Prepared by LEA Consulting Ltd. 2017-01-04

PUBLIC MEETING #2: Steeles Avenue East

Br idge Environmental

Assessment

“ K e e p i n g S t e e l e s Mo v i n g ”

Introduction (Project Team)

Project lead:

In partnership with:

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Agenda

1. Introduction

2. Study Area

3. Environmental Assessment Process

4. Study Purpose

5. Alternative Solutions and Evaluation

6. Preferred Alternative Solution

7. Public Meeting #1 Feedback

8. Alternative Designs and Evaluation

9. Next Steps (Design and Construction)

10. Question and Answer

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Introduction (Context)

What is the study area?

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Ke

lvin

G

rove

Ave

City of Toronto City of Markham / York Region

Stouffville GO Line

EA Study Area

EA Project Focus Area

Introduction (Study Process)

What is an Environmental Assessment?

• Decision making process used by the

City when studying road and other infrastructure projects

• Ensures potential environmental, heritage and social impacts of the project are evaluated

• Separated into phases that require the project to be considered in increasing levels of detail

• Process includes engagement with local community and affected stakeholders and landholders

• The first public meeting was on March 23rd, 2016

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Introduction (Problem / Opportunity)

Why is this study needed?

• Potential for conflicts between vehicles and train traffic is expected to increase with future volumes

• Level crossing results in delays to both vehicular and rail traffic

• Sidewalks, bike lanes, and the number of traffic lanes are inconsistent along Steeles Avenue East

• Transit service is limited by congestion in the area

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Introduction (Problem / Opportunity)

What will be considered in this study?

• Reducing delay for motorists and transit users

• Supporting transit service improvements

• Better accommodating all users along and across Steeles Avenue East

• Introducing cycling facilities

• Improving streetscape/public realm

• Improving safety for all users

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Alternative Solutions (Option 1)

• Option 1: Do Nothing • Maintain existing condition • Crossing at-grade with a 4 lane cross-section • Baseline for comparison

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Alternative Solutions (Options 2a & 2b)

• Overpass Options 2a: 4-Lanes and 2b: 6-Lanes • Steeles Avenue East Over the Rail Corridor

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Alternative Solutions (Options 3a & 3b)

• Underpass Options 3a: 4-Lanes and 3b: 6-Lanes • Steeles Avenue East Under the Rail Corridor

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Preferred Alternative Solution

The preferred alternative solution was Option 3b: 6-lane Underpass

The 6-lane underpass option provides improvements in the following areas identified in the problem and opportunity statement:

• Remove train and vehicle conflicts

• Improve roadway inconsistency and lack of active transportation facilities

• Reduce delay for all road and rail users

• Support transit expansions and Regional Express Rail

• Accommodate east-west and north-south flows for all street users

• Improve safety for all modes of transportation

Alternatives Do Nothing Road Over Rail [Overpass] Road Under Rail [Underpass]

Option 1: 4-lane Option 2a: 4-lane Option 2b: 6-lane Option 3a: 4-lane Option 3b: 6-lane

Overall Rating ○ ◔ ◐ ◕ ●

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Does not address

problem and opportunity

statement and has most

negative impacts

Best addresses problem

and opportunity

statement, may or may

not have impacts

5-LEVEL SCALE ● ◕ ◑ ◔ ○

Preliminary Preferred Alternative Solution

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Public Information Centre #1 Feedback

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PIC #1 was held on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016 at the L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre from 6pm to 8:30pm, with a presentation at 7pm.

The following information was presented:

• Study Process and Purpose

• Existing Conditions

• Alternative Solutions and Evaluation

• Preferred Alternative Solution

Overall the event was well attended, solicited a range of feedback about the study, and

facilitated an exchange of ideas and opinions amongst residents, staff, and the local

councillors.

Generally there was support for both the road under rail option and widening Steeles

Avenue East to 6-lanes. Many attendees also emphasized the need to increase safety

for pedestrians and cyclists along and across the Steeles Avenue East corridor.

Design Considerations for the Preferred Alternative

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Cycling Facilities – Cycle Track

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The raised cycle track was preferred as it provides a dedicated cycling facility and the highest level of comfort for cyclists.

Cycling Facilities – Kennedy Road to Kelvin Grove Avenue

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The City of Toronto 10-year Cycling Network Plan identifies a dedicated facility along Steeles Avenue East between Kelvin Grove Avenue in the west and McCowan Road in the east.

Transit Stops

• Slope of the road east of Redlea Avenue and west of Silver Star Boulevard require that existing bus stops be relocated

• Bus stop at the rail corridor will be maintained with a drop-off from the curb lane

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Bridge Design

Rail Bridge • Reviewed based on a number of factors including cost,

performance, property impacts, constructability, aesthetics and long-term rapid transit plans for Steeles Avenue East

• The preliminary bridge type is a pre-stressed box girder. This will be further studied in the detailed design phase.

Pedestrian Bridges • Provide connections across Steeles Avenue East and to the properties surrounding the rail corridor • Forecasted Weekday AM Peak Hour Use: 350-1,000 pedestrians

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Note: Pedestrian forecasts are based on ridership projections considering the Metrolinx Regional Express Rail and Smart Track programs

Example of a pre-stressed box girder bridge

Vertical Connections – Elevator / Stairs

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Pumping Station Location

Summary of Preferred Location - (2) Northeast Corner of Rail Corridor and Steeles Avenue East

• Located within the development buffer of the rail corridor

• Design can be coordinated with the elevator / stair enclosure

• Provide opportunity to relieve storm water demand currently on the Redlea Avenue storm sewer

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Streetscape / Urban Design

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* Note: Private driveways to be determined in consultation with property owners * This drawing is for illustration purposes only and is subject to change during detailed design .

Streetscape / Urban Design

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* This drawing is for illustration purposes only and is subject to change during detailed design .

Next Steps

Review Feedback and Confirm Preferred Design after PIC #2

Complete the Environmental Study Report • Report issued for public review (end January 2017) • Issue Notice of Completion • A 30-day review period of the EA will apply after the Notice of Completion

Design and Construction • Metrolinx is working with Infrastructure Ontario to procure private sector

services to design, build and finance the grade separation, with the following steps: • Detailed Design (Finalize bridge type, streetscaping, and construction

staging) • Anticipated Construction Start: 2018 • Anticipated Construction Duration: 2 to 2.5 years

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Thank You!

Please provide any comments to Maogosha Pyjor by January 11th, 2017.

Maogosha Pyjor Senior Public Consultation Coordinator Public Consultation Unit City of Toronto P: 416.338.2850 E: mpyjor@toronto.ca

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