Public Report

To: Development Services Committee

From: Warren Munro, HBA, RPP, Commissioner, Development Services Department

Report Number: DS-20-60

Date of Report: June 3, 2020

Date of Meeting: June 8, 2020

Subject: City Comments on ’s Draft Environmental Project Report for the New Track and Facilities Project

File: B-7000-0020

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this report is to: a) Provide a high level overview of the information contained in Metrolinx’s Draft Environmental Project Report (“Draft E.P.R.”) for the New Track and Facilities Transit Project Assessment Process (T.P.A.P.); b) Highlight the information provided in the Draft E.P.R. that is specific to the work proposed in the City of at the Oshawa GO Station at 915 Bloor Street West; and, c) Obtain Council’s approval of City comments on Metrolinx’s Draft E.P.R. for the New Track and Facilities T.P.A.P.

Metrolinx has requested that comments on the Draft E.P.R. for the New Track and Facilities T.P.A.P. be submitted by May 29, 2020. However, City staff have confirmed with staff at Metrolinx that the submission of City comments after the requested deadline is acceptable and appropriate, in order that staff’s comments may be considered by the Development Services Committee at its regularly scheduled meeting of June 8, 2020 and submitted to Metrolinx for consideration, followed by the subsequent related resolution of Council.

Attachment 1 is a copy of a letter erroneously dated April 27, 2019 and received in May of 2020, from Metrolinx providing a high-level overview of the information in the Draft E.P.R. for the New Track and Facilities Project.

Attachment 2 is a copy of the Lakeshore East Corridor Plan, Mile 11.20 to 11.70, showing the conceptual plan for a proposed third track and additional station platform at the existing Oshawa GO Station.

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Attachment 3 is a copy of the Lakeshore East Corridor Plan, Mile 11.20 to 11.70, showing the conceptual plan for a proposed third track and additional station platform at the existing Oshawa GO Station, and the underlying Ecological Land Classification.

2.0 Recommendation

That the Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

1. That, pursuant to Report DS-20-60 dated June 3, 2020, the comments contained in Section 5.4 of said Report be endorsed as the City’s comments on Metrolinx’s Draft Environmental Project Report for the New Track and Facilities Transit Project Assessment Process.

2. That staff be authorized to forward a copy of Report DS-20-60 dated June 3, 2020 and any related resolution by the Development Services Committee to Metrolinx for its consideration and to provide a subsequent follow-up once Council has considered this matter.

3.0 Executive Summary

Not applicable.

4.0 Input From Other Sources

. Region of Durham . Central Lake Conservation Authority

5.0 Analysis

5.1 Purpose of the Draft Environmental Project Report

As part of the T.P.A.P. for the New Track and Facilities Project, Metrolinx has circulated the Draft E.P.R. to Indigenous Communities, federal and provincial review agencies, municipalities and Conservation Authorities prior to the Notice of Commencement in order to obtain comments and feedback.

The Draft E.P.R. contains information such as:

. Project scope and project description; . Baseline environmental conditions; . Impact assessment including recommended mitigation measures and monitoring activities; . Operations and maintenance impacts; . Potential construction impacts along with construction management plans, traffic management plans and net environmental effects; . Overview of consultation process to date; and, . Commitments and work anticipated in future phases.

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In terms of the project’s status, Metrolinx is currently concluding the Pre-Planning Phase. This will be followed by the issuance of a Notice of Commencement, finalization of the E.P.R. and the issuance of a Notice of Completion. Once the Notice of Completion is issued, the finalized E.P.R. will be made available for 30 days for review by the public (including property owners), Indigenous Communities, review agencies and other stakeholders.

5.2 Overview of the Draft Environmental Project Report

The following is a high level overview of the relevant information found in the Draft E.P.R. concerning Metrolinx’s New Track and Facilities Project, including information related to the work being proposed within the limits of the City of Oshawa.

Context

The New Track and Facilities T.P.A.P. is part of the Metrolinx On-Corridor Program (“OnCorr”), which is the largest capital project within the GO Expansion Program for the Greater and Hamilton Area (“G.T.H.A.”).

Metrolinx is expanding its services as part of the GO Expansion Program in terms of both train frequency and availability. The purpose of the GO Expansion Program is to transform the GO Rail network into a comprehensive regional rapid transit network system that provides the expanded mobility the G.T.H.A. needs to accommodate growth and maintain a high quality of life and prosperous economy.

Metrolinx’s long-term objective for the program is to provide 15-minute, two-way, all-day rail service. Metrolinx plans to quadruple service and double ridership through this program. Additionally, Metrolinx plans to provide electrified service along several rail corridors.

The purpose of the New Track and Facilities T.P.A.P. is to assess the impact of the proposed infrastructure and provide appropriate mitigation measures. New infrastructure being proposed includes:

. New tracks within existing Metrolinx rail rights-of-way; . Modifications or upgrades to existing tracks within existing Metrolinx rail rights-of-way; . Three (3) new layover/storage facilities; . New GO Station platforms; . Bridge expansion/modifications; and, . Electrification of a portion of the Richmond Hill GO Rail Corridor.

