possible to Eglinton Avenue West while meeting the City of Toronto requirements, preserving as much existing vegetation as possible, maintaining access to Fergy Brown, Eglinton Flats and Pearen parks, and ensuring a good pedestrian experience in this area.
There have been many discussions on how to deliver rapid transit along Eglinton West over the years. The mixed alignment moving forward for provides highest ridership increase, travel time savings, and increases rapid transit access to the most jobs; it outperforms all other options in offering the best network connectivity and travel experience for people living and travelling along the corridor. Decisions on alignments take into account a number of factors, including integration with other transit, community benefits and impacts, deliverability, operations and costs, and topography, which are unique to each project. You can read more about it in the initial business case that was published on our website in 2020.
Eglinton Flats cyclist access
AnonymousWhat kind of cycling connection will be available along Eglinton between Jane and Weston during and after construction? Is the recently-installed cycling path between the Jane/Eglinton intersection and Pearen Park going to be closed temporarily? Is it going to be removed?
Answer
MetrolinxWe are working closely with the City of Toronto on this matter. The recently installed multi-use path will need to be taken out of service during construction. It will be temporarily relocated to the south side of Eglinton Ave West to ensure cyclists mobility and safety. Pearen Park will not be closed - a section of the park will be used as the construction staging area for the access shaft. We presented this information at a virtual open house in September 2021. You can find the video recording of the event and the presentation material here. Access to the parks for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained during construction and when the transit service is operational.
No Elevated Guideway | LRT & Stations Should Be Underground
AnonymousMount Dennis residents want the ECWE LRT to be completely underground, stations included; per Metrolinx’s own original business plan. We say no to an elevated concrete guideway and the destruction of our precious parks. How do Metrolinx staff sleep at night, knowing that they are planning to ruin one of the best and greenest aspects of our community? Oh that’s right, your six figure salaries and lack of empathy for an at risk community help you sleep at night. Shame on you all.
Answer
MetrolinxThere have been many discussions on how to deliver rapid transit along Eglinton West over the years. The mixed alignment moving forward provides highest ridership increase, travel time savings, and increases rapid transit access to the most jobs; it outperforms all other options in offering the best network connectivity and travel experience for people living and travelling along the corridor. Decisions on alignments take into account a number of factors, including integration with other transit, community benefits and impacts, deliverability, operations and costs, and topography, which are unique to each project. We understand these are beautiful areas and places of pride for the community and a place where people come from all over the city to play and walk and take in the beauty. The elevated guideway will be built on the boulevard next to Eglinton Avenue West therefore no infrastructure will be built in the active areas of the parks.
Why Is Metrolinx Cutting Down 100+ Trees?
AnonymousAlong the entire northern edge of the South-East quadrant of Eglinton Flats, parallel to Eglinton Avenue, Metrolinx has recently marked 100+ trees for removal. Why? We know of Metrolinx’s desire to destroy Fergy Brown Park but why is Metrolinx planning to deforest the entire northern edge of Eglinton Flats? To date, inquiries about this planned deforestation have been rebuffed.
Answer
MetrolinxThanks for reaching out! Those markings are not part of the ECWE project. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] for any further questions.
impact on the east bound 401
Anonymousrestricting east bound Eglinton Ave at Martingrove will result in the back up of traffic on the exit ramp from the 401 causing a traffic hazard, how will this be dealt with
Answer
MetrolinxThe eastbound traffic on Eglinton Ave West at Martin Grove will not be constricted during headwall construction. The only lane closure required at the Martin Grove intersection is the north westbound right-turn lane. No eastbound direction lane closures are currently scheduled at this intersection. If schedule or construction activities change, the project team will keep the public informed.
With rush hour traffic on eglinton what will be down to support
AnonymousWith eglinton towards 427 is so busy during rush hour traffic in both the morning and afternoon what will be done to support the existing traffic now that the construction is starting and lanes are closing.
Answer
MetrolinxWe are working very closely with the City of Toronto and our constructors, West End Connectors (WEC) to ensure the construction along the Eglinton Ave West corridor has as little impact as possible. All traffic impacts will be communicated to the public ahead of construction. The City has allowed us to close one lane in each direction at various intersections to complete this construction work safely, and we are implementing the following measures to assist with the resulting capacity constraints:
We are doing all we can to ensure the above ground construction along Eglinton Ave W is completed on schedule and with safety for our workers and the public top of mind.
