Two open houses this week, including one at York on Thursday and another today nearby, will offer people the chance to hear more about the Toronto Transit Commission's subway extension plans -- and the chance to be heard.
Right: A portion of the map showing the TTC Spadina subway extension
The TTC and the City of Toronto are conducting an environmental assessment study to determine the exact route and station locations for the Spadina subway extension from Downsview Station to York University and Steeles Avenue.
The study is being carried out as an individual environmental assessment under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. Following the study completion, approval will be sought from the province of Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment (MOE). Prior to issuing any approvals the MOE will post the study to the Environmental Registry for a minimum 30-day public review.
"The environmental assessment of alternate routes to York is an essential next step in obtaining approvals for the subway extension. This week's open houses involve the terms of reference for the study," said Ted Spence, senior policy adviser and executive director of York’s Office of Institutional Research & Analysis. "In the fall and winter of next year, there will be more detailed consultations on the route. It is extremely important that members of the York community participate in these consultations in order to ensure that our subway extension remains the top priority for the TTC."
Members of the York community are invited to review and comment on the Spadina Subway Extension Environmental Assessment Study Terms of Reference for this important transit project by attending one of two planned open houses. The open houses will highlight the terms of reference used to describe the background to the project, the process for developing and evaluating the alternative subway extension alignments and future plans to consult with the public during the study.
The Environmental Assessment Study Terms of Reference public open houses will take place on:
- Today, April 20 from 4pm to 9pm
CW Jefferys Collegiate Institute
340 Sentinel Road
Toronto
- April 22 from noon to 4pm
Central Square
York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto
For more information, visit the TTC Web site or phone 416-338-3333 (24-hour comment line) or send an e-mail to subway.ea@ttc.ca. The March 31 issue of YFile contains background information on the Spadina subway extension to York's Keele campus.