Wondering what other people thing about diesel and wall? This is a letter from Doug Bennett who works with groups along the east side of the corridor south of Bloor.
Hon. Kathleen Wynne
Premier of Ontario
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1
Transit, Jobs, Social Justice, Health and the Environment:
Asking for a Commitment to Electrify the Union Pearson Express
and Make It a True Public Transit Service
Dear Premier Wynne,
Congratulations on winning the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party and becoming Premier of Ontario. As an Ontarian, I am proud of the trails you’ve blazed.
I am writing to seek your commitment to transform the new Union-Pearson rail link (UP Express), currently being built by Metrolinx as a second-rate diesel service, into a true electric public transit service similar to the Canada Line in Vancouver.
I agree: Everyone wants a train to the airport.
But: Nobody wants the “cancer train,” as it’s coming to be called.
Nobody wants urban blight due to ugly noise walls erected in neighbourhoods over residents’ objections.
The current plan is grossly misguided. It’s problems have been pointed out by myriad people and authorities, from the Auditor General to the Clean Train Coalition, from Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health to U of T Professor André Sorenson, from the Junction Triangle Rail Committee to the City of Toronto… and beyond.
The diesel train service is of great concern to the 300,000 people who live along the rail corridor.
I know you care about Toronto’s transit woes. About social justice and jobs. About health and the environment. About energy.
The current plan for this one project is aligned on the wrong side of ALL these issues.
Fortunately, it can be fixed. Metrolinx has studied electrification and agrees it is the best option going forward. Current construction is taking future electrification into account. Former Minister of Transportation Bob Chiarelli has said electrification is in the cards, perhaps as early as 2017. All good things.
Unfortunately, there is no commitment. That is what the 300,000 people along the affected Kitchener-Georgetown rail corridor are seeking from you and your government.
Why the Current Diesel Plan is Misguided and Dangerous:
Transit:
Current plan calls for 5,000 riders per day paying a one-way fare of between $20 and $35. Compare to Vancouver’s Canada Line carrying 110,000 riders per day paying a one-way fare of $3.75 to the airport, or $8.75 from the airport to downtown
UP Express will have only four stops (including the terminals) compared to 16 for the Canada Line. Diesel trains have fewer stops because they are heavier and slower to accelerate/decelerate compared to lighter, faster, quieter electric trains
The airport/DRL could have up to 16 stops and connect with the new Eglinton Crosstown. The UP Express plan and Eglinton Crosstown do not connect. The UP Express line could also connect with Woodbine Race Track, the St. Clair streetcar, and many other key interchanges for a true integrated network
The Auditor General has criticized Metrolinx’s business plan for the UP Express, saying it’s projections are unrealistic. The AG is warning, in effect, that taxpayers will need to subsidize an elite train service for the downtown business class, the target market for this train. http://www.auditor.on.ca/en/reports_2012_en.htm
Conclusion: UP Express is a public transit failure and the existing business plan is flawed
UP Express diesel trains will run every 7.5 minutes on average past 76 schools, 96 daycare facilities, 4 long-term care facilities, parks where kids play soccer and families walk their dogs, 300,000 residents, and many new real estate developments. Long-term negative health effects are predicted to be worst at the Bloor GO station (receptor 41, Metrolinx Environment Report, 2009)
Vibrations from heavy diesel locomotives are a major issue in many neighbourhoods along the rail line, even more than noise. Electric trains are lighter
The diesel plan has been the focus of protests and meetings for years if not a decade
Gaining notoriety as “the cancer train” will not help property values and impending developments for those living and investing along the corridor
Attaching the Liberal brand to the “cancer train” will not help Liberals’ campaign prospects
Conclusion: UP Express threatens the health of children, families, residents living along the rail line, many of them from disadvantaged neighbourhoods
Environment:
Diesel combustion contributes to atmospheric greenhouse gases and accelerates climate change
Diesel trains are heavier and slower because they have to carry the fuel. More vibrations, more energy consumption
Consider the environmental costs of fossil fuel extraction, refining, transportation
Metrolinx claims the UP Express will remove 1.2 million car trips off the roads. Using the same formula, the Vancouver Canada Line removes an estimated 26.4 million car trips off the roads. Toronto’s environmental effort is lame in comparison
Canada is developing an entrenched global reputation as pro-fossil-fuel, pro-greenhouse-gas, anti-climate-change-action. Look at the protests in the streets of Washington D.C. regarding the Keystone XL pipeline
Conclusion: The Metrolinx diesel train service will have a negative impact on the environment when it could make a positive impact on the environment. The Metrolinx diesel service feeds into Canada’s growing reputation for ignoring climate change
Urban Blight
Metrolinx is planning to build a noise wall along the entire corridor because of the increased noise from diesel train traffic that “exceeds permissible levels” (Stephen Lipkus, executive director, GO Georgetown South Project). The wall will be higher than the Berlin Wall. http://thewestbend.ca/wall/
If the wall is built, visitors to Toronto will enter the city through a “graffiti culvert” (as one architect vividly described it) created by the vandalized wall. Welcome to the Pan Am Games!