Traffic issues
AnonymousI believe that I read that Eglinton east and west bound lanes will be reduced from two lanes to one, during construction. If so, is there a schedule available to indicate when; where and for how long? As you are no doubt aware, traffic along Eglinton is very busy, at most times of the day, with the current number of lanes.
Answer
MetrolinxCurrently, work at Martin Grove is scheduled to begin in April and last for approximately seven months. Work at the Kipling intersection is scheduled to begin in May and complete in Spring 2023. The road realignment work at Scarlett Rd, which comes before the extraction shaft work where the tunnel boring machines will come out of the ground at the end of tunneling, begins in April. Road work in the Scarlett area will continue to progress throughout the next few years. The details for the intersection work at Royal York Rd. and Islington Ave. have yet to be finalized. Details including lane closures and work activities will be shared over the next few months.
Please refer to the construction notices posted on our website here for more details and be advised that construction schedules can adjust and change depending on many factors throughout the project duration.
We are working very closely with the City of Toronto and our constructors, West End Connectors (WEC) to ensure the construction along the Eglinton Ave West corridor has as little impact as possible. All traffic impacts will be communicated to the public ahead of construction. The City has allowed us to close one lane in each direction at various intersections to complete this construction work safely, and we are implementing the following measures to assist with the resulting capacity constraints:
Tree replacement
Anonymousthere are 2 forested areas at Islington and Eglinton, I imagine they will be someone taken down. Will the trees be replaced in a similar way as they are currently.
Answer
MetrolinxOur goal is always to keep the number of trees we remove to a minimum and we strive to replace them in areas where they are being removed. Any time we have to remove trees, we ensure our plans are carefully studied by a qualified arborist and reviewed by our municipal partners and local conservation authorities. All tree removals will be compensated in accordance with the Metrolinx Vegetation Guideline and the City of Toronto’s permitting process at a 3:1 ratio. Our approach goes above and beyond what’s required by local environmental regulations. Metrolinx follows municipal bylaws for compensating for trees removed outside of Metrolinx lands and provides additional compensation for trees located in designated natural areas. In addition to the compensation required by the City of Toronto for ECWE, Metrolinx has an agreement with the TRCA to plant additional trees along the route as early as we can. Planting under this agreement began last fall, with more plantings scheduled for later this year.
Will provision be made for the future Jane LRT?
AnonymousWill the Jane/Eglinton station include provision for a future Jane LRT? Assuming the Jane LRT will be on a raised berm to get above the flood plain. Will there be provision for a future ramp connection from and to the Jane LRT right-of-way, so that the light rail vehicles will be able to get access to the Mt. Dennis storage facility?
Answer
MetrolinxProvisions for future transit connections in and around the area are always considered as part of planning for the projects. Please call us at 416-202-8001 or email us at [email protected] for any further questions.
Question
AnonymousWhat about fare integration? If you want to build this ext then it is imp you use only 1 fare for all of the G T H A
Answer
MetrolinxFare integration is an important ongoing discussion. We know that with better fare integration the user experience will improve, and we would see even more people use transit. Most 905 area transit agencies currently have fare integration with each other and GO transit. Metrolinx continues to work with the Ministry of Transportation and municipal partners on options to better integrate fare systems. Since 2018, Metrolinx has introduced programs such as Kids GO Free, Sunday Funday (unlimited travel for $10) and lowered short-distance fares for GO Transit. We are working with our partners towards a regional solution. Metrolinx also announced a 100% co-fare between local transit agencies and GO Transit earlier this month, making local transit free when transferring between GO Transit and participating agencies, which include Durham Region Transit, Milton Transit, Grand River Transit, Guelph Transit, Oakville Transit, MiWay, Brampton Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, Burlington Transit, Bradford West Gwillimbury Transit and York Region Transit, with continued participation from Barrie Transit.
Will there be any kind of kiss and ride area?
AnonymousThinking about passengers who may be driven to the station instead of arriving by bus or on foot. Thinking about traffic disruption if people stop on the curb.
