trn02 final panels pic 4 - 2015-4-14
TRANSCRIPT
Introduction to the Study
The Gardiner Expressway East and Lake Shore Boulevard are important
transportation infrastructure in the City of Toronto. Nearly 20 years ago,
the initial Crombie Commission recommended the removal of the entire
elevated Gardiner Expressway. In 2003 the first section of the Gardiner (east
of Bouchette Street) was removed.
In 2008, Waterfront Toronto’s Board of Directors and the Toronto City
Council passed resolutions to comence the study of the future of the
Gardiner Expressway East and Lake Shore Boulevard.
The study includes the following components:
• Individual Environmental Assessment • Urban Design Study
The Terms of Reference for the study was completed and approved by the
Ministry of Environment in 2009.
Study Lenses
Urban Design
FUTURE OF THE GARDINER EAST Environmental Assessment & Urban Design Study
The Alternative solutions were presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure
Committee in 2014 and was referred at that time subject to further study.
Environment
Urban Design
Transportation +
Infrastructure
Economics
The section of the Gardiner Expressway East / Lake Shore Boulevard that is being studied for reconfiguration extends from approximately west of Lower Jarvis Street to approximately Leslie Street.
Study Area FUTURE OF THE GARDINER EAST
Environmental Assessment & Urban Design Study
Historical Context
1929: View of Toronto’s Waterfront 2000: Demolition of the Gardiner East from Don Valley Parkway to Leslie Street
1956: Building of the Gardiner Expressway, routed through industrial waterfront, completed in 1965
The F.G. Gardiner Expressway (Gardiner) was named after
the first chair of the former Metro Council, Frederick G.
Gardiner who was a strong advocate for the project.
Construction on the Gardiner began in 1956. It was built in
segments and completed in 1965 at a cost of approximately
$103 million.
The Gardiner runs for about 20 kilometres from the foot of
Highway 427 and the Queen Elizabeth Way in the west to
the Don Valley Parkway in the east.
FUTURE OF THE GARDINER EAST Environmental Assessment & Urban Design Study
1987 Study of potential modifications to the Gardiner Expressway ramps in the downtown area, titled the Central Bayfront Ramp Study. The study recommended several modifications to the Gardiner Expressway ramps.
1990 The Crombie Commission suggested the removal of the entire elevated Gardiner Expressway and its replacement with a network of tunnels and surface roads.
1996 Planning began for the removal of the 1.3 km section of the Gardiner Expressway east of the Don River, between Bouchette Street and Leslie Street, which was completed in 2003.
2001 The Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Task Force proposed that the rest of the elevated Gardiner Expressway be replaced. Recommendations included a tunnel, improved road network , construction of the Front Street Extension, widening of the Richmond/Adelaide DVP ramps.
2003-2006 Waterfront Toronto examined options for the reconfiguration of the Gardiner/Lake Shore to stimulate waterfront revitalization. Studies demonstrated the cost of removing the entire Gardiner was too high. Other scenarios demonstrated a lower cost; including the least congested portion of the expressway from Lower Jarvis Street to the DVP.
2008 Waterfront Toronto Board of Directors and City Council adopted the proposal to complete an individual Environmental Assessment and Integrated Urban Design study to explore the feasibility of removing part of the elevated Gardiner Expressway from approximately Jarvis Street to Logan Avenue.
Waterfront Toronto’s mandate is to put Toronto at the forefront of
global cities in the 21st century by transforming the waterfront into
beautiful and sustainable communities, fostering economic growth in
knowledge-based, creative industries, and ultimately redefining
how Toronto, Ontario and Canada are perceived by the world. Created by the Governments of Canada, Ontario and the City of Toronto, a
core part of Waterfront Toronto’s mission includes building high-
quality public infrastructure, including parks, promenades,
boulevards, and other amenities needed to generate vibrant urban
activity .
Waterfront Revitalization
Spadina WaveDeck, completed 2008 Corus Quay, East Bayfront
West Don Lands
Queens Quay East Bayfront
Queens Quay: To be completed in June 2015, Queens Quay will be transformed into an iconic waterfront boulevard where the needs of all users will be accommodated. From recreational and transit, to bicycle, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, the overall landscape and public realm will be enhanced within the Queens Quay corridor.