The wall will divide neighbourhoods and create a blight on the visual landscape of Toronto, possibly for lifetimes to come
Quieter and faster electric trains reduce the need for a wall
Communities and neighbourhoods along the rail line should be given the option of choosing to have or not have a wall, rather than Metrolinx imposing a one-size-fits-all solution, as they have asked for in community meetings and communications to Minister Chiarelli. https://www.junctiontriangle.ca/node/1941
Conclusion: The Metrolinx noise wall will be a blight on Toronto’s landscape for years to come if built according to the existing plan. Along with the negative health effects of the diesel service, it will serve to lower property values due to inevitable vandalism. It will create a negative first impression on visitors to Toronto travelling by the rail line from the airport
Electricity:
Ontario has vast excess electrical generating capacity
OPG has said it could handle the demand of an electrified rail line with existing capacity
The Independent Electricity Systems Operator (IESO) predicts Ontario by Aug. 2013 will have 56% more power generating capacity than peak demand
Conclusion: Why use a polluting, carcinogenic, non-renewable, increasingly expensive fuel source when Ontario-generated power is already plentiful and means trains can be lighter, faster and quieter?
Social Justice and Jobs:
UP Express cuts through or near many disadvantaged “priority” neighbourhoods poorly served by transit, especially north of Bloor Street and in northwestern Toronto, including Mt. Dennis, Weston and Rexdale
UP Express does not provide public transit to these neighbourhoods. Fares are unaffordable
A public transit/DRL service on this line would give disadvantaged neighbourhoods quick and affordable access to employment opportunities in downtown Toronto, at the airport and neighbouring employment lands, and up and down the entire corridor
UP Express’s current plan means the 300,000 residents along the rail line will suffer the ill effects of carcinogenic diesel exhaust without actually being able to use the service, which is designed for the downtown business class (the One Percenters)
Vancouver’s Canada Line, also built for a two-week sporting event, is a proven example of a modern, efficient, electric rail line to the airport (it offers airline pre-boarding at four stations) that also serves a public transit function
Conclusion: Everyone wants a train to the airport, but UP Express is designed only for the downtown business class. The UP Express heightens rather than shrinks income inequality in Toronto, an increasingly serious problem leading to greater poverty and social unrest. http://janefinchcentre.org/content/three-cities-report
Why is Toronto settling for an inferior, unhealthy, environmentally unsound, unsightly, financially unsustainable train service to the airport that exacerbates social inequality, when Vancouver’s better example (among so many others) is right before us?
I am encouraged by former Minister Chiarelli’s statements about electrification and the background infrastructure plans. But it all means nothing unless there is a commitment from the very highest levels of government. From you.
I’m sure you know the story of R.C. Harris and his bull-headed plan to build a second deck on the Bloor Street Viaduct for a future subway — even though the subway was decades away when the Viaduct was built in 1917. While costing more at first, that plan saved taxpayers millions of dollars in the long run, provided the Bloor/Danforth subway corridor that millions use today, and helped to secure economic prosperity for Toronto... and Harris’s legacy.
Premier Wynne, we are looking for similar vision.
We are looking to you, Minister Murray and your new government for that commitment to make the UP Express an electric, public transit service that will benefit the health, economy, and environment of Toronto for decades to come. It will also show the way forward for electrification of the entire GO rail system.
It may be an opportune time to ask for federal support, given Ottawa’s abysmal record of funding public transit in this country, and its now urgent need to demonstrate on the world stage that it is taking active measures to combat climate change. Electric public transit fits the bill.