Answer
MetrolinxWe don’t have passenger pick-up areas in stations. However, we are planning for good bus, bike, and pedestrian connections.
Staging areas
Anonymoushow much of the surrounding areas around the station will be required and do any woodlots/forest areas need to be cut down?
Answer
MetrolinxStation construction is not expected to begin until 2024/25. We will have more details including construction staging area footprint closer to the commencement of construction. We know that some trees will need to be removed to safely build and operate the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, but we will strive to keep that to an absolute minimum. The community will be notified in advance about tree removals in the area through our regular communication channels. For each tree we need to remove from City-owned or private property, we meet city bylaw and Metrolinx Vegetation Guideline requirements. The city bylaw typically requires planting three trees for each removed tree; when we need to remove trees from Metrolinx-owned property, we introduce new plantings at a minimum of a one-to-one basis up to 50:1 depending on size and location of the tree being removed in line with our Metrolinx Vegetation Guideline. Our guideline is based on the Toronto Region Conservation Authority’s own highly regarded guidelines, which are firmly rooted in ecological science. In 2020 alone, Metrolinx funded and coordinated the planting of more than 22,100 native trees and shrubs (8,079 trees and 14,050 shrubs). We are looking to incorporate restoration, vegetation and landscape plans into our project agreements with our construction companies so they can appropriately restore the land back to the condition it was received, or better once construction is complete. A full inventory of trees within the project area and an assessment of their health is underway now. Once that report is complete, we will share the results with the community. In the meantime. we continue to move forward with replanting and revegetation initiatives, including an event in October last year with the TRCA where 400 new trees were planted along the Humber River. By planting trees now, they will have ten years to grow before the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension opens, which will help preserve and strengthen tree cover in the community. Metrolinx will continue to work with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the City of Toronto on new planting initiatives next year.
401 Exit at Eglington
Anonymousthere is a lot of traffic during rush hour coming off the east bound 401. Will the traffic be reduced rather than enabling the same amount of traffic to come thru?
Answer
MetrolinxWe are working very closely with the City of Toronto and our constructors, West End Connectors (WEC) to ensure the construction along the Eglinton Ave West corridor has as little impact as possible. All traffic impacts will be communicated to the public ahead of construction. The City has allowed us to close one lane in each direction at various intersections to complete this construction work safely, and we are implementing the following measures to assist with the resulting capacity constraints:
Critical Importance of Bus Loading Lanes
AnonymousGiven the massive congestion created on other projects where a short lane is not provided for bus loading at busy stops, why is there largely no bus lane pull over at each of the LRT connection stops. Assuming transit is re-adopted after COVID, the buses will be halted for extended periods at these stops for loading in the afternoons, and unloading in the mornings - it is extremely important that they do not block a through lane.
For an example of what happens when dedicated bus loading lanes are removed, look at Hwy #7 where, to make room for the dedicated regional express bus corridor lanes in the middle of the highway, the local bus stops no longer had right-hand pull out lanes for the local buses which are not permitted to use the huge dedicated express bus stops. Thus, local buses block the right-hand lane at many intersections, and Hwy #7 is now less than 33% of its former throughput during rush-hours, as a result of the loss of these lanes (and the stunted left-turn lanes, which now have queues which block the left through lane). Has anyone looked at overall traffic capacity issues? To repeat the Markham Hwy #7 nightmare would be a shame - sadly, in that expensive project, nobody considered the impact of the congestion resulting from the loss of the local bus loading lanes.
Answer
MetrolinxAll north-south bus routes will have bus lay-bys hence buses will not stop in live lanes of traffic. Although a large portion of the east-west bus service will be replaced by the ECWE service, we are currently reviewing options of providing lay-bys for areas where there will be bus service to ensure that buses do not occupy live lanes.
Will the stations include solar panels?
AnonymousWill the stations include electrical renewable resources? That includes solar panels on top of the stations, solar panels for each overhead lights, wind turbines?
Answer
MetrolinxThere are no solar panel in stations, however we are following latest version of Toronto Green Standard (TGS). You can watch the video recording of our virtual open house where this question was addressed on our website here.