East Bayfront: This 55 acre site is located on the Inner Harbour and is within walking distance of downtown Toronto. It includes established neighbourhoods and many entertainment and cultural attractions. The new district will have roughly 6,000 residential units, jobs for approximately 8,000 people and 1 km of continuous water’s edge promenade.
West Don Lands
Lower Don Lands
FUTURE OF THE GARDINER EAST Environmental Assessment & Urban Design Study
The West Don Lands is an 80 acre site immediately adjacent to the Distillery District and has strong connections to the St. Lawrence and Corktown neighbourhoods. A section of the community will first be used as the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Athletes’ Village. After the games and once complete, the area will have 5,800 residential units, including 1,200 units of affordable rental housing, 1,000,000 square feet of commercial space, 23 acres of parks and public spaces, a new transit line, an elementary school, a recreation centre, and childcare centres. The recently completed Corktown Common park, is the centerpiece for the emerging neighbourhood, offering spectacular views of the city and surrounding area.
Don Mouth Naturalization: Naturalizing the mouth of the Don River and providing flood protection to the Port Lands were identified as one of the top priorities for all three levels of government when they first announced the establishment of Waterfront Toronto in 2001. This project proposes to transform the existing mouth of the Don River including the Keating Channel, into a healthier, more naturalized river outlet to the lake, while at the same time, removing the risk of flooding to 230 hectares of urban land to the east and south of the river.
Lower Don Lands (Keating Channel): The Lower Don Lands and Don Mouth Environmental Assessment and Precinct Plan has been completed for the Lower Don Lands area. The Keating Channel precinct will be the first developed community of the Lower Don Lands and will draw the City around the northeast corner of the Toronto Harbour.
Study Goals and Principles
REVITALIZE THE WATERFRONT
A public realm that provides adequate
access to open space, landscape, light and
air, and contributes to the revitalization of
the waterfront needs to be created. The
project should:
Prioritize urban design excellence, place-
making, and quality of life as integral
components of project design and
evaluation.
Contribute to the creation of the waterfront
as a regional / tourist destination.
Rejuvenate the underutilized and
derelict lands under and adjacent to the
expressway.
Balance provision of new amenities for
both local and regional users, recognizing
that local and regional stakeholders may
value amenities and infrastructure in
different ways.
Build on existing planning initiatives and
conclusions. The EA study will coordinate
and seek opportunities of mutual benefit
with those initiatives.
Acknowledge this project as an
opportunity for City-building. Evaluate
city-building investments, outcomes,
and benefits in local, regional, and global
contexts.
RECONNECT THE CITY WITH THE LAKE
The Gardiner Expressway East and Lake
Shore Boulevard pair have long been
perceived as a barrier that disconnects
the downtown from its waterfront. The
railroad viaduct is a physical barrier,
limiting waterfront area access to four
underpasses. Any reconfiguration of the
Gardiner East and Lake Shore Blvd will
need to include welcoming and accessible
routes to the waterfront, breaking down
the psychological and physical barriers
that exist today. The project should:
Create physical, visual, and cognitive
connections to the waterfront for
downtown, the City, and region. The
waterfront is an amenity that belongs
and should be accessible to the
public.
Design the public realm to be attractive,
accessible and connected. The qualities
of experience offered by streets,
plazas, parks, promenades, pathways,
bicycle routes, and visual corridors
design will be major drivers of
decisions. Public spaces should be
accessible and perceived as public.
The new urban fabric should become a
connector between the downtown and
new waterfront communities, one that
uses transit, street design and new
mixed-use communities to stitch the
city with its unique waterfront
experience.
GOAL 1: GOAL 2:
FUTURE OF THE GARDINER EAST Environmental Assessment & Urban Design Study
Study Goals and Principles
BALANCE MODES OF TRAVEL
Any new configuration of the Gardiner Expressway
East and Lake Shore Blvd will need to maintain an
effective local and regional transportation system,
including commuters and freight, and minimize
negative impacts by balancing alternative travel
modes, including transit (local and regional),
cycling and walking within the system. The project
should:
Acknowledge transportation initiatives – both
positive and negative – on regional economic
competitiveness, land-use, development
Maintain reliable access to the City and its
neighborhoods for local residents, commuters,
freight trucks, and regional travelers.
an important role in the The corridor plays
movement of traffic through the City and larger
region. The reconfiguration alternatives will
the address the through-traffic function of
Gardiner Expressway East and Lake Shore Blvd.