On a personal note, I’m part of a community that has poured thousands of volunteer hours, thousands of hard-earned dollars, sweat, and back-breaking effort into creating a successful neighbourhood park. Sorauren Park, in Toronto’s Ward 14, happens to be the largest park butting against the Kitchener rail corridor now undergoing expansion for a massive increase in diesel train traffic (on the order of four to eight times current traffic over the years according to projections).
The park is home to kids’ sports leagues, tennis groups, a popular farmers market (that has attracted the attention of the New York Times), birthday parties, picnics, kite flying, children’s festivals, dog walking, the famous Pumpkin Parade, and more.
The vision for the park includes a new Town Square about to be constructed, and a new community centre, for which the City of Toronto has already invested $3 million in land purchase and remediation.
All of it feels threatened by the diesel trains... when there is a better option.
We’re committed to preventing the decline of our park and the decline of our fellow neighbourhoods along the Kitchener rail corridor.
We want to work with you to build electric public transit to the airport.
The future looks forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Doug Bennet
PS: Electrifying the entire GO rail network is the next step, bringing all the same benefits, and —not incidentally — unlocking billions of dollars in real estate value since electric lines like those in London, New York, Chicago and Vancouver can be built over.
cc:
Hon. Glen Murray, Minister of Transportation
Hon. Deborah Matthews, Minister of Health
Hon. Jim Bradley, Minister of the Environment
Jagmeet Singh, MPP (Bramalea--Gore--Malton)
Donna H. Cansfield, MPP (Etobicoke Centre)
Shafiq Qaadri, MPP (Etobicoke North)
Laura Albanese, MPP (York South--Weston)
Jonah Schein, MPP (Davenport)
Cheri DiNovo, MPP (Parkdale--High Park)
Rosario Marchese, MPP (Trinity--Spadina)
Tim Hudak, MPP (Niagara West--Glanbrook), Leader of the Opposition
Andrea Horwath, MPP (Hamilton Centre), Leader of the NDP
Bruce McQuaig, President & CEO, Metrolinx
Robert Prichard, Chair, Metrolinx
Gary McNeil, President, GO Transit
Kathy Haley, President, Union Pearson Express
Hon. Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Hon. Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment
Olivia Chow, MP, Trinity-Spadina
Kirsty Duncan, MP, Etobicoke North
Mike Sullivan, MP, York South - Weston
Andrew Cash, MP, Davenport
Peggy Nash, MP, Parkdale - High Park
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford
Councillor Doug Ford
Councillor Frances Nunziata
Councillor Frank Di Giorgio
Councillor Gord Perks
Councillor Cesar Palacio
Councillor Ana Bailão
Councillor Mike Layton
Councillor Adam Vaughan
Councillor Pam McConnell
Dr. David McKeown, Toronto Medical Officer of Health
Jennifer Keesmaat, Toronto Chief Planner & Executive Director
Donna Quan, Acting Director, Toronto District School Board
Tess Kalinowski, Transportation Reporter, Toronto Star
Christopher Hume, Columnist, Toronto Star
Marcus Gee, Columnist, The Globe and Mail
Lisa Rochon, Columnist, The Globe and Mail
Sue-Ann Levy, Columnist, Toronto Sun
Matt Galloway, Host, CBC Metro Morning
Mike Crawley, Provincial Affairs Reporter, CBC
Shawn Micallef, Senior Editor, Spacing Magazine
Matthew Blackett, Publisher, Spacing Magazine
Moses Znaimer, President, ZoomerMedia Ltd.
Rick Ciccarelli, Chair, Clean Train Coalition
Saba Ahmad, Counsel, Clean Train Coalition
Richard Mongiat, Chair, Junction Triangle Rail Committee
Brian Torry, Chair, Roncesvalles-Macdonell Residents’ Association
Tim Noronha, Chairperson, The West Bend Community Association
Kevin Putnam, Junction Triangle Rail Committee
Mitzie Hunter, CEO, Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance
John Tory, Chair, Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance
Carol Wilding, Toronto Region Board of Trade
Nick Eaves, President & Chief Executive Officer, Woodbine Entertainment Group
Tad Putyra, President and COO of Low-Rise Development for Great Gulf
Great Gulf Homes - Lighthaus Project
Andrew Muroff, Executive VP and General Counsel, SiteLine Group
“440 Dufferin” Project
Mario Riberio, Ross Anicai of Triumph Developments
“Howard Park” project
Boris Shteiman and John Colangelo, Royal Queen Developments
“Q Loft” Project
Bill Gardiner, Gairloch Investments
“383 Sorauren” Project
Fred Guth, President, Somerset Homes
“362 Wallace Avenue” Project
I can appreciate the desire to preserve old architecture but is this bridge really worth saving? What is its significance (i.e. historical, architectural) besides the fact that it has been there a long time?