NO PARKING converted to include parking lay-bys
W. K. LisThe construction vehicles, such as cement trucks, dump trucks, and other contractors will need someplace to park during the construction. Instead of having to use the side streets, have them use Eglinton Avenue West itself. Currently we have NO PARKING signs, which should be removed. Turn the breakdown lanes into parking lay-bys. After the construction is finished, keep the parking lay-bys, so that people can actually use the linear parks along Eglinton Avenue West.
Answer
MetrolinxWe don’t have passenger pick-up areas in stations. We are planning for good bus, bike, and pedestrian connections.We’re also focused on minimizing the footprint of the stations and not having them being busy traffic zones. During construction, it is our intent to have little to no parking on side streets. Construction vehicle parking will be within the construction sites only.
You can watch the video recording of our virtual open house here where this question was addressed.
Where are the stations between Martin Grove and Renforth
AnonymousResidents living south of Eglinton between The East Mall and Renforth will have a long walk to a station, longer than what most people are will to do for public transit. What is the rational for not including a station.
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. 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, including tunnelling near highways 401 and 427. If there are changes in the future, we have given ourselves 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.
Will the Mississauga and LRT stations be joined at Renforth
AnonymousWill users be able to move from one station to the other easily and in a timely manner (5 minutes or less) and will it be underground or a covered area between the stations. Will there be heat in the LRT station so commuters can keep warm. It is hard to understand why transit stations (TTC and Mississauga Transitway) are being built without heat, at least warm enough to keep it at +5º
Answer
MetrolinxYes, we’re building the station near the existing Renforth Terminal where local transit access is well organized already. The new station will be designed and built for a seamless customer experience. Thermal comfort during winter at platforms is currently being studied and ideas such as heated shelters around designated waiting areas (DWAs) are being explored. We’ll be coming back to the community to consult on Renforth Station design later this fall.
Pearson connection
AnonymousProvide status please
Answer
MetrolinxThe Province is committed to establishing connectivity with Pearson International Airport. We are actively collaborating with the GTAA and municipal partners to explore a connection between Renforth Drive to Pearson International Airport. An initial business case to extend the LRT to the airport is underway now. Stay tuned! We will have more information when that work is complete. We are protecting for extension west of Renforth station in all our designs.
Island platform
AnonymousIsland platforms are not as good as side platforms for visually impaired.
Answer
MetrolinxSafety and accessibility are always at the center of our design thinking and process at Metrolinx. In the development of ECLRT accessibility requirements we convened a consultation group comprised of the CNIB and persons with visual impairments to develop layout and design requirements for tactile guidance tiles. This will ensure customers who are visually impaired can safely and confidently navigate center platforms. These requirements have become a part of Metrolinx standards for all LRT and subway projects. They comply with AODA, CSA and ISO requirements while leveraging insights from those with lived experience of disability.
Surface routes and Community connections
AnonymousIn support of the question concerning the crucial importance of the Jane LRT in the future. As a follow up question, are there plans to add TTC bus terminals to any of the new stations across the line? Potentially at Jane, Kipling, Martin Grove and at Renforth with space for GO buses respectively. This could also potentially free up space at Mt.Dennis for GO buses as well. It would be great if we had more access to regional GO bus connections that stop at destinations within the City of Toronto. Second question, is it possible for these stations to be built with some commercial retail development attached? Eglinton still has that post-war and car-oriented vibe where it would be nice see more pedestrian friendly access to our daily basic needs. This is nothing against the car, its that we shouldn't have to solely depend on them living in the City. We should be given incentives to use public transit for short distances in our own neighborhoods. Having retail and amenities near stations would create community nodes, that are something to walk to where they become landmark destinations in their own right.
Answer
MetrolinxWe meet with the City of Toronto and TTC regularly and coordinate our work. We are working towards seamless connections between the LRT and the surface/bus service now and in the future, which are key to the success of this project and easy transfers at stations. The province is exploring potential transit-oriented communities (TOC) developments across the entire provincial subway program. Plans are not confirmed for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension.The TOC approach provides opportunities to bring more housing and jobs closer to transit, and new services within walking distance in the communities we’re building in. We will continue to share information as the work by the province progresses.