Acknowledge and integrate other planned transit
(local and regional) initiatives being proposed
for the City.
Consider a combination of supply, system
and demand management measures.
Creatively maximize the performance of
and infrastructure through management
operation.
GOAL 3: GOAL 4:
This project should advance the City’s and
Waterfront Toronto’s commitment to green,
efficient development.
solutions can improve
healthy, and energy
design Sustainable
environmental quality and biodiversity, and
minimize public health risks. The project will:
Consider Waterfront Toronto’s and the City’s
sustainability policies and frameworks.
Help contribute to development that has an
overall positive impact. These benefits are
to result in environmental enhancements,
economic security, and social/cultural gains.
Contribute to the improvement of
environmental quality and public health,
including air quality.
Complement if not enhance other waterfront
environmental naturalization initiatives.
Accommodate the plans for flood conveyance
and flood protection to lands in the Don
River mouth area, the Port Lands and south
Riverdale community.
Promote social engagement and interaction.
Promote the City’s initiatives to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Promote public awareness and education on
environmental issues through the physical
design of infrastructure and public realm.
Integrate ecology and natural systems with
urbanism.
ACHIEVE SUSTAINABILITY
character, settlement patterns, and
environmental issues
such ambient noise.
as air quality and
.
FUTURE OF THE GARDINER EAST Environmental Assessment & Urban Design Study
Study Goals and Principles
CREATE VALUE
The future reconfiguration of the Gardiner Expressway East and
Lake Shore Boulevard can act as a catalyst for good development
and contribute to an integrated, vibrant, and successful
waterfront. Further, any changes to the Gardiner Expressway
East and Lake Shore Blvd pair will require a significant public
investment, whether in rehabilitation and enhancement of the
existing structure or replacement with a new or alternative facility.
That investment should be targeted to maximize opportunities
for revitalization, and to leverage the economic benefits of the
project, rather than simply preserving the single purpose Gardiner
Expressway. The project should:.
Plan and design for positive net value creation in local, regional,
and global contexts.
Define a public and private investment structure that creates
and captures value for the public sector. The public sector,
through these city-building initiatives, creates value for the
community, in terms of streets, open space, and catalysts for
private development.
Maximize net economic and environmental benefits.
GOAL 5:
FUTURE OF THE GARDINER EAST Environmental Assessment & Urban Design Study
WESTBOUND
ORIGIN / DESTINATION STUDY – DOWNTOWN VS. THROUGH TRIPS (AM Peak Hour)
EASTBOUND
•
Most eastbound Gardiner trips are destined for downtown locations. Only 22% of eastbound trips use the Gardiner to bypass the city
•
Most westbound and southbound (from DVP) Gardiner trips are destined for downtown locations. Only 21% of westbound and southbound trips use the Gardiner to bypass the city.
