November 27, 1998

To:Urban Environment and Development Committee

From:Commissioner, Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject:A Rapid Transit Connection Between Pearson International Airport and Union Station

Purpose:

To provide an update on the status of the responses from the federal and provincial governments with respect to the proposal for a rapid transit connection between Pearson International Airport and Union Station.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

This report has no financial implications.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that consideration of this matter be deferred until the Urban Environment and Development Committee meeting in January, 1999 in order to allow additional time for responses from the provincial and federal governments.

Council Reference/Background/History:

At its meeting held on October 1 and 2, 1998, City Council adopted, as amended, Clause No. 1 contained in Report No. 10 of The Urban Environment and Development Committee entitled "A Rapid Transit Connection Between Pearson International Airport and Union Station". In so doing, Council requested the Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services to submit a report to Council in November 1998, if possible, or in December, 1998, with an update on whether there has been any movement from the provincial or federal governments on this matter, so that Council can be informed on the progress of this report. Council also extended an invitation to the federal Minister of Transportation to attend a meeting of the Urban Environment and Development Committee.

Discussion:

City Planning staff have met with federal government staff to discuss the Transport Canada study of the rapid transit connection to Pearson Airport. Transport Canada has also provided the final draft of their report for City staff review. GO Transit has also responded to the earlier Council request regarding cost estimates for upgrading the Weston rail corridor to accommodate increased commuter rail service to the vicinity of the airport. City Planning staff are currently reviewing this information and will report to Council in January.

Conclusions:

Accordingly, deferral of this matter to the January, 1999 meeting of this Committee is recommended.

Contact Name:

Anna Pace

Program Coordinator, Head Office

City Planning Division

392-8117

Virginia M. West

Commissioner, Urban Planning and Development Services

/cl