This site was last updated on December 1, 2009
Waterfront West Streetcars Environmental Assessment
Study Overview
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the City of Toronto are examining routes to extend streetcar service westward from Exhibition Place to the existing track at Roncesvalles Avenue and Queen Street West.
The study purpose is to determine the most effective streetcar route to provide high quality, higher capacity service in a protected right of way (uninterrupted by vehicular traffic) to serve various communities from southern Etobicoke to downtown Toronto, including High Park, Sunnyside, Parkdale, and Liberty Village.
Background
In the early 1990’s, the TTC undertook a study called the Waterfront West Light Rail Transit (WWLRT) Environmental Assessment (EA). The purpose of the EA was to review options and select alternatives for improving rapid transit service from downtown Toronto to south Etobicoke (Legion Road).
The 1993 WWLRT EA Report recommended a westerly streetcar track expansion along Lakeshore Boulevard, proceeding south of Exhibition Place, then north on Dufferin Street to a new Dufferin Street Loop, located immediately north of the Gardiner Expressway and rail corridor.
The study also looked at the extension of the streetcar track from the Dufferin Street Loop, further west to the existing track at Roncesvalles Avenue and Queen Street West as a Long Term Plan. This extension was not included in the 1993 undertaking because it was not considered cost effective at the time. However, a recommendation was made to evaluate various potential streetcar track alignments to connect the Dufferin Street Loop to Roncesvalles Avenue and Queen Street West in the future. The remainder of the study evaluated the westerly improvement of the Lakeshore streetcar in South Etobicoke, from the Humber Loop to Legion Road.
Following approval of the WWLRT EA on August 21 1995, the TTC and Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto received an exemption from the Province to construct a streetcar loop at Exhibition Place in 1996 due to internal land use changes. Subsequently, the Harbourfront Streetcar was expanded westwards from Spadina to Exhibition Place.
There have been two modifications made to the original WWLRT EA approved recommendation. First, in May 1999, the alignment was changed to operate via Queens Quay to Bathurst Street and north on Bathurst Street to Fleet Street. Second, in March 2006, approval was given to reconstruct the existing streetcar tracks on Fleet Street on their own right of way.
In addition, due to concerns by both the City of Toronto and the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA) regarding the Legion Road loop, a relocation of the proposed loop to Park Lawn Road and Lake Shore Boulevard was approved in principle by both authorities.
New Study Description
The TTC is undertaking two studies to evaluate potential transit expansions for:
- Exhibition Place to Dufferin Street
- Dufferin Street to Roncesvalles Avenue/Queen Street West intersection
The two studies will follow slightly different approval processes in order to meet requirements under the Environmental Assessment Act (EA Act).
In the case of a new streetcar line from Exhibition Place to Dufferin Street, an EA Modification to the previous 1993 WWLRT EA Report is required.
Since the streetcar connection from Dufferin Street to the existing tracks at Roncesvalles Avenue and Queen Street West was not included in the 1993 WWLRT EA Report, an EA is necessary to meet the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act.
The following provides a description of each study:
Exhibition Place to Dufferin Street: Environmental Assessment Modification
This study involves a review of the previously approved route in the 1993 EA Report along with potential new routes reflective of the current conditions.
The TTC has commenced an EA Modification study that will include an evaluation of alternatives, assessment of the potential effects on the environment, identification of reasonable measures to minimize any adverse effects, and documentation in an EA Modification Report.
Please review comments (PDF) received in regards to potential streetcar track alignments between Exhibition Place (Strachan Avenue) and Dufferin Street.
EA Modification Report (Exhibition Place to Dufferin Street)
Dufferin Street to Roncesvalles Avenue/Queen Street West Intersection: Environmental Assessment
This study was initiated to extend streetcar service from Dufferin Street to the existing tracks at the Roncesvalles Avenue and Queen Street West intersection. The study started as an Individual EA and will be transitioned to follow the newly prescribed Transit Project Assessment Process under the EA Act.
Union Station to Exhibition Place Class EA
Study Overview
The purpose of the Union Station to Exhibition Place EA is to evaluate alternatives to best address the current and future transportation needs in and through the Fort York and Railway Lands neighbourhoods.
These neighbourhoods are undergoing a transformation from former railway and industrial uses to high density residential uses, high density office uses, and hotels. The area includes major event destinations, including the Rogers Centre, Air Canada Centre, CN Tower, Fort York, and the Metro Convention Centre. Please see the study area map below.
The study is following the planning and design process for a Schedule “C” project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment.
The Class EA study will take into consideration the Waterfront West Streetcars Class EA and EA modification. The Class EA process will include the identification and evaluation of alternative solutions and route alternatives.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to be added to the project mailing list please contact:
Chris Bishop
Transit City Dept
Waterfront West LRT
5160 Yonge Street, 13th Floor
Toronto, ON
M2N 6L9
Tel: 416-392-6900
TTY: 416-397-0831
Fax: 416-338-0251
Email: waterfronttransit@toronto.ca
Media inquiries
All media inquiries may be directed to:
Danny Nicholson - TTC
Tel:
416-393-3898
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