Opposition to diesel has been going on in this area for over 5 years. Many folks here have attended over 25 Metrolinx meetings.
Whether you drive to work or not Metrolinx is adding additional pollution to the area. No matter what happens diesel and its infrastructure will never get greener whereas an electric system can.
If you are really interested in congestion then you will note that the diesel airport link only has 2 stops unlike an electric system which according to Metrolinx's own data would have more stops, more revenue, and serve more people; possibly becoming a DRL that transit experts agree we all need. The airport link is bad planning.
You seem very uninformed about the issue and transit issues in general and many of the people who are interested in this issue have devoted many hours of time and met with Metrolinx many times in forming their view. Many of our residents have researched and talked with experts on these issues including Toronto's Medical Officer of Health who is against diesel and long time transit expert Steve Munro who thinks electric would be a better transit choice.
Maybe you might want to read the 2012 Auditor Generals report where he cites the airport link as having no business plan and being unable to even break even in its current diesel configuration. If you calmed down you might realize that people who think the diesel airport link is a joke are actually asking for MORE trains of the electric variety for a truly cost effective and comprehensive transit solution for the west end.
And speaking of caves, diesel is dinosaur technology compared to what other cities like Vancouver have.
I think there's some confusion here: The comments you're replying to are about the lack of public consultation regarding changes to the Wallace Ave. bridge. I really should move that discussion into it's own forum, as it's getting jumbled into this unrelated train wall topic.
Have you EVER checked the Metrolinx site or looked in the METRO paper on your commute to work? No, you probably DRIVE to work - creating at least five times the co2 emissions and forty times the particulate matter as a Tier 4 train!
Metrolinx has been posting on their site and in the paper regularly about meetings and information sessions, tours and opportunities to give opinions in writing. I've done so - and I'm supportive of it. I moved to the junction triangle so that I could stop using my car or a taxi to get to the airport - and I cannot wait for it to be in place! I wish I didn't have to.
You could have been involved years ago in the project but you didn't really care - because you probably just moved into the area - and ya dint seee da twain twacks... Go back to your cave and stay there. Progess is a good thing.
If anybody is responsible for alterations to the bridge it is the City Planning department (currently under Sara Phipps) who have wanted to expand the roads along the rail corridor since the mid 1970's. The developer of the property on Wallace, Fred Guth, did not want to put any street in at all in the first place. He was instructed that he did by City. So in fairness he is not directly responsible for putting a street through to Perth. It is this new street that would mean that the stairs on the bridge would have to be reconfigured for safety. The development has changed its parking access configurations twice based on public feedback from residents to the north at public meetings.
The planning department did make this change known at a public meeting about the site design but did not present any drawings or solicit any feedback so people basically were in the dark. I, on behalf of Friends of Railpath complained about this process and expressed concern that Railpath would be adversely effected. I told quite a few people in the area about this and also consulted with Eric Jokinen who did the 1996 report on restoring the bridge for the Architectural Conservatory of Ontario. He was kind enough to send me a copy of that report which clearly stated that the east stairs could not be saved but that the rest of the bridge could and should be for historical reasons.
A few of Friends of Railpath met with the City Planner and the developer and the councillor to find out what IF ANY changes were going to happen and how they would effect Railpath, something that we obviously know a lot about and have been working to expand and improve. We were shown very rough ideas about how the bridge stairs could be changed to accommodate the new street and we discovered that there was the possibility of making the public space at Wallace Railpath bigger. We gave our opinion on which idea we thought worked best with Railpath and made some suggestions for safety and lighting. It remains our wish that the bridge stay as it is but should there be changes we wanted to make sure that Railpath was not screwed up. The last thing I said to the Councilor and Sara Phipps from Planning as our site inspection finished was to take our suggestions into account and when a more detailed technical plan emerged to present it to the community for feedback. We have yet to hear anything back about this.
Although the ideas we were shown were very rough it is important to inform that what we saw showed that the original bridge will not be changed or moved. It is the replacement stairs that will be reused in a new way to land closer to Railpath after cutting under the existing bridge. And as I understand it no taxpayer money will be used to do this.