Metrolinx has applied an accelerated 120-day timeline to the T.P.A.P. The following activities were carried out by Metrolinx during the Pre-Planning Phase of the T.P.A.P.:

. Collection and documentation of baseline environmental conditions information; . Preparation of the Conceptual Design; . Initial communications and follow-up consultation efforts with Indigenous Communities; . Meetings with stakeholders; . Public Meeting Rounds 1 and 2;

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. Pre-submission Circulation of Draft E.P.R.; . Consideration of stakeholder comments received and follow-up efforts; . Impact assessment studies and development of mitigation measures; and, . Preparation of the Draft E.P.R.

Following completion of the Pre-Planning Phase, a Notice of Commencement will be issued to initiate the T.P.A.P. Phase, which will involve the following activities:

. Issuance of the Notice of Commencement; . Public Consultation; . Meetings with stakeholders (e.g., Review Agencies, Municipalities, Indigenous communities, Utility companies); . Public Meeting Round 3; . Finalization of the E.P.R.; and, . Issuance of the Notice of Completion (within 120-days of Notice of Commencement).

Once the Notice of Completion is issued, the finalized E.P.R. will be made available for 30 days for review by the public (including property owners), Indigenous Communities, review agencies and other stakeholders.

Following the 30-day review period, the Minister has 35 days to issue one of following three notices:

. Proceed with the Project in accordance with the E.P.R.; or . Proceed with the Project in accordance with the E.P.R. subject to conditions; or . Require the proponent to conduct further work and submit a revised E.P.R.

Project Scope

As part of the GO Expansion Program, Metrolinx has identified various infrastructure requirements to achieve service level targets across the network. The New Track and Facilities T.P.A.P. includes various infrastructure improvements and additions along the following corridors:

. Lakeshore East; . Lakeshore West; . Kitchener; . Barrie; . Stouffville; and, . Richmond Hill.

For the Lakeshore East corridor, which currently terminates at the existing Oshawa GO Station, the following is proposed:

. 3.28 kilometers (2.04 mi.) of new track parallel to existing sections of the mainline; . 23 new switches; . A new platform at the existing Oshawa GO Station; and, . Expansion of the Thickson Road Bridge in Whitby.

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No electrification or new layover/storage facilities are proposed along the Lakeshore East corridor through this project.

Through the conceptual design process, the need for retaining walls in three locations along the Lakeshore East corridor was identified to reduce property encroachment. None of these retaining walls are planned to be located within Oshawa City limits. However, one retaining wall is planned in Whitby directly adjacent to the Oshawa-Whitby boundary, in order to limit the impact to properties municipally known as 2001 and 2099 Victoria Street East in Whitby.

Metrolinx has advised that additional study regarding the new platform proposed at the existing Oshawa GO Station may be required during the detailed design stage, to review and confirm potential environmental impacts as a result of the new station platform as well as ancillary components such as drainage, pedestrian access, and tunnels.

A study area buffer of approximately 30 metres (98 ft.) around the proposed infrastructure was applied during the collection of data to establish baseline conditions. The Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment study considered background reports of previous archaeological assessments conducted within 50 metres (164 ft.) of the proposed infrastructure as well as Ontario Archaeological Sites Database (O.A.S.D.) registered archaeological sites within one (1) kilometre (0.621 mi.) of the study area.

In terms of evaluating the visual impact of the new infrastructure, the existing Oshawa GO Station is considered an “Area of Low Potential Impacts” meaning views in the area are not considered to be of scenic value or close to sensitive uses such as residential development.

Project Description

The following elements are listed as being included within the construction of new GO platforms in general:

. Demolition and site preparation; . Grading and drainage work; . Platform paving and construction of concrete curbs; . Installation of tunnels, ramps, stairs, elevator shafts and elevators; . Construction of walkways and sidewalks; . Potential adjustments to parking areas if affected by construction of other platform elements; . Installation of wayfinding and signage; . Utility modifications, as required; . Construction of canopies and shelters; . Installation of site lighting, communication systems, and ancillary features such as closed-circuit television, fare handling units, etc.; . Installation of a standby generator or uninterruptible power supply; . Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for mini-hubs and radiant heating for shelters; . Building modifications for mechanical pumps or heat tracing systems; and, . Fibre optic cable installation.

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The following infrastructure components are proposed at or adjacent to the existing Oshawa GO Station (see Attachment 2):

. New island platform [approximately 7.4 metres (24.3 ft.) wide]; . Retaining wall [approximately 231 metres (758 ft.) in length], west of the Oshawa/Whitby boundary; . New track on the north and south sides of the new island platform; and, . New third track from the Whitby Rail Maintenance Facility to the existing Oshawa GO Station.

Final details with respect to the new infrastructure proposed at the existing Oshawa GO Station will be confirmed during the detailed design phase.

