Ontario Construction News staff writer
A City of Toronto staff report providing an update on the Eglinton East Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Waterfront Transit Network will reviewed at an Executive Committee meeting this week.
“These projects will bring more transit to two areas that absolutely need it – the Waterfront and Scarborough. I am absolutely determined to get the Eglinton East LRT built because I know it will make a meaningful difference to transit users in Scarborough,” said Mayor John Tory.
“Waterfront transit, east and west, must be a priority for the city given the development both built and planned. We have to keep moving transit forward in all parts of our city – that’s why we are moving ahead these two projects and why we are continuing to work with the province to move forward its major transit projects, as agreed.”
The Eglinton East LRT is a planned 15-kilometre extension of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT from Kennedy Station to Malvern, with up to 21 stops and three connections to GO Transit. The line would provide transit access to historically underserved communities, travelling through or adjacent to seven Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and bringing higher-order transit within walking distance of 49,000 Torontonians.
City staff recommend an updated project scope with an evolved design that accommodates the province’s subway expansion plans. If approved, staff will work to report back on project costs, schedule and approach next year. The updated project cost reported by staff is $4 billion.
More information on the Eglinton East LRT and Eglinton Crosstown expansion projects is available online.
The city, TTC and Waterfront Toronto are working on preliminary design and engineering for a streetcar option for the Union Station to Queens Quay Link, with design work progressing and cost estimate being developed. The project would provide new and improved infrastructure to operate additional streetcar services to the East Bayfront development area. The staff report recommends Council direct staff to continue work and report back on the schedule and funding for the Link and East Bayfront LRT next year.
More information on the Waterfront Transit Reset is on toronto.ca.
If passed by Executive Committee, the report will go before City Council at the December 16 and 17 meeting. The full report, Update on the City’s Transit Expansion Projects – Fourth Quarter 2020 , is available online.
“We must build transit for the people that need it the most. The Eglinton East LRT will bring higher order transit to the residents who live in the seven Neighbourhood Improvement Areas located along the corridor. The updated design in this report is another step in the right direction,” said Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park).
Transit is an important part of thriving, desirable neighbourhoods. The Eglinton East LRT will have many benefits, including serving Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and making important connections to other transit services.