scarborough subway extension stakeholder advisory group meeting 1
TRANSCRIPT
Scarborough Subway
Extension EA
Stakeholder Advisory Group
February 9, 2015
City of Toronto|City Planning Division
Toronto Transit Commision
2
Why are we here?
• City Council confirmed support for the extension of the Bloor-
Danforth subway line in October, 2013
• The proposed extension would replace the existing
Scarborough RT
• We are conducting a detailed assessment to determine the
best route and station locations for the new subway extension
– Kennedy Station
– Scarborough Centre
– Sheppard Avenue
• Route and station locations are subject to an Environmental
Assessment – Transit Project Assessment Process
3
Note - All station location and alignment
options being considered are located within
the study area. Residents across Scarborough
and the entire City of Toronto will benefit from
transit and transportation network
improvements created by the Scarborough
Subway Extension
Study Area
4
Objectives
• Support the city-building principles outlined in the city’s Official
Plan and Provincial Policy Statement
• Make transit as attractive a travel option as practically
possible in this area of Scarborough
• Better Experience
• No Transfer
• Faster Travel Time
• Minimize adverse environmental impacts
• Achieve cost-effectiveness
5
Projects Being Planned
• We are currently studying the next group of projects for
consideration in the transit network
– Scarborough Subway Extension
– SmartTrack
– Relief Line
• Studies are being accelerated while ensuring significant community input
– Projects need to be “shovel ready” when funding becomes
available
6
Meeting Purpose
• Introduce the study
• Role of the Advisory Group
• We are seeking input on four key areas
– Identifying a range of routes and station locations for analysis
– How we will choose the best route
– How you want to be involved
• What we have heard so far
Stakeholder
Advisory Group
7
8
What is the SAG?
• Community leaders from across Scarborough and all of
Toronto
– Residents
– Businesses
– Institutions
– Issue Experts
• Through the establishment of the SAG, the City will
– Engage community leaders in the project – beyond the
engagement we are able to do with the public
– Solicit advice, address concerns and incorporate input from
community leaders about key questions
9
The SAG is…
• Important – Advice from the SAG is prioritized by the City and
TTC
• Engaged – Throughout the Project Assessment, including TPAP
• Collaborative – An opportunity for community leaders to share
and learn from each other
• Inclusive and balanced – A variety of perspectives are
represented
• Transparent – Materials and minutes are posted online
• Flexible – Meeting styles may change depending on the
phase of the project
• Focused – Discussion will be kept on track
10
The SAG is not…
• Able to make decisions – Responsibility for decisions lies with
staff and City Council / TTC Board
• About other projects – This is not the place to discuss opinions
on other projects unless they are directly related to the
discussion topic
• About LRTs –
• About politics –
Planning the Scarborough
Subway Extension
11
12
Communications & Outreach
• Communications activities:
– A dedicated website
– Social media campaign
– Outreach in public spaces
• Consultation and feedback:
– Stakeholder Advisory Group of
community leaders
– Online consultation
– Traditional public meetings in the
study area
– Interactive workshops
The City and TTC are committed to engaging the public in a way
that’s transparent, collaborative, inclusive and authentic. The City
Planning Division will lead consultations.
13
Process
Current Work
14
15
Analysis of Existing ConditionsExamples:
• Land Use Patterns
– Areas of stability
– Opportunities for change
• Existing Transportation
conditions
– Existing transit routes
– Travel time for subway
passengers
– Travel patterns
• Social environment
– Public spaces
– Community services and
facilities
• Cultural environments
– Archaeological resources
– Heritage buildings
• Existing Infrastructure
– Large sewers and
watermains
– Hydro and communications
infrastructure
• Natural environment
– Groundwater
– Creeks
16
Corridors Being Considered
17
Make things better for transit riders?
Ease crowding on the system?
How will each corridor…
Provide choices for people to get where they
want to go?
Connect to local and regional bus routes?
Improve access for all residents to transit?
Help reduce inequities in areas currently under-
served by transit?
* These are examples of criteria. You can view and provide comments on all criteria on the
project website or at the interactive panels.
18
Connect with where people live?
Provide transportation options for future
residents?
How will each corridor…
Build on the strengths of existing neighbourhoods?
Improve public areas around stations?
Reduce the distance people drive?
Impact the environment and natural features?
* These are examples of criteria. You can view and provide comments on all criteria on the
project website or at the interactive panels.
19
Open up new economic development
opportunities?
Provide better access to jobs?
How will each corridor…
Be affordable to construct?
Be affordable to operate?
* These are examples of criteria. You can view and provide comments on all criteria on the
project website or at the interactive panels.
Future Phases
20
21
Making Decisions• Study Approach & Timing
•Public Consultation Plan
• Long List of Corridors
•Evaluation Criteria
Phase 1 - Setting the Stage
• Identify Alternative Corridors and
• Select Preferred Corridor Phase 2 - Choosing the Corridor
•Analysis of Alignments and Station Concepts and
• Select Recommended Subway Extension
Phase 3 –Recommending the Alignment
•Transit Project Assessment ProcessPhase 4 -Final Review
Approved Route
What We Are Hearing
22
23
So far…
Two public meetings, web responses, email and phone comments:
Comments on study process and consultation plan
• Planning process is too long / too short
• Study area should include U of T Scarborough Campus
• Form an expert Advisory Panel
• Better involve residents to avoid expensive mistakes
• Consider provisions for a future extension
The top 3 criteria that were identified include:
• Affordability
• Supports Growth
• Shaping the City
24
So far…
Two public meetings, web responses, email and phone comments:
• Most positive comments received about McCowan and
Markham corridors
• Destinations most often highlighted by participants:
– The Scarborough Hospital
– Eglinton GO Station
– Centennial College
– University of Toronto – Scarborough
• Other comments highlight specific development
opportunities, transit connections and the need for parking
lots
25
Your Input
Provide all feedback by February 16
Provide feedback on:
1. Possible routes and station locations
2. How we will choose the best route
3. How can we communicate with and involve your
communities?