Baseline Conditions

The Draft E.P.R. includes a study of baseline conditions in order to establish a snapshot of existing conditions within the study areas prior to any improvements taking place. This study forms the basis of the assessment of all potential impacts.

An assessment of baseline conditions was completed by Metrolinx for the following areas of study:

. Natural Environment Assessment; . Hydrogeology Assessment; . Land Use and Socio-Economic Assessment; . Visual Assessment; . Cultural Heritage Assessment; and, . Archaeological Baseline Conditions.

The following additional studies incorporated baseline/existing conditions information as part of the assessment of impacts:

. Preliminary Stormwater Management Assessment; . Traffic Impact Assessment; . Utilities Impact Assessment; . Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment; . Air Quality Impact Assessment; . Climate Change and Sustainability; . Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic Fields (E.M.I./E.M.F.) Impact Assessment; and, . Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.

The baseline conditions review describes the Lakeshore East corridor as being located within a mixed urban and rural setting, extending from the eastern portion of the City of Toronto, through Pickering, Ajax and Whitby, and terminating in the City of Oshawa.

Specific to the portion of the Lakeshore East corridor within Oshawa, there are no trails, large parks or other recreational amenities along this segment of the rail corridor. There are also no hospitals, schools, places of worship, child-care centres or long-term care

53 Report to Development Services Committee Item: DS-20-60 Meeting Date: June 8, 2020 Page 7 centres in the vicinity of the rail corridor. No Cultural Heritage Resources were identified within 30 metres (98 ft.) of this segment of the rail corridor.

In terms of potential for archaeological resources, the segment of the Lakeshore East corridor within Oshawa corresponds to lands within the Johnson-Butler/Williams Treaties, Whitby Township, and the Borden block. According to the Ontario Archaeological Sites Database, four previously registered archaeological sites are located within one (1) kilometre (0.621 mi.) of the Oshawa corridor segment, although none of these is located within 50 metres (164 ft.) of the proposed infrastructure at the Oshawa GO Station.

Impact Assessment

Potential effects were assessed and mitigation measures developed based on the following four step approach:

1. Identify potential effects (positive and negative) resulting from the construction and/or operation of the project infrastructure;

2. Establish avoidance/mitigation/compensation measures to eliminate or minimize potential negative effects (as required);

3. Carry out consultation with stakeholders/regulatory authorities and update impact assessment results and/or proposed avoidance/mitigation/compensation mitigation measures as appropriate; and,

4. Document impact assessment results.

For the purposes of differentiating the various types of potential environmental effects related to the project, effects were characterized and grouped as outlined below:

. Footprint Impacts - Potential displacement or loss of existing/planned features within the Study Area due to implementation of the physical project components (e.g., new tracks, new layover/storage facilities, etc.).

. Construction Impacts - Potential short-term effects (e.g., disruption/disturbance) on existing features due to construction activities associated with the project (e.g., construction of new tracks, layover facilities, bridge modifications, etc.).

. Operations and Maintenance Impacts - Potential long-term effects on existing study area features due to operations and/or maintenance activities associated with the project (e.g., operation of the new layover/storage facilities).

Specific to the segment of the Lakeshore East corridor within Oshawa, the potential effects and mitigation measures were described as follows:

. Corbett Creek Tributary – a tributary of Corbett Creek is located north and south of the Metrolinx right-of-way, with the tributary crossing beneath the tracks in Whitby near the existing Oshawa GO Station. However, railway infrastructure already exists and crosses this tributary and therefore the additional footprint infrastructure is not expected to further impact the tributary.

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. Groundwater - The proposed infrastructure may include excavations of between 5 to 10 metres (16 to 33 ft.) in depth for pedestrian tunnels and/or elevator shafts, but these are not expected to cause any adverse groundwater impacts.

. Surrounding Properties - The proposed track, platform, and retaining wall are anticipated to extend beyond the limits of the existing rail right-of-way in this segment. Consequently, property acquisition may be required to accommodate this infrastructure. As a result of this activity, there is a footprint impact on the adjacent employment/industrial land uses. However, most of the footprint impacts fall within Metrolinx-owned property surrounding the existing Oshawa GO Station.

. Zoning – City staff note that the existing Oshawa GO Station and associated tracks are currently zoned as SI-C/EU (Select Industrial/Existing Use) Zone and GI (General Industrial) Zone under Zoning By-law 60-94. However, Section 5.4.1 of the City’s Zoning By-law states that “none of the provisions of this By-law shall apply to prevent the use of any land or the erection or use of any building or structure, or part thereof, by a public authority.” Metrolinx is considered to be a public authority in accordance with the associated definition contained in Zoning By-law 60-94.

. Land Use Compatibility - There are no sensitive facilities or recreational amenities within 100 meters (328 ft.) of the proposed track work and as a result, there will be no footprint impacts. The proposed track, retaining wall and platform are compatible with existing employment/ industrial and utilities/transportation uses in and adjacent to the Oshawa GO Station site.