Back last July I emailed info and documents about all this to many people in the area including some of the posters and I also talked with people I know on Wallace and people I was seeing on another area committee. Frankly there was not much concern about it and I suspect that without having a plan to look at and react to it will remain that way. I still fully expect to see a meeting happen where people can be consulted and heard. Again, my position is to leave the bridge stairs where they are.
This Planning Departments lack of consultation thing is a real problem. I make note that in terms of Castlepoint there was tons of consultation, tons of meetings where the developers changed things based on community wants, and even with the community backing the project, and the Councilor backing the project Sara Phipps still said no. If one is interested in people making decisions for a whole community then one not look further than Planning. I suggest that people call the Councilor and Planning and ask when the meeting will be.
On the day of destruction - there should be a protest and an action of civil disobedience. This is a landmark - and it should not be touched for all the reasons mentioned above!
The bridge as we now know it, at least the east portion of it, perhaps more, will be destroyed to accommodate the new development. I emailed our councilor Ana Bailao back in the spring when I heard of this and asked if she could re-assure the community the bridge would not be touched. She did not respond. I suspect she knows the majority of residents will not be pleased so she snuck this one in under the radar. This is from a councilor who campaigned on "consultation consultation consultation" and "let the community decide".
The bridge was restored at great expense and effort (paid for with public money) in the 90's. Now that's going to be undone to satisfy the want of 1 developer. Must be nice to move into a community and change things around. I thought the residents had a say.
Ana showed plans to a select group of people in the summer but the issue was not (and should have been) whether or not the bridge would be touched but what design plan was more "popular". This also lends credibility to the concerns brought up during the election that Ana was too cozy with developers. Very disappointing on many levels.
Say goodbye to views like this: http://tiff.net/filmsandschedules/tiff/2012/storieswetell
The public consultation has been non-existant. No meeting notices, no chance for area residents to participate, no publication of design options or Minutes from private meetings with developers. This is a lousy arrangement.
After some initial upset members of Friends of Railpath, and residents of Wallace met with the developer and with the City planner last year to develop a solution that would not effect the historical aspects of the bridge and would not effect Railpath. The only part that is being changed is the east stairs (not original) are being reconfigured (and re-used). The historical preservation was important as this is one of the last bridges of its kind in Canada but also safety at night was considered too.
Once again I cannot say I was pleased that the city Planning Department makes choices that effect us without talking to us but I do thank the developer who is paying for the change and the additional lighting and design for coming out to meet us in person.
A historical note, many believe that the east stairs originally went north south like the west stairs but in fact the east stairs were always were they are today.
If the trees are one side of the fence or the other - if they are close, it provides the same effect for those who enjoy the path, really. Still a shame, I think...
What does this mean - can you give more information - or direct us to something official that is referring to this? This would be a neighbourhood tragedy - by it's age - would it not be protected as a heritage landmark - isn't it close to a 100+ years old?
Not only are we losing trees along the Railpath but the Wallace Ave. footbridge is going to be significantly changed to accommodate the new development going in on the old Glidden site. There was zero consultation with the community on that but plenty with the developer.
The wall itself shouldn't take up that much space. The trees are coming down because they are filling up the corridor with more tracks. The easternmost tracks will be almost right up against the Railpath (see the new bridges at Bloor and Dupont - right next to RP).
Also, they're not cutting any trees on the Railpath itself (or at least they shouldn't be!!). Any tree loss should be within their own property on the rail corridor.
Nothing like large walls of separation to ghettoize a neighbourhood - and a nice BIIIIIG stretch of wall for garbage tag graffiti. When is the next neighbourhood meeting on this - this will not be good for the neighbourhood's property values, that's for sure.
I know they are just garbage weed trees, but they were nice to have around, and were at least a nice median of foliage - with leaves and some shade in the summer. Or is this a part of the impending huge wall of separation that is going up because of the noisy diesel? Either way - it's a bit of a shame, and I'm fearful and that we are losing some enjoyable and valuable components on our path with these continued Metrolinx changes.
