Our Public Open House
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JANE STREET LRT PRELIMINARY PLANNING FOR A TRANSIT PROJECT ASSESSMENT STUDY WELCOME TO OUR PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE JANE STREET LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) Preliminary Planning for a Transit Project Assessment Study August 26, 2008, 6:30 to 9:00 pm and August 28, 2008, 6:30 to 9:00 pm PLEASE SIGN IN Members of the Project Team are available to discuss the project with you. Please feel free to ask questions and fill out a comment sheet. Visit us at: www.toronto.ca/involved JANE STREET LRT PRELIMINARY PLANNING FOR A TRANSIT PROJECT ASSESSMENT STUDY Purpose of Today’s Open House Present the study area Introduce the study objectives and the new Transit Project Assessment Study process Present feasibility study results Present the study background and supporting planning policies Provide the existing conditions Present alternative connections to York University Present the recommended transit technology Outline the next steps Obtain your input on issues, problems and areas of concern JANE STREET LRT Preliminary Planning for a Transit Project Assessment Study Study Area JANE STREET LRT PRELIMINARY PLANNING FOR A TRANSIT PROJECT ASSESSMENT STUDY New Transit Project Assessment Process New Ontario Regulation 231/08 under the Environmental Assessment Act provides framework: • Self-assessment process with the identification of potential environmental effects and decision-making that will be completed within six months • Through this process, the project is considered pre-approved • During the process, the public has the opportunity to provide comments or objections on the recommendations. A final 30-day review period is provided upon completion • If an objection is made, the Minister of the Environment can only act if there is a potential negative impact on a matter of provincial importance relating to the natural environment, or cultural heritage value or interest, or a constitutionally protected aboriginal or treaty right Transit Project Assessment Process is similar to the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process in that an assessment of potential effects, mitigation measures, documentation, and full public consultation will be completed. More information is available at: www.ebr.gov.on.ca We are currently in the Preliminary Planning phase, preparing for the Transit Project Assessment Study. JANE STREET LRT Preliminary Planning for a Transit Project Assessment Study Study Objectives and Process To provide high quality transit service in the Jane Street corridor that: is affordable and user friendly for all makes transit a more attractive travel option relative to the private auto supports other City objectives such as good urban design, and creates a more attractive walking and cycling environment respects other road users, adjacent properties, and the natural environment supports the City’s growth objectives of providing a better variety and density of transit-oriented developments improves transit network connections for the entire City Study Process JANE STREET LRT PRELIMINARY PLANNING FOR A TRANSIT PROJECT ASSESSMENT STUDY City Planning Policies The study will be consistent with the policies and the objectives of the City of Toronto: City of Toronto’s Official Plan The City’s Official Plan supports continued growth in Toronto, but places greater emphasis on using available road space more efficiently to move people, rather than vehicles. Transit, walking and bicycle lanes in conjunction with providing a better variety and density of transit- oriented development are major cornerstones of the Official Plan. The Official Plan’s Map 4: Higher Order Transit Corridors, and Map 5: Surface Transit Priority Network, identify Jane Street in our study area as part of the future transit network. The City’s transportation network will be developed to support increased transit priority over vehicles on selected corridors, including those identified on Map 5. Transit priority measures may include: reserved or dedicated lanes for transit; and, limiting or removing on-street parking during part or all of the day (Policy – 2.2 3h). City of Toronto’s Bike Plan The City of Toronto’s Bike Plan is a 10-year strategy that includes the implementation of infrastructure to create a bicycle friendly environment that encourages the future use of bicycles for everyday transportation and enjoyment. Through this study, bicycle lanes will be included along Jane Street wherever feasible. JANE STREET LRT PRELIMINARY PLANNING FOR A TRANSIT PROJECT ASSESSMENT STUDY Related Transit Studies JANE STREET LRT PRELIMINARY PLANNING FOR A TRANSIT PROJECT ASSESSMENT STUDY TTC Planning Policies The study will be consistent with the policies and the objectives