. Municipal Approvals - Although Metrolinx is not subject to municipal permits and approvals, Metrolinx’s policy is to adhere to the intent of the relevant permits/approvals requirements to the extent possible. Additional coordination (which may include a series of meetings, discussions, and agreements) with the City of Oshawa will be undertaken during the detailed design process to finalize design details and minimize any impacts on adjacent uses.

. Visual Impacts - Negligible impacts to the existing views are expected as the new track, platform and retaining wall are almost entirely within the existing rail corridor right-of- way, and the surrounding area consists of industrial/employment lands where views already feature exposure to the existing Oshawa GO Station and train storage area.

Metrolinx does not anticipate any negative impacts in the rail segment within the limits of the City of Oshawa due to construction of infrastructure or its future operation. Therefore, no mitigation measures have been proposed for this rail segment.

Operations and Maintenance Impacts

The Draft E.P.R. identified anticipated ongoing operations effects and maintenance activities associated with the implementation of the New Track and Facilities T.P.A.P. Metrolinx is currently undertaking the following studies as part of preparing an Addendum to the GO Rail Network Electrification E.P.R. (2017):

. Amended Noise/Vibration Modelling and Impact Assessment Report; and,

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. Amended Air Quality Modelling and Impact Assessment Report.

The results of these studies will be published by Metrolinx once available and as appropriate.

The potential noise impacts of trains and associated equipment and facilities are assessed in all corridors and corridor segments, including assessing activities such as running or idling of GO trains along corridors, at stations and in layover or train storage facilities.

Construction Phase Impacts

The Draft E.P.R. provides anticipated construction phase impacts and proposed mitigation measures associated with the Project.

Construction activities and associated impacts are generally temporary, short-term and localized in nature. Construction Management Plans will be developed and implemented during the detailed design phase and implemented as part of construction. Construction staging area locations will also be identified during the detailed design phase. Metrolinx (or their contractor) will coordinate with municipalities and road authorities, as appropriate, during the detailed design phase to develop traffic, parking, transit, cycling and pedestrian management strategies prior to commencement of construction. This will facilitate the avoidance or minimization of interference to transportation to the extent possible during construction.

Potential impacts to the natural environment are anticipated to be minimal during construction as the majority of new tracks and switches are proposed within the existing rail corridor right-of-way.

Public and Stakeholder Consultation

At the outset of the Pre-Planning Phase of the New Track and Facilities T.P.A.P., a Stakeholder Consultation Plan was developed by Metrolinx which outlined a strategy and approach for consulting with stakeholders throughout the course of the T.P.A.P.

In an effort to engage a diverse set of participants, provide information and updates on the project and allow interested persons to provide comments and feedback throughout the process, the following consultation tools were used by Metrolinx:

. Project website; . Online via Metrolinx Engage; . Project email address and the appropriate Metrolinx Regional Representative email address; . Public open houses and public review opportunities; . Newspaper and radio advertisements; . Notifications and email updates; and, . Meetings with review agencies (provincial, municipal and conservation authorities), elected officials, Indigenous Communities, other stakeholders (e.g., utilities) and property owners.

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Consultation commenced on January 8, 2020 with the publication of the initial Notice of Public Open House.

The nearest public open house to Oshawa was held in the Town of Whitby on February 29, 2020, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Abilities Centre (55 Gordon Street).

Approximately 120 individuals attended the Public Meeting and 24 comment forms were submitted to Metrolinx. Common questions, comments, and concerns about the GO Expansion Program included:

. Support for the planned service increases and infrastructure improvements; . Anticipated timeline for electrification and the type of future rail fleet; and, . Timelines for other Metrolinx planned and proposed projects.

It should be noted that many attendees thought the main purpose of the meeting was to provide information on the Extension Project, which was the subject of a major announcement in the days leading up to the February 29, 2020 meeting.

Commitments and Future Work

The Draft E.P.R. lists the proposed commitments and work to be carried out during future project phases (e.g., detailed design, construction), and outlines the anticipated approvals and permits required.

To ensure that potential adverse environmental effects associated with the New Track and Facilities T.P.A.P. are avoided/minimized/mitigated to the extent possible, the following action will be taken by Metrolinx during the detailed design and construction phases of the project:

. Implementation of all mitigation and monitoring measures documented in the E.P.R. during detailed design, construction and operational phases;

. Ensuring that all mitigation and monitoring measures and commitments outlined in the E.P.R. are included in the contract documents for implementation by Metrolinx and/or its contractors; and,

. Undertaking all additional studies/work outlined in the E.P.R. prior to implementation of the project, including the establishment of an Environmental Management System (E.M.S.) to ensure that environmental protection/mitigation measures identified through the T.P.A.P. are fulfilled and functioning as expected.

In addition to carrying out the T.P.A.P. and satisfying the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act, there are a number of other federal, provincial, municipal, and other approvals/permits that will be required for the project in order to implement it, such as municipal building permits.