You are right Scott, Andrew can't keep people(Anarchists) from coming into the hood, BUT he shouldn't of went to the DIGIN meeting that invited the Anarchists. No surprise with Jonah as he has a reputation of keeping friends like Anarchists. Not only do people in the hood notice this, so do other political parties as well(Conservatives, Liberals) both Provincially and Federally. This might come back to bit him in the butt later on. Greg knows first hand about the anarchists, after getting assulted by them few years back, so he has seen another side of them and I guess the police as well. Greg in your last posting you wrote about the anarchists invading our community, do you actually live in the hood or is this about the anarchists???? J
Somewhat of a generalization if you ask me. Andrew has been anti-nuclear since I met him in high school and thats his prerogative. He is the federal MP so it only makes sense for people who have the same views (on this specific issue) to suggest that people call him about it. Andrew Cash does not have any ability to block people from moving into an area and I know that he would be the last person to stop democratic protest even if he disagreed with it. 47 seconds of video has little evidentiary value in this case.
I dont think there is much support for these protesters or blocking trains in the community and most people probably feel that increased localized diesel exhaust from Metrolinx trains near our schools and playgrounds is a greater concern. Yes it would be politically bad for an MP or MPP to become too associated with Anarchists and people advocating unlawful activity but I think if you are going to jump onto this issue they come with the territory.
By the way it would seem that our community has been invaded by anti-anarchists too. : )
I think there's a legal precedent out there where you can kick condo residents for extreme noise. Yes, a lawyer must be consulted. But why are you using your own lawyer. The condo management should look into this for the condo corp. Why fork out money on your own when this is a condo issue. You pay for condo fees and condo management should be the ones doing the legwork on this.
Those faded jeans are so skeezy.
The Globe & Mail has an article about this church conversion:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/a-toron...
Our easterly neighbours on the other side of Dundas "The West Bend" group are not ken on walls either. This is their Q&A on the topic.
http://thewestbend.ca/wall/
Wondering what other people thing about diesel and wall? This is a letter from Doug Bennett who works with groups along the east side of the corridor south of Bloor.
Hon. Kathleen Wynne
Premier of Ontario
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1
Transit, Jobs, Social Justice, Health and the Environment:
Asking for a Commitment to Electrify the Union Pearson Express
and Make It a True Public Transit Service
Dear Premier Wynne,
Congratulations on winning the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party and becoming Premier of Ontario. As an Ontarian, I am proud of the trails you’ve blazed.
I am writing to seek your commitment to transform the new Union-Pearson rail link (UP Express), currently being built by Metrolinx as a second-rate diesel service, into a true electric public transit service similar to the Canada Line in Vancouver.
I agree: Everyone wants a train to the airport.
But: Nobody wants the “cancer train,” as it’s coming to be called.
Nobody wants urban blight due to ugly noise walls erected in neighbourhoods over residents’ objections.
The current plan is grossly misguided. It’s problems have been pointed out by myriad people and authorities, from the Auditor General to the Clean Train Coalition, from Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health to U of T Professor André Sorenson, from the Junction Triangle Rail Committee to the City of Toronto… and beyond.
The diesel train service is of great concern to the 300,000 people who live along the rail corridor.
I know you care about Toronto’s transit woes. About social justice and jobs. About health and the environment. About energy.
The current plan for this one project is aligned on the wrong side of ALL these issues.
Fortunately, it can be fixed. Metrolinx has studied electrification and agrees it is the best option going forward. Current construction is taking future electrification into account. Former Minister of Transportation Bob Chiarelli has said electrification is in the cards, perhaps as early as 2017. All good things.
Unfortunately, there is no commitment. That is what the 300,000 people along the affected Kitchener-Georgetown rail corridor are seeking from you and your government.
Why the Current Diesel Plan is Misguided and Dangerous:
Transit:
Current plan calls for 5,000 riders per day paying a one-way fare of between $20 and $35. Compare to Vancouver’s Canada Line carrying 110,000 riders per day paying a one-way fare of $3.75 to the airport, or $8.75 from the airport to downtown
UP Express will have only four stops (including the terminals) compared to 16 for the Canada Line. Diesel trains have fewer stops because they are heavier and slower to accelerate/decelerate compared to lighter, faster, quieter electric trains
The airport line is an opportunity to create a west-end Downtown Relief Line integrated with the TTC, serving 300,000 people and airport travellers, as pointed out by many authorities. http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/the-downtown-relief-line-alrea...