Gardiner East
Study Area
Eastbound @ Dufferin
5,650 per hour
Spadina/York- Bay-Yonge
3,000 54%
Jarvis/ Sherbourne
1,400 25%
DVP 900
16%
Lake Shore 350
6%
5,650 2,600 1,200
Gardiner East
Study Area
Lake Shore
2,900
Spadina/York- Bay-Yonge
2,600
35%
Richmond 1,800
24%
Jarvis/ Sherbourne 500 7%
DVP 4,500 per hour
4,500
2,7
00
Lake Shore
700
9%
Gardiner East Role & Function Today
To
Dufferin
/Hwy 427 5,650
1,500
21%
How Commuters get Downtown (AM Peak Hour 2011)
2.4km – Gardiner Expressway Elevated Structure
e.g. King to Bloor
4.2km – Lake Shore Blvd East (Yonge to Leslie) e.g. Ossington to Jarvis
Gardiner East Passes Through Five Emerging Neighbourhoods
Walk/Cycle 4% (5,900)
Auto (All Other Routes)
21% (33,500)
Auto (Gardiner Eastbound @
Bathurst) 4%
(6,100)
Auto (Gardiner Westbound @
DVP) 3%
(5,200)
GO
Transit 19%
(29,500)
TTC Transit
49% (77,700)
Dupont
Do
n R
iver
Bath
urst
157,200 Total
Transportation Demand Growth
Source: AM Peak Hour Inbound to Downtown: Transportation City Cordon Count (2011)
Downtown: Defined as Bathurst to Don River and Waterfront to the rail corridor north of Bloor
2.4km
Lower Yonge
East Bayfront Keating
Port Lands
South of Eastern Ave
Downtown Population & Employment Growth
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0 Pop
ula
tio
n/
Emp
loym
ent
Population Employment
Source: Downtown Employment/ Population: 1) Census Canada (1981-2011); and 2) Employment/ Population City's Flash Forward Report (2011-2031). Downtown: Defined as Bathurst to Don River and Waterfront to the rail corridor north of Bloor
Transportation & Growth
What did we do? In Response to PWIC:
New Work Undertaken PWIC Referral Decision:
1. Work with WT and community stakeholders to review the recommended option [Remove] under the EA process to mitigate congestion concerns;
2. Prepare an additional option that combines the maintain and replace components to preserve expressway linkage and functionality between the GE and the DVP, and evaluate it against the EA criteria and the following:
• Transportation functionality;
• Impacts on key economic sectors;
• Cost benefit;
• Future land use considerations;
• Public transit components;
• Environmental Impacts; and
• Neighbourhood growth and compatibility
3. Report back in 2015
1. Optimized the Remove (Boulevard) alternative to improve auto travel times
2. Developed a Hybrid alternative
3. Goods Movement & City Economic Competitiveness impacts studied
4. Assessed and compared the Hybrid against the previously recommended Remove (Boulevard) alternative
Consult on Alternative Solutions
Design Ideas Public Ideas Your Ideas
Public Meeting Oct 2013
Spring 2015
Fall 2015
MOE Review & Decision 2016 Onwards
Winter 2016
Evaluate & Consult on Four Alternative Solutions
Committee and City Council Approval
Develop & Consult on Alternative Designs
Submission to MOE
Public Meeting Jun 2013
2009 Approved EA Terms of Reference
Public Meeting Feb 2014
Evaluate & Consult on Refined Solutions You are here!
Next Steps ...
Maintain the elevated expressway
No Changes to the Previous
Plan
• Move ahead with the Gardiner rehabilitation program
• Reconstruct deck of expressway
• Realign Lake Shore Blvd through the Keating Precinct (east of Cherry Street, south of the rail corridor)
Previous Plan
• Relocate and rebuild Lake Shore Blvd under the Gardiner
• Rebuild Gardiner deck with 4 lanes; open in the middle
Revised Plan
• Rebuild Gardiner deck with 4 lanes open on the south side
• Lake Shore largely stays as is with:
• Intersection improvements
• Remove southern eastbound lane east of Jarvis Street
• New east-west walking and cycling trail
Improve the urban fabric while maintaining the existing expressway
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Replace with a new expressway
No Changes to the Previous BEFORE
Plan
• New elevated 4-lane expressway – ending at Don River
• Single column design, 5m higher
• 4 lane Lake Shore Boulevard
• Opens up land for public realm, parks, green space and increased development
• Opens up more light and air at street level
• New east-west walking and cycling trail
AFTER
Remove the elevated expressway and build a new boulevard
BEFORE
AFTER
Revised Plan with a
Two Sided Street
• Improved cross section to allow for an 8 lane boulevard with development along 85% of the north and south sides of the street
• North side development provides a buffer from rail corridor
• Opens up entire ground level to light and air
• Extensively treed boulevard
• New east-west walking and cycling trail
Four Alternative Solutions
HYBRID
REMOVE (BOULEVARD)
(Don Mouth Naturalization)
View North Don River & Keating Channel
EXISTING REMOVE (BOULEVARD) HYBRID