With respect to obtaining municipal permits/approvals, provincial agencies such as Metrolinx are not subject to requirements to obtain municipal permits and approvals. However, it is the policy of Metrolinx to adhere to the intent of the relevant permit/approval

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Metrolinx will continue to communicate and engage with local municipalities, including Oshawa, during the detailed design and construction phases, as follows:

. Metrolinx will consult with, and have regard for, municipal planning policies with regard to specific projects (or components thereof) and will comply with municipal requests when and where reasonable and feasible;

. When developing plans for new or expanded infrastructure, Metrolinx will coordinate with municipal staff to ensure infrastructure is constructed to meet municipal requirements to the greatest extent possible; and,

. When possible, construction will be limited to the time periods allowed by the locally applicable municipal by-laws, taking into account that certain types of construction work can only be completed at night when trains are not in service (i.e., outside of business hours).

Metrolinx has committed to the following actions with respect to consultation with municipalities during the detailed design and construction phases:

. Traffic, parking, transit, cycling and pedestrian management strategies will be included in construction contract documents in coordination with municipalities, as appropriate, to avoid/minimize interference to the extent possible;

. Metrolinx will confirm the locations of any additional required contractor staging/storage areas which may necessitate leasing agreements with private property owners and/or the municipality;

. Metrolinx will engage municipalities during construction planning/scheduling to ensure that any municipal concerns are addressed in the construction plans prior to commencement of construction activities; and,

. Metrolinx will continue to coordinate with municipalities during the detailed design phase on matters related to land use planning and design.

5.3 Project Timelines

Metrolinx’s planned milestone dates for the T.P.A.P. are as follows:

. Baseline Conditions Data Collection/Reporting – Spring/Fall 2019 . Public Meeting Round Number 1 – February 2020 . Impact Assessment Studies – November 2019 to April 2020 . Public Meeting Round Number 2 – Spring 2020 . Draft E.P.R. Preparation – December 2019 to April 2020 . Notice of Commencement – Planned for June 2020 . Public Meeting Round Number 3 (if required) – Fall 2020 . Notice of Completion/30 Day Review – Fall/Winter 2020

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. TPAP Statement of Completion – Winter 2020

5.4 City Comments on Draft E.P.R.

Having reviewed the Draft E.P.R., staff recommend that the following comments be provided to Metrolinx for its consideration in advance of the E.P.R. being finalized and the Notice of Commencement being issued:

. The potential impacts to the existing Oshawa GO Station should be clearly identified. In this regard, Metrolinx is requested to confirm whether or not the pedestrian walkway to the west parking lot and the bus loop be impacted during construction, and if so, whether these facilities will be shifted north on a temporary basis. Likewise, potential impacts on the number of parking spaces being provided during construction are requested.

. Metrolinx is requested to confirm whether the existing storm sewer outfall located near the area of the proposed station platform, and the associated storm sewer easement, will be impacted. Likewise, confirmation is requested as to whether there will be any potential impacts due to construction on the outfall structure or the drainage ditch leading east, including due to overland flow. Staff note that the storm water management infrastructure at the Oshawa GO Station and along the adjacent segment of Thornton Road South are owned by the Region of Durham.

. Metrolinx is requested to give the City the opportunity to provide comments during the detailed design phase for the proposed works, including in relation to the storm water management system and any potential impacts.

. Information regarding any potential impacts to existing service during construction is requested as soon as possible, in order to inform riders so they may be able to adjust their commuting schedules accordingly.

. Information as to whether or not the increased service and added platform/track will add jobs at the Oshawa GO Station site is requested.

. Confirmation that the new track and platform will not adversely impact the planned Bowmanville Rail Service Expansion is requested, given that the proposed new tracks, as shown in Attachments 2 and 3, would not be able to be extended eastward due to the existing station building.

. City staff request that a concept plan be provided to demonstrate how the proposed new tracks in the Draft E.P.R. would integrate with the existing and proposed tracks and platforms at the Oshawa GO Station required for Bowmanville Rail Service Expansion.

6.0 Financial Implications

There are no financial implications associated with the comments in this Report.

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7.0 Relationship to the Oshawa Strategic Plan

This report advances the Accountable Leadership and Environmental Responsibility goals of the Oshawa Strategic Plan.

Tom Goodeve, M.Sc.Pl., MCIP, RPP, Director, Planning Services

Warren Munro, HBA, RPP, Commissioner, Development Services Department

60 Item: DS-20-60 Attachment 1

April 27, 2019

Re: Metrolinx OnCorr Program – New Track and Facilities Transit Project Assessment Process – Draft Environmental Project Report

Metrolinx is seeking your comments on the attached Draft Environmental Project Report (EPR) for the New Track & Facilities Project.