The airport/DRL could have up to 16 stops and connect with the new Eglinton Crosstown. The UP Express plan and Eglinton Crosstown do not connect. The UP Express line could also connect with Woodbine Race Track, the St. Clair streetcar, and many other key interchanges for a true integrated network
The Auditor General has criticized Metrolinx’s business plan for the UP Express, saying it’s projections are unrealistic. The AG is warning, in effect, that taxpayers will need to subsidize an elite train service for the downtown business class, the target market for this train. http://www.auditor.on.ca/en/reports_2012_en.htm
Conclusion: UP Express is a public transit failure and the existing business plan is flawed
Health:
The World Health Organization in 2012 re-classified diesel exhaust as a carcinogen, in the same category as asbestos and mustard gas. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2158574/Diesel-engine-exhaust-...
UP Express diesel trains will run every 7.5 minutes on average past 76 schools, 96 daycare facilities, 4 long-term care facilities, parks where kids play soccer and families walk their dogs, 300,000 residents, and many new real estate developments. Long-term negative health effects are predicted to be worst at the Bloor GO station (receptor 41, Metrolinx Environment Report, 2009)
Toronto District School Board and Toronto Medical Officer of Health oppose the increased diesel train traffic. http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2009/09/26/diesel_fumes_unhealthy_md_tel.... http://www.tdsb.on.ca/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=262&menuid=23680&pageid=...
Vibrations from heavy diesel locomotives are a major issue in many neighbourhoods along the rail line, even more than noise. Electric trains are lighter
The diesel plan has been the focus of protests and meetings for years if not a decade
Gaining notoriety as “the cancer train” will not help property values and impending developments for those living and investing along the corridor
Attaching the Liberal brand to the “cancer train” will not help Liberals’ campaign prospects
Conclusion: UP Express threatens the health of children, families, residents living along the rail line, many of them from disadvantaged neighbourhoods
Environment:
Diesel combustion contributes to atmospheric greenhouse gases and accelerates climate change
Diesel trains are heavier and slower because they have to carry the fuel. More vibrations, more energy consumption
Consider the environmental costs of fossil fuel extraction, refining, transportation
Metrolinx claims the UP Express will remove 1.2 million car trips off the roads. Using the same formula, the Vancouver Canada Line removes an estimated 26.4 million car trips off the roads. Toronto’s environmental effort is lame in comparison
Transit authorities around the world have electrified or are in the process of electrifying rail networks because of the environmental, health, economic and transit benefits. http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/12273.aspx.http://www.kiwirail.co.nz/p...
Canada is developing an entrenched global reputation as pro-fossil-fuel, pro-greenhouse-gas, anti-climate-change-action. Look at the protests in the streets of Washington D.C. regarding the Keystone XL pipeline
Conclusion: The Metrolinx diesel train service will have a negative impact on the environment when it could make a positive impact on the environment. The Metrolinx diesel service feeds into Canada’s growing reputation for ignoring climate change
Urban Blight
Metrolinx is planning to build a noise wall along the entire corridor because of the increased noise from diesel train traffic that “exceeds permissible levels” (Stephen Lipkus, executive director, GO Georgetown South Project). The wall will be higher than the Berlin Wall. http://thewestbend.ca/wall/
If the wall is built, visitors to Toronto will enter the city through a “graffiti culvert” (as one architect vividly described it) created by the vandalized wall. Welcome to the Pan Am Games!
The wall will divide neighbourhoods and create a blight on the visual landscape of Toronto, possibly for lifetimes to come
Quieter and faster electric trains reduce the need for a wall
Communities and neighbourhoods along the rail line should be given the option of choosing to have or not have a wall, rather than Metrolinx imposing a one-size-fits-all solution, as they have asked for in community meetings and communications to Minister Chiarelli. https://www.junctiontriangle.ca/node/1941
Conclusion: The Metrolinx noise wall will be a blight on Toronto’s landscape for years to come if built according to the existing plan. Along with the negative health effects of the diesel service, it will serve to lower property values due to inevitable vandalism. It will create a negative first impression on visitors to Toronto travelling by the rail line from the airport
Electricity:
Ontario has vast excess electrical generating capacity
OPG has said it could handle the demand of an electrified rail line with existing capacity
The Independent Electricity Systems Operator (IESO) predicts Ontario by Aug. 2013 will have 56% more power generating capacity than peak demand
Ontario has so much electricity, in fact, the province sometimes pays other Canadian and U.S. jurisdictions to take electricity off our grid (IESO). http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2011/01/26/ont-power-giveawa...
Conclusion: Why use a polluting, carcinogenic, non-renewable, increasingly expensive fuel source when Ontario-generated power is already plentiful and means trains can be lighter, faster and quieter?