North Don River & Keating Channel
Pedestrian Experience
Remove (Boulevard)
Existing
Hybrid
Lake Shore Blvd E/Gardiner Expressway @ Jarvis Street
REMOVE (Boulevard) Description Removal of 1.7 kilometres of elevated expressway and replacement with at-grade 8-lane tree-lined Lake Shore Blvd Removal of about 750 m (EB lanes) and 850 m (WB lanes) of the existing Logan on/off ramps Removal of all road infrastructure along Keating Channel New Lake Shore DVP ramp connection New ramps at Jarvis Street Remove has a lower cost, higher revenue from public land redevelopment, creates an animated Lake Shore Boulevard and facilitates better connections to the waterfront
Largely retains the existing Gardiner structure including DVP ramps Removes about 750 m (EB lanes) and 850 m (WB lanes) of the existing Logan on/off ramps Adds 2 new ramps (2 lanes each) in the Keating precinct:
• about 470 m new WB on-ramp and • about 425 m new EB off-ramp
Includes new multi-use pathway & some intersection improvements Hybrid maintains an expressway connection between the Gardiner and Don Valley Parkway, has lower auto travel and goods movement times, and less construction time
HYBRID Description Description
North Don River & Keating Channel
EXISTING
HYBRID
North Don River & Keating Channel
REMOVE (Boulevard)
North Don River & Keating Channel
23
Summary of Key Differences Study Lens
Hybrid Remove (Boulevard)
Transportation & Infrastructure
• Shorter auto/Goods Movement travel time in peak hour
• Maintains DVP/Gardiner direct expressway connection
• Less construction impact on traffic (approximately 1.5 years of detours)
• Longer auto/Goods Movement travel time in peak hour
• No DVP/Gardiner direct expressway connection
• Greater construction impact on traffic (approximately 3-4 years of detours)
Urban Design
• Complements development plans for Port Lands & South of Eastern developments (First Gulf) – requires review of Keating Precinct Plan
• Less public realm space created and less quality of place along Lake Shore Blvd. corridor
• West of Cherry Street, active street frontage along the corridor is unlikely
• Complements Port Lands & South of Eastern developments (First Gulf)
• More public realm space created and more quality of place along Lake Shore Blvd. corridor
• More opportunity for new development in corridor – more development in Keating
• Allows for the creation of more active street frontage along the corridor.
Environment • Complements Don Mouth naturalization • Complements Don Mouth naturalization
Economics
• No impacts on City global or regional economic competiveness
• Less opportunity for economic development in corridor
• $336 M (NPV) $919 M ($2013)
• No impact on City global economic competiveness but could result in regional impacts
• More opportunity for economic development in corridor.
• $240 M (NPV) $461M ($2013)
Improve E. River Waterfront Esplanade, New York Buffalo Skyway, Buffalo Maintain
Central Artery / “Big Dig”, Boston Embarcadero Freeway, San Francisco Replace Remove
Age of Infrastructure
60 years
Decision Made Maintain
(rehabilitate) existing highway
Project Cost $117 million (USD)
Key Impacts Rehabilitation for a
safe and reliable travel route
Age of Infrastructure
45 years
Decision Made
Replace with cut- and-cover tunnel
with at-grade
boulevard with
greenway placed over tunnel
Project Cost $22 billion (USD)
Key Impacts
Improved travel times, costly,
increased tourism and increased
property values
Age of Infrastructure
32 years
Decision Made
Remove highway and provide 6-lane
at grade urban boulevard
Project Cost $80 million (USD)
Key Impacts
Increased property values, increase in jobs, increase in
housing units and
new public space
Age of Infrastructure
59 years
Decision Made
Improve street section and
reconfigure space under
elevated highway
Project Cost $165 million
(USD)
Key Impacts
Tourism and city building, new access, new
community and creation of jobs
Case Studies
Contact Us
Participate in Online Discussions
The Gardiner East consultation website provides information as well as hosting public
discussion forums where you can read, rate, post and reply to public comments on
the project.
Visit our website today:
w.GardinerEast.ca
Call, Email or Send Us a Letter
The project team will respond to concerns and requests for information through the
telephone hotline, email, fax, or post. See contact information to the right.
www.GardinerEast.ca
CONTACT US
Facilitator’s Office:
505 Consumers Road, Suite 1005
Toronto, ON
M2J 4N8
Phone: 416-479-0662
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.GardinerEast.ca
FUTURE OF THE GARDINER EAST Environmental Assessment & Urban Design Study