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This project is no longer active. The following information is provided for archival purposes.
This site was posted on November 26, 2008
Project update
Recently, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) indicated the proposed watermain along Eglinton Avenue East would interfere with the proposed Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT). Therefore, the routing of the watermain along Eglinton was re-evaluated.
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Map of study area
The need for this project
The City of Toronto identified that this new watermain will reinforce the existing watermain capacity and increase the output of Rosehill Pumping Station; therefore, a comprehensive and environmentally sound planning process that incorporates public and agency consultation is required.
The planning process will identify the preferred route for the new watermain based on public input and information gathered throughout the study.
The Municipal Class EA process
The Class EA Study is being conducted in accordance with the requirements set out in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (2000) document. Projects are classified in terms of Schedules as Schedule 'A', 'B', or 'C' depending on their potential environmental impacts. Each schedule has an increasing level of environmental effects (i.e., Schedule 'A' projects have minimal environmental effects, while Schedule 'C' projects have the highest potential for major environmental effects).
When the City of Toronto decides to establish, extend, or enlarge a watermain to connect the watermain to an existing system and the watermain is in an existing road allowance, then the project is classified as a Schedule 'A' Class EA. Schedule 'A' Class EAs are pre-approved and work can proceed upon the filing of a report, without the need for public consultation. If a watermain cannot be routed on a city right-of-way, crosses a stream or other environmental effects are anticipated, then a more detailed planning and public consultation process is required, and the project is classified as a Schedule 'B' or 'C' Class EA.
At this point, a schedule has not been assigned to this project. As the alternative routes are assessed, the environmental effects will be identified and a schedule can then be assigned.
The Class EA study for this project will:
- define the problem;
- identify alternative routes;
- evaluate alternative routes in terms of potential environmental, socio-cultural and economic considerations; and,
- select a preferred route and identify measures to mitigate impacts.
Consultation with the public and review agencies will be conducted at key stages of the study in order to solicit their input and comment.
Selection of alternative watermain routes
When selecting potential routes for the watermain, the following considerations will be taken into account:
- major environmental constraints such as ravine and watercourse crossings;
- traffic on local and arterial roads;
- underground utility congestion (gas mains, sewers, cables, etc)
- historical and built cultural features such as the Mount Pleasant Cemetery;
- soil conditions;
- recent road resurfacing and road reconstruction.
Some roads within the study area could not be considered as potential routes for the watermain as they are very difficult if not impossible to use from an environmental, technical, and socio-economic perspective. The roads that have been screened out from further consideration include:
- Welland Avenue and Bayview Avenue: no space available for a watermain as they are fully congested with underground utilities.
- Moore Avenue: major environmental implications with the crossing of Moore Park Ravine, soil stability issues, and major traffic impacts on a local road that carries high traffic volume.
Three alternative routes are being proposed for further consideration in the Class EA study (see map attached). Although these routes have been identified at this early stage, route changes will be considered if further analysis determine that modifications will resolve potential issues and produce a most effective route.
The proposed alternative routes will be evaluated against a set of evaluation criteria that intend to address important factors such as:
- Natural environment: existing vegetation, trees, watercourses, soil conditions.
- Socio-cultural environment: archaeological and cultural features, traffic impacts, business and residential areas.
- Technical considerations: method of construction (open cut vs. tunnel), underground utilities.
- Costs.
To complete the review, the City is interested in your thoughts about routes that we should examine, and other factors that we should consider during the evaluation.
Open House #1 – December 5, 2006
The first Open House was held on December 5th, 2006 at Maurice Cody Community Centre. The public was invited to drop in and speak to project staff one-on-one between 6:45 and 9:45pm The purpose of this open house was to provide background information on the study and the various alternatives being considered, including the screening and evaluation criteria that will be used to assess the alternatives.
View Open House displays and other information:
Open House #2 – March 21, 2007
A second Open House was held on March 21st, 2007 at Maurice Cody Community Centre. The public was invited to drop in and speak to project staff one-on-one between 6:45 and 8:45pm The purpose of this open house was to present the results of the evaluation of alternative routes, introduce the recommended preferred alternative and the next steps in the study.
View Open House displays and other information:
Notice of File Availability (Nov. 2007)
Staying informed
If you would like to provide your comments or if you require further information on this project, please contact:
Josie Giordano
Public Consultation Co-ordinator
City of Toronto Public Consultation Unit
Metro Hall, 55 John Street, 19th Floor
Toronto, ON M5V 3C6
Tel: 416-338-2859
Fax: 416-392-2974
Email: jgiorda@toronto.ca
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