Traffic congestion
AnonymousYou maybe aware, there are construction plans for two new high rise apartment buildings at 63/73 Widdicombe Hill Blvd. (I am unaware of the timing). If this work is planned to happen at the same time as the work on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension (between Kipling and Martin Grove) and as I believe that a good percentage of the west bound traffic, on Widdicombe, results from out-of-area drivers who come south on Kipling and turn right on Widdicome Hill Blvd. and then right on Eglinton to by-pass the Kipling/Eglinton corner. I am wondering, that if all of the proposed construction for this relatively small geographical area is to happen at roughly the same time - what kind of traffic congestion may result and will we be "ready" for it?
Answer
MetrolinxWe are meeting with City of Toronto on regular basis as the project design develops. Those discussions include assessing the potential traffic impacts to the local network so that our work can be taken into consideration with the wider community developments that the City needs to consider.
We understand and have heard from residents that having multiple project underway at the same time is concerning and so we will continue to work with the City on our plan and on any coordinated communications that may be necessary. We are committed to keeping residents directly informed as well so that you have the information in advance about any impacts such as changes to traffic. We'll continue to use all of our channels including regular engagements, mail drops, social media and the e-newsletter to keep you informed.
The pipeline on the side of Eglinton Avenue West.`
W. K. LisUsed to see signs on the grass on the south side of Eglinton Avenue West concerning a pipeline along it. Will that be moved, upgraded, "repaired", or just have new signs put up?
Answer
MetrolinxThank you for your question. We would like get more details and clarity on your question to be able to address it better. You may reach out to us directly at [email protected].
Richview Road west connection
W. K. LisWill Richview Road reconnect with Eglinton Avenue West, in its west end, on the north side? The signalized intersection could be used by the seniors' residence on the south side. Because Eglinton Avenue West will be narrowed, it would have a better flow for motorists to bypass the narrowing to reach the buildings on the northwest corner of Eglinton & Scarlett.
Richview Road used to be part of Richview Sideroad, before Eglinton Avenue West was extended into Etobicoke.
Answer
MetrolinxWe are working with the City of Toronto to assess the overall traffic and transportation network in this area and to fully understand the impact the permanent closure (scheduled for 2024/25) will have on traffic in the area. We're looking at all options to address this and we will keep the community updated as the traffic impact analysis work is completed We are working on this with the City of Toronto and the Richview properties. We will have more to share next month.
Is there is a "kiss and ride"? picture/legend bit small to read
AnonymousAnswer
MetrolinxWe don’t have passenger pick-up areas in stations. However, we are planning for good bus, bike, and pedestrian connections.
Will there be a go station at renforth/Eglinton station
AnonymousWill there be a go bus/train transfer at the renforth station.
Answer
MetrolinxAt this time, no GO station is planned at Renforth. However, we are building the station near the existing Renforth Terminal where local transit access is well organized already. The new station will be designed and built for a seamless customer experience.
Current Construction at renforth/Eglington
AnonymousThere is some construction happening at renforth and Eglington, is it for the line5 extention?
Answer
MetrolinxYes, the site at Renforth and Eglinton is the launch shaft site for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension project. This is where the tunnels begin their journey underground to head towards Scarlett.
Time Line
AnonymousCan you review the time line of completion for the construction of stations at the different points
Answer
MetrolinxWork on the Stations, Rails and Systems contract which includes station construction is not expected to begin until 2024. You can see the updated project timeline here (page 6).
What if there is a power failure?
AnonymousDoes each station have a uninterruptible power supply?
Answer
MetrolinxYes, all stations have a uninterrupted power supply (UPS) for emergency lighting and communication that will meet all applicable code requirements.
Completion of construction
AnonymousWhat is the approximate time that the work from Mount Dennis to Renforth going to be completed.
And I hope the construction will not interfere with our sleeping time because my apartment is right at the intersection of Scarlett and Eglinton.
Thanks
Answer
MetrolinxMetrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario are working to deliver this project by approximately 2030-31. We will be monitoring the noise levels generated by construction constantly to keep it within permissible levels. We will take actions to mitigate it if the noise levels exceed the permissible limits.
Roundabouts along Eglinton in Etobicoke
W. K. LisWill the intersections along Eglinton in Etobicoke be converted to roundabouts?
Answer
MetrolinxThere are no plans to do this as part of the ECWE project as of now. This question is best directed to City of Toronto Transportation.