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THE
REPORT NO. 3
OF THE REGIONAL
YONGE SUBWAY ADVISORY TASK FORCE
MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2008
For Consideration by the
Rapid Transit Public/Private Partnership Steering Committee of
The
on October 16, 2008
Chair: Mayor D. Barrow
Members: Councillor V. Burke
Regional Councillor J. Frustaglio
Regional Councillor B. Hogg
Regional Councillor J. Jones
Mr. B. O'Donnell
Mr. J. Ricciuti
Councillor A. Shefman
Mr. D. West
Regional Chair B. Fisch, ex officio
Councillor D. Shiner, ex officio
Also Present: Regional Councillor V. Spatafora
Absent: Mayor L. Jackson
Mayor F. Scarpitti, Vice-Chair
Mr. H.T. Wilson
Regional Staff:
Rapidco Staff: D. Albers, D. Clark, M.F. Turner, K. Webber
Others: S. Bowers, T. Middlebrook, Owner's Engineer, R. Staples, YC2002;
A. Brown, Town of
T. Myatt, Town of
of
The Yonge Subway Advisory Task Force began its meeting at 9: 10 a.m. on September 17, 2008.
1 UPDATE - COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS
The Yonge Subway Advisory Task Force advises the Rapid Transit Public/Private Partnership Steering Committee of the following matters having been considered by the Yonge Subway Advisory Task Force with the following action:
A. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS
Mary-Frances Turner, Vice-President, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, began the presentation with a video clip of the proposed 6 km extension of the Yonge subway line from Cummer to
The Yonge subway study process timeline was reviewed by Ms. Turner. She stated that the recommended concept design stage is nearing completion and a second Public Consultation has been scheduled for September 25, 2008.
1. Yonge Subway Public Consultation Centre (PCC) Summer Workshops
Tom Middlebrook, Owner's Engineer, noted that under the new 6 month Environmental Assessment process the first notice will be filed on approximately October 3, 2008 and a decision from the Ministry of Environment will be made in mid-March 2009.
Mr. Middlebrook reviewed the comments received at the PCCs held June 17 and 18, 2008 and at the workshop on July 31, 2008.
Review of Public Input and On-line Surveys
Mr. Middlebrook stated that the results indicated six stations were favoured with the following key findings:
� Cummer/Drewry � good transit connections to local routes
� Steeles � numerous connections between bus and subway
�
� Royal Orchard � good opportunity for intensification of existing medium density development
� Longbridge/Langstaff � high potential for intensification; key location for future park-and-ride
�
Ms. Turner advised that based on technical and public feedback, six stations are warranted and it is recommended that they be carried forward in the EA.
Review of Stakeholder Discussions
Workshops were also held on August 25 and 26, 2008 with general concurrence to the following:
� Six stations
�
� Align transit near existing services
Steeles Station Layout
Mr. Middlebrook reviewed the key considerations for the Steeles Station and several preliminary station layout concepts were discussed.
Various issues discussed included an underground bus terminal and impacts on access/entrances; higher capital cost, disruption during construction and visual marketability of the subway.
Staff was requested to provide more details as to how the level of bus movement going to Finch station would be alleviated by having a station at Steeles. More details relating to ridership numbers were also requested.
Ms. Turner stated that advertisements for public consultations and workshops have been placed in the Toronto Star and post card and mail drops have been made within the communities south of Steeles, including commercial and residential land owners within 250 m of the proposed station location.
The public consultations and workshops indicated the preferred subway crossing over the
The Task Force was provided with a copy of the Yonge Subway Extension Workbook dated July 31, 2008 and the Draft Recommendations for the Yonge Subway Extension dated August 26, 2008.
2. Project Update and Final Alignment Recommendations
Longbridge/Langstaff Station
The development of the Longbridge/Langstaff station layout concepts was discussed.
Mr. Middlebrook stated that considerations at this location included:
� Significant development site on Langstaff lands east of
� Protection of
� Provision of commuter parking facility
� Avoid impact to Hydro One's transmission facilities
� Passenger pick up and drop off facility
The Richmond Hill Centre Station layout concepts were discussed. It was noted by staff that as a major transit hub the subway would interface with YRT, the GO Bus, the 407 Transitway and the GO Train.
Ms. Turner stated that staff have been working with landowners in the area for opportunities for TOD development. She also noted that extensive work has been done on cost considerations looking at the alignment options in the study area.
Staff was requested to consider aesthetic design options for the parking areas which would promote naturalization and improve the quality of life for residents by providing sound barriers.
Staff was requested to investigate a fourth option for a station location south of Highway 7 near the Langstaff lands. Ms. Turner stated that all options will be considered and that dialogues are continuing with stakeholders for station locations.
3. Metrolinx Update
Ms. Turner stated the Metrolinx benefits case and Infrastructure
4. Municipal Technical/Policy Co-ordination Update
Major Land Use Studies
David Clark, Chief Architect, provided an update on the major land use studies which are being conducted along
5. Next Steps
Ms. Turner advised the Task Force of the following next steps:
� The next public meeting will be held on September 25, 2008 at the Premiere Ballroom in
� The Toronto TTC Co-ordination Public Consultation will be held on October 16, 2008.
� Stakeholder Workshops are on-going from September to November for the
� Public Meeting No. 3 will be held in November in the Premiere Ballroom in
The next meeting of the Task Force will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. in Committee Room 2, Town of
The Yonge Subway Advisory Task Force meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
September 17, 2008 D. Barrow
Karin Price, Committee Co-ordinator
Tel. (905) 830-4444 x 1322