Social Justice and Jobs:
UP Express cuts through or near many disadvantaged “priority” neighbourhoods poorly served by transit, especially north of Bloor Street and in northwestern Toronto, including Mt. Dennis, Weston and Rexdale
UP Express does not provide public transit to these neighbourhoods. Fares are unaffordable
A public transit/DRL service on this line would give disadvantaged neighbourhoods quick and affordable access to employment opportunities in downtown Toronto, at the airport and neighbouring employment lands, and up and down the entire corridor
UP Express’s current plan means the 300,000 residents along the rail line will suffer the ill effects of carcinogenic diesel exhaust without actually being able to use the service, which is designed for the downtown business class (the One Percenters)
Vancouver’s Canada Line, also built for a two-week sporting event, is a proven example of a modern, efficient, electric rail line to the airport (it offers airline pre-boarding at four stations) that also serves a public transit function
Conclusion: Everyone wants a train to the airport, but UP Express is designed only for the downtown business class. The UP Express heightens rather than shrinks income inequality in Toronto, an increasingly serious problem leading to greater poverty and social unrest. http://janefinchcentre.org/content/three-cities-report
Why is Toronto settling for an inferior, unhealthy, environmentally unsound, unsightly, financially unsustainable train service to the airport that exacerbates social inequality, when Vancouver’s better example (among so many others) is right before us?
I am encouraged by former Minister Chiarelli’s statements about electrification and the background infrastructure plans. But it all means nothing unless there is a commitment from the very highest levels of government. From you.
I’m sure you know the story of R.C. Harris and his bull-headed plan to build a second deck on the Bloor Street Viaduct for a future subway — even though the subway was decades away when the Viaduct was built in 1917. While costing more at first, that plan saved taxpayers millions of dollars in the long run, provided the Bloor/Danforth subway corridor that millions use today, and helped to secure economic prosperity for Toronto... and Harris’s legacy.
Premier Wynne, we are looking for similar vision.
We are looking to you, Minister Murray and your new government for that commitment to make the UP Express an electric, public transit service that will benefit the health, economy, and environment of Toronto for decades to come. It will also show the way forward for electrification of the entire GO rail system.
It may be an opportune time to ask for federal support, given Ottawa’s abysmal record of funding public transit in this country, and its now urgent need to demonstrate on the world stage that it is taking active measures to combat climate change. Electric public transit fits the bill.
On a personal note, I’m part of a community that has poured thousands of volunteer hours, thousands of hard-earned dollars, sweat, and back-breaking effort into creating a successful neighbourhood park. Sorauren Park, in Toronto’s Ward 14, happens to be the largest park butting against the Kitchener rail corridor now undergoing expansion for a massive increase in diesel train traffic (on the order of four to eight times current traffic over the years according to projections).
The park is home to kids’ sports leagues, tennis groups, a popular farmers market (that has attracted the attention of the New York Times), birthday parties, picnics, kite flying, children’s festivals, dog walking, the famous Pumpkin Parade, and more.
The vision for the park includes a new Town Square about to be constructed, and a new community centre, for which the City of Toronto has already invested $3 million in land purchase and remediation.
All of it feels threatened by the diesel trains... when there is a better option.
We’re committed to preventing the decline of our park and the decline of our fellow neighbourhoods along the Kitchener rail corridor.
We want to work with you to build electric public transit to the airport.
The future looks forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Doug Bennet
PS: Electrifying the entire GO rail network is the next step, bringing all the same benefits, and —not incidentally — unlocking billions of dollars in real estate value since electric lines like those in London, New York, Chicago and Vancouver can be built over.
cc:
Hon. Glen Murray, Minister of Transportation
Hon. Deborah Matthews, Minister of Health
Hon. Jim Bradley, Minister of the Environment
Jagmeet Singh, MPP (Bramalea--Gore--Malton)
Donna H. Cansfield, MPP (Etobicoke Centre)
Shafiq Qaadri, MPP (Etobicoke North)
Laura Albanese, MPP (York South--Weston)
Jonah Schein, MPP (Davenport)
Cheri DiNovo, MPP (Parkdale--High Park)
Rosario Marchese, MPP (Trinity--Spadina)
Tim Hudak, MPP (Niagara West--Glanbrook), Leader of the Opposition
Andrea Horwath, MPP (Hamilton Centre), Leader of the NDP
Bruce McQuaig, President & CEO, Metrolinx
Robert Prichard, Chair, Metrolