Working with City staff in Engineering and Construction Services and Transit Infrastructure, we are supporting solutions that shorten the duration of shuttle bus service. A report going to the General Government Committee on March 3 authorizes a new delivery model that is expected to save at least 10 months off the TTC’s reported timeframe, allowing diverted streetcar service to begin no later than March 2024.
Last week, alongside Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto-Danforth, Ward 14), we created the Ontario Line Subcommittee to set clear recommendations from the City to Metrolinx and the Provincial government on how to build and implement this important transit infrastructure. We will continue to push for the best results for our downtown communities through this construction process.
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Update March 3:
Today the General Government Committee recommended the new streetcar track delivery model that will save at least 10 months off the use of buses on the 501 Queen route. City Council will give final approval at the end of March.
Since the beginning of the Ontario Place redevelopment process, the Province has had the power to impose their development plan. But the City has been determined to collaborate and find the best outcome for the future of these well-loved, well-used public lands.
At the start of their development application for Ontario Place, the Province agreed to respect the City’s planning review process and public engagement framework. Alongside City staff, I have worked to ensure the process is democratic and transparent. That means allowing the public to consider the proposal – and any changes – with full details and with facilitation of City staff in public forums – not through public relations messaging by one of the Province’s lease holders.
In a city like ours, we should be able to welcome people fleeing persecution and looking for a better life. The City of Toronto should have the resources committed by the federal government to do this – and it is unacceptable that is not the case.