Metrolinx, an agency of the Province of Ontario, is expanding its services as part of the GO Expansion Program which will increase services both in terms of train frequency and availability across its seven rail corridors. The GO Expansion Program is an investment program that will transform GO Rail into a comprehensive regional rapid transit network system that provides the expanded mobility the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) needs to accommodate growth and maintain a high quality of life and prosperous economy. The long-term goal and vision of the GO Expansion Program is to provide 15-minute, two-way, all-day service. With major investment in GO Rail infrastructure, Metrolinx will be quadrupling GO Rail service and nearly doubling GO Rail ridership. By 2055, annual ridership will exceed 200 million, compared to 105 million without GO Expansion. As part of this program, Metrolinx will be providing 15-minute two-way, electrified service along several rail corridors.

Metrolinx is completing a Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) under Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 231/08, Transit Project and Metrolinx Undertakings to assess the effects of the proposed transit project, and to provide mitigation measures.

The Project

As part of the GO Expansion program, Metrolinx has identified various infrastructure requirements to achieve the established service level targets across the network. The New Tracks & Facilities Project is one component of the broader Metrolinx GO Expansion Program. Specifically, the purpose of the New Track & Facilities TPAP Project is to accommodate implementation of new infrastructure along various rail corridors, which will enable Metrolinx to deliver targeted service levels. New infrastructure proposed as part of the Project includes: new tracks within existing Metrolinx rail Rights-of-Way (ROW), modifications or upgrades to existing tracks within existing Metrolinx rail ROW, three (3) new layover/storage facilities, new GO Station Platforms, bridge expansion/modifications, and electrification of a portion of the Richmond Hill GO Rail Corridor.

Study Area The Study Area is depicted in the key map below.

97 Front Street West 416.874.5900 Toronto, ON M5J 1E6 metrolinx.com 61

For the purposes of documentation within the EPR, the Study Area has been organized into rail corridor segments as outlined in the table below, along with the relevant municipalities listed.

2 97 Front Street West 416.874.5900 Toronto, ON M5J 1E6 metrolinx.com 62

New Track & Facilities TPAP Study Area Proposed Infrastructure Municipality Segments Lakeshore West Corridor (LSW)

Segment LSW-3 Mile 8.10 to Mile 8.60 Track upgrade Mile 8.50 City of Toronto

Track upgrade from Mile 20.44 to 20.80 Town of Oakville Segment LSW- Mile 20.20 to Mile 20.70 12 Track upgrade from Mile 20.58 to 20.88 Track upgrade from Mile 20.44 to 20.80 Town of Oakville Segment LSW- Mile 20.70 to Mile 21.20 13 Track upgrade from Mile 20.58 to 20.88

Segment LSW- Mile 31.90 to Mile 32.40 New Beach Layover at Mile 31.66 City of Burlington 21 Kitchener Corridor (KT)

Track upgrade from Mile 13.19 to Mile 13.69 Track upgrade from Mile 13.19 to Mile Segment KT-10 Mile 12.90 to Mile 13.40 City of Toronto 13.64 Track upgrade from Mile 13.35 to Mile 13.70

Track upgrade from Mile 13.19 to Mile 13.69 Track upgrade from Mile 13.19 to Mile City of Toronto Segment KT-11 Mile 13.40 to Mile 13.90 13.64 Track upgrade from Mile 13.35 to Mile 13.70

Track upgrade from Mile 16.20 to Mile 16.39 Track upgrade from Mile 11.54 to Mile City of Mississauga / City Segment KT-12 Mile 16.10 to Mile 16.60 16.46 of Brampton Track upgrade from Mile 11.56 to Mile 16.46 New track from Mile 16.50 to 11.10

Track upgrade from Mile 11.54 to Mile 16.46 Mile 16.60 to Mile 11.20 - Track upgrade from Mile 11.56 to Mile City of Brampton Segment KT-13 (Weston/Halton 16.46 Subdivision) New track northside of Mile 11.10 to Mile 16.50

Track upgrade from Mile 11.50 to Mile 11.56 City of Brampton Segment KT-14 Mile 11.20 to Mile 11.80 Track upgrade from Mile 11.52 to Mile 11.56 New track from Mile 11.39 to Mile 11.75

3 97 Front Street West 416.874.5900 Toronto, ON M5J 1E6 metrolinx.com 63

New Track & Facilities TPAP Study Area Proposed Infrastructure Municipality Segments Barrie Corridor (BR)

Segment BR-3 Mile 12.10 to Mile 12.60 New track from Mile 12.19 to 12.53. City of Toronto

Track upgrade from Mile 29.50 to 29.60 New track from Mile 29.54 to 34.62 Track upgrade from Mile 29.96 to 30.29 The following elements of the scope are currently under review by Metrolinx and is subject to further refinements that Town of Aurora Segment BR-13 Mile 29.50 to Mile 30.00 will be addressed in the Final EPR: New Island Platform at Aurora GO Station New track (west side) of west new island platform from Mile 29.70 to 30.09 New track (east side) of west new island platform from Mile 29.70 to 30.09

