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October 9, 2003

Streetcar Right-Of-Way - The EA Gets Underway

A lot has happened since our last update.

First of all was the awarding of the Environmental Assessment (EA) project to Marshall Macklin Monaghan - in August, somewhat behind schedule. As you may recall, this is a mandated process and is guided by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. The total cost for the undertaking is in the neighbourhood of $250,000+

Our understanding is that the first step is to develop a Study Design, which will outline how the EA will be conducted. Originally scheduled to be completed by the end of August, we understand that it is still in progress. Nonetheless it appears the process is moving forward.

First Public Meetings Announced

The first of three rounds of public meetings have now been announced for October 16th and 21st (click here for details). This will be followed by consulations with community interests (25 or so are budgeted) and then the second round of public meetings. Somewhere along the way concepts will be developed and assessed, a recommended solution identified, presented to the public in a third round of public meetings, and then reviewed by the following parties, in order for a final detemination of how things will proceed:

- City of Toronto Planning, Works and the TTC

- Toronto City Council

- Ministry of Environment Ontario

The whole thing is supposed to be wrapped up by about April of 2004 so that whatever is decided can be put in place in 2005.

We are hoping to have a more precise outline of the overall process shortly, so keep posted.

Surveys Conducted by City of Toronto

In July, the City of Toronto conducted a mail-in survey of the transit habits of residents along the St Clair West corridor. You may well have been amongst those to have received the survey. We are not aware if the results are availabe yet, but apparently they will be incorporated into the EA process.

In the past week or so, the City has started a mail-in survey of local businesses on issues relating to transportation and transit. We also understand that customers are also being surveyed which involves random personal interviews of people walking along St Clair. (Let us know if you have been interviewed).

The City has also conducted an advertising campaign in the late summer seeking community input. Here is a copy of the ad. It includes a web address where details regarding the project schedule will be posted.

Article Ignites Controversy

On a separate but related note, some controversy has begun to emerge. An article in the Annex Gleaner reported on comments made by Howard Moscoe, acting Chair of the TTC following Betty Disero's departure, at a question and answer session at City Hall with the Rocket Riders in which he suggested that the right-of-way would likely go ahead.

The article raised concerns with the St Clair West Revitalization Commitee (SWRC), which was formed in the fall of 2001 to encourage revitalization of the area between Oakwood and Old Weston Road. Recognizing that any changes to the streetcar service could have a significant impact on their plans, they have been actively involved in discussions with the TTC and the City over the past few months, including providing them with a broad list of issues and concerns, as well as suggestions obtained from the community. The organization has purposefully not adopted a position regarding a dedicated streetcar right-of-way. However, they have clearly indicated their interest in monitoring the EA process to ensure that it remains open and accountable. On this basis they requested clarification of the situation, first contacting Moscoe and subsequently the City/TTC. A press release was promised but has not materialized. With the added concern of continuing delays in the EA process, SWRC decided to issue a press release outlining their concerns.

Various Toronto media have subsequently responded to the release, including an article in the Toronto Star and The Guardian which suggest that SWRC opposes the right-of-way. SWRC maintains they are neutral on the matter.Their primary concern is that the EA process be conducted fairly and openly. Corso Italia BIA, on the other hand, which is one of the organizations that is involved in SWRC have clearly stated their opposition to a dedicated right-of-way, which may be the reason for the confusion.

Alternative Concepts

We understand that the Corso Italia BIA, which opposes a dedicated right-of-way but is not adverse to change, is developing their own alternative plan. They have hired Brown + Storey, the firm best known for Dundas Square, to develop a plan which they believe will help the TTC achieve it's objectives while also addressing the issues and concerns of other interested parties, most notably the local merchants. We'll keep you posted on its unveiling.

MyStClair has been provided with a rough concept from a local resident which puts the streetcar underground. It's in very rough form but we think the idea comes across. It seems to be a bit of stretch but what's wrong with thinking outside the box.

Perhaps you have some ideas as well. Here's a chance to provide some real input on how your community will meet the future. Send it along and we will look to have it posted, along with other comments we are receiving from concerned citizens, like this email from a resident advocating that a local residents' association adopt a position on the issue, or this meeting notice, which outlines a number of issues.

So that's pretty much where things stand at this time. As noted, the first round of public meetings have been scheduled - and if you were interested enough to read this article you will likely want to attend. Maybe we'll see you there.

You might also note that SWRC is hosting an All Candidates Meeting on October 28th at which the frontrunners for mayor will be available for questions - on this and other issues. MyStClair is a sponsor of the event. Maybe we'll see you there too.

Keep checking our Streetcar News section for more info and updates....

... and let us know your thoughts on the subject.

Editor's Note: It should be noted, if it has not already been evident in the nature of our reporting, that our sole interest is to keep everyone informed of the issues surrounding this project and not to favour any particular point of view.