of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC): Ridership Growth Strategy In support of the City’s Official Plan, the TTC prepared a strategy, that focuses on increasing service and improving the speed and reliability of the TTC, and identifies corridors for transit infrastructure investment. A key element of this strategy is transit in dedicated rights-of-way, separated from traffic. Toronto Transit City LRT Plan (“Building a Transit City”) In 2007, the TTC developed a plan which built upon the transit concepts from previous studies, including the Ridership Growth Strategy and the City’s Official Plan. The plan recommends a widely-spaced network of electric light rail lines, each on its own right-of-way throughout the City, including the Jane Street LRT, extending from the Jane Subway Station to the proposed Steeles Avenue West Subway Station. The LRT lines reach all across Toronto, all connecting with the City’s existing and planned rapid transit routes. The intent is that no one should be disadvantaged getting around Toronto if they don’t own a car. The plan focuses on linking land use and transportation planning policies to create an effective strategy for accommodating the City’s future trip growth. JANE STREET LRT PRELIMINARY PLANNING FOR A TRANSIT PROJECT ASSESSMENT STUDY Toronto Transit City LRT Plan The Toronto Transit City LRT Plan is a bold vision for public transit. It will allow us to tackle climate change and reduce congestion while improving service in all parts of the City. - Mayor David Miller In June of 2007, the Province announced, “Move Ontario 2020”, a plan to fund 52 transit projects in Ontario, including funding for the TTC’s Transit City LRT Plan. - Premier Dalton McGuinty The plan is premised on developing a widely-spaced network of electric light-rail lines, each on its own right-of-way. The lines reach all across Toronto, all connecting with the City’s existing and planned rapid transit routes. In total, 120 km of service will be added over the entire city. Ultimately, the new lines could carry 175 million riders per year. JANE STREET LRT PRELIMINARY PLANNING FOR A TRANSIT PROJECT ASSESSMENT STUDY Provincial Planning Policies The study will be consistent with the policies and the objectives of the Province of Ontario: Provincial Policy Statement Transportation, transit and infrastructure facilities are to be planned to meet current and projected needs, providing for an efficient, cost-efficient, reliable multi-modal transportation system that supports long-term economic prosperity. Public transit and other alternative modes of transportation are to be supported to improve energy efficiency and air quality. Policies – 1.6.6.1, 1.7.1 d), and 1.8.1 b) Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe Public transit will be the first priority for transportation and major transportation investments. Major transit station areas and intensification corridors will be designated in official plans. Major transit station area and intensification corridors will be planned to ensure the viability of existing and planned transit service levels. Major transit stations will be planned and design to provide access from various transportation modes including pedestrians, bicycles and passenger drop-off. Policies – 2.2.5, 3.2.3 JANE STREET LRT PRELIMINARY PLANNING FOR A TRANSIT PROJECT ASSESSMENT STUDY Existing Environmental Conditions Natural Environment Black Creek is primary environmental issue, with six crossings Limited other natural heritage features within Jane Street corridor A Natural Heritage Existing Conditions study is underway, which will identify all major features, including their significance and sensitivity Archaeology Resources Major preliminary findings include 36 registered sites within a two kilometer radius of Jane Street corridor; 6 of these located immediately adjacent to Jane Street. In addition, the Baby Point Archaeological Sensitive Area is located on the west side of Jane Street, south of St. Clair Avenue A Stage 1 Archaeological assessment is underway, which will identify known Jane Street northbound to Eglinton Avenue archaeological sites and determine areas with archaeological potential Built Heritage and Cultural Landscape Major preliminary findings include: 4 built heritage resources (all listed on City of Toronto’s Inventory of Heritage Properties), none designated under Ontario Heritage Act; and 5 cultural heritage landscapes (2 listed on City of Toronto’s Inventory of Heritage Properties). A Cultural Heritage Resource assessment is underway, which will identify all potentially affected built heritage resources and cultural landscape resources that may be potentially impacted Noise Assessment Noise sensitive receivers have been identified in the corridor Black Creek Crossing north of Hwy 401 JANE STREET LRT Preliminary Planning for a Transit Project Assessment