New track from Mile 29.54 to 34.62 Track upgrade from Mile 29.96 to 30.29 The following elements of the scope are currently under review by Metrolinx and is subject to further refinements that Town of Aurora Segment BR-14 Mile 30.00 to Mile 30.50 will be addressed in the Final EPR: New track (west side) of west new island platform from Mile 29.70 to 30.09 New track (east side) of west new island platform from Mile 29.70 to 30.09 Town of Aurora Segment BR-15 Mile 30.50 to Mile 31.00. New track from Mile 29.54 to 34.62 Town of Aurora Segment BR-16 Mile 31.00 to Mile 31.50. New track from Mile 29.54 to 34.62 Town of Aurora / Town Segment BR-17 Mile 31.50 to Mile 32.00. New track from Mile 29.54 to 34.62 of Newmarket

Town of Newmarket Segment BR-18 Mile 31.90 to Mile 32.50. New track from Mile 29.54 to 34.62 Town of Newmarket Segment BR-19 Mile 32.50 to Mile 32.90 New track from Mile 29.54 to 34.62 Town of Newmarket Segment BR-20 Mile 32.90 to Mile 33.50 New track from Mile 29.54 to 34.62 Town of Newmarket Segment BR-21 Mile 33.40 to Mile 34.00 New track from Mile 29.54 to 34.62 Town of Newmarket Segment BR-22 Mile 33.90 to Mile 34.50 New track from Mile 29.54 to 34.62 Town of Newmarket Segment BR-23 Mile 34.40 to Mile 34.90 New track from Mile 29.54 to 34.62

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New Track & Facilities TPAP Study Area Proposed Infrastructure Municipality Segments City of Barrie Segment BR-42 Mile 61.30 to Mile 61.80 New track from Mile 61.40 to 63.40 City of Barrie Segment BR-43 Mile 61.80 to Mile 62.30 New track from Mile 61.40 to 63.40 City of Barrie Segment BR-44 Mile 62.30 to Mile 62.80 New track from Mile 61.40 to 63.40 City of Barrie Segment BR-45 Mile 62.80 to Mile 63.40 New track from Mile 61.40 to 63.40

Stouffville Corridor (ST)

Unionville equipment storage yard from Mile 50.70 to 50.31 New Island Platform at Unionville GO City of Markham Segment ST-3 Mile 51.00 to Mile 50.60 Station New track eastside of new island platform from Mile 51.00 to 50.73 Track upgrade from Mile 52.00 to 51.01

Unionville Storage Yard from Mile 50.70 to Segment ST-4 Mile 50.60 to Mile 50.00 City of Markham 50.31

New Platform at Mount Joy GO Station Segment ST-5 Mile 46.30 to Mile 45.80 New passing track for new side platform City of Markham from Mile 46.35 to 45.42

New Platform at Mount Joy GO Station City of Markham Segment ST-6 Mile 45.80 to Mile 45.30 New passing track for new side platform from Mile 46.35 to 45.42 Lakeshore East (LSE)

Mile 323.90 to Mile New storage/reversal pocket track Segment LSE-4 323.40 (Kingston City of Toronto northside of Mile 323.36 to Mile 323.76 Subdivision)

New third track from Mile 10.44 to Mile 11.76 Town of Whitby Segment LSE-9 Mile 10.10 to Mile 10.70 Thickson Road Bridge expansion north side of Mile 10.67 Retaining Wall at Thickson Road

New track northside of new island platform from Mile 11.56 to Mile 11.74 Town of Whitby Segment LSE-10 Mile 10.70 to Mile 11.20 New third track from Mile 10.44 to Mile 11.76 Retaining Wall at Oshawa GO Station

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New Track & Facilities TPAP Study Area Proposed Infrastructure Municipality Segments New Island Platform at Oshawa GO Station Retaining Wall at Oshawa GO Station Town of Whitby / City of Segment LSE-11 Mile 11.20 to Mile 11.70 New track northside of new island platform Oshawa from Mile 11.56 to Mile 11.74 New third track from Mile 10.44 to Mile 11.76

Richmond Hill Corridor (RH) Electrification of the rail corridor (along the Segment RH-1 Mile 1.60 to Mile 2.15 Bala subdivision) City of Toronto Track upgrade from Mile 1.90 to 2.86

Electrification of the rail corridor (along the Bala subdivision) Segment RH-2 Mile 2.15 to Mile 2.50 City of Toronto Track upgrade from Mile 1.90 to 2.86 Track upgrade from Mile 2.37 to 2.86

Electrification of the rail corridor (along the Bala subdivision) Track upgrade from Mile 1.90 to 2.86 Track upgrade from Mile 2.37 to 2.86 Track upgrade to Don Valley Layover from Mile 208.60 to Mile 209.50 (along Segment RH-3 Mile 2.50 to Mile 3.10 Don Branch) City of Toronto The following elements of the scope are currently under review by Metrolinx and is subject to further refinements that will be addressed in the Final EPR: Don Valley Layover from Mile 208.28 to 208.60 (along the Don Branch) Electrification of the rail corridor (along the Bala subdivision) The following elements of the scope are currently under review by Metrolinx and Segment RH-4 Mile 3.10 to Mile 3.60 City of Toronto is subject to further refinements that will be addressed in the Final EPR: Don Valley Layover from Mile 208.28 to 208.60 (along Don Branch)

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New Track & Facilities TPAP Study Area Proposed Infrastructure Municipality Segments Electrification of the rail corridor (along the Bala subdivision) The following elements of the scope are currently under review by Metrolinx and Segment RH-5 Mile 3.60 to Mile 4.10 City of Toronto is subject to further refinements that will be addressed in the Final EPR: Don Valley Layover from Mile 208.28 to 208.60 (along Don Branch)

Electrification of the rail corridor (along the Segment RH-6 Mile 4.10 to Mile 4.65 City of Toronto Bala subdivision)

Planned Project Milestone Dates • Baseline Conditions Data Collection/Reporting – Spring/Fall 2019 • Public Meeting Round #1 – February 2020 • Impact Assessment Studies – November 2019 to April 2020 • Public Meeting Round #2 –Spring 2020 • Draft EPR Preparation – December 2019 to April 2020 • Notice of Commencement – Planned for June 2020 • Public Meeting Round #3 (if required) – Fall 2020 • Notice of Completion/30-Day Review – Fall/Winter 2020 • TPAP Statement of Completion – Winter 2020

Draft Environmental Project Report As part of the TPAP Consultation process, Metrolinx is circulating the Draft Environmental Project Report (EPR) to Indigenous Communities, Federal and Provincial Review Agencies, Municipalities and Conservation Authorities prior to the Notice of Commencement in order to solicit comments and feedback. With this in mind, please find enclosed an electronic copy of the Draft EPR which contains the following list of documents:

The Draft EPR has been structured into nine (9) chapters along with several supporting technical reports (included as appendices):

• Chapter 1 – describes the EA Act requirements and process followed, provides a brief project background and associated planning context.

• Chapter 2 – describes the scope of the project and illustrates the Study Area (including map).

• Chapter 3 – provides a detailed description of the New Track & Facilities TPAP Project components, including track infrastructure, switches, layover facility requirements, bridge modifications, property requirements and electrification components. 7 97 Front Street West 416.874.5900 Toronto, ON M5J 1E6 metrolinx.com 67

• Chapter 4 – describes the baseline environmental conditions within the Study Area.

• Chapter 5 – describes the potential environmental effects, recommended mitigation measures, and monitoring activities associated with implementation of the project.

• Chapter 6 – describes the ongoing operations effects and maintenance activities associated with the implementation of the Project.

• Chapter 7 – describes the installation and construction effects, construction management plans, traffic management plans, net environmental effects, and mitigation measures.

• Chapter 8 – describes the consultation process and activities that were undertaken thus far as part of the New Track & Facilities TPAP, including key consultation milestones. This chapter provides an overview of the input/comments/feedback received from various stakeholders (i.e., review agencies, Indigenous Communities, public/residents, etc.) and how they were addressed by Metrolinx.

• Chapter 9 – describes the proposed commitments and work to be carried out during future project phases (e.g., detailed design, construction), and outlines the anticipated approvals and permits required to implement the Project beyond EA Act requirements.

Review Process Should you wish to provide comments on this Draft EPR, please submit your feedback in writing by May 29th, 2020 to the Project Team: [email protected] Comments received will be reviewed and considered as part of preparing the Final Draft EPR. Consultation with the public, review agencies and Indigenous communities is a key component of the Metrolinx New Track & Facilities TPAP. Comments and information regarding this study will be collected to assist in meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act, and may be included in study documentation. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record. If you would like additional information on this project, please visit: https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/engagement-initiatives/new-track-facilities-tpap

Sincerely,

Mirjana Osojnicki Manager, Environmental Programs and Assessment, Pre-Construction Services

Cc: Amber Saltarelli, Environmental Lead, Gannett Fleming ([email protected]) Kevin Coulter, Senior Environmental Planner, Gannett Fleming ([email protected]) Halim Abdihalim, Project Manager, Metrolinx ([email protected])

8 97 Front Street West 416.874.5900 Toronto, ON M5J 1E6 metrolinx.com 68 Item: DS-20-60 Attachment 2 ie B-7000-0020 File: LakeshoreEastCorridorPlan CityCommentsonMetrolinx’s DraftEnvironmentalProjectReportfortheNew Track andFacilitiesProject Subject: Title: Development Services Department Department Services Development

City of Oshawa Oshawa of City N N 69 K:\Attachments\2020\04 Apr\Metrolinx\pdf\Metrolinx_Att2.pdf Item: DS-20-60 Attachment 3 ie B-7000-0020 File: LakeshoreEastCorridorPlan CityCommentsonMetrolinx’s DraftEnvironmentalProjectReportfortheNew Track andFacilitiesProject Subject: Title: Development Services Department Department Services Development

City of Oshawa Oshawa of City N N 70 K:\Attachments\2020\04 Apr\Metrolinx\pdf\Metrolinx_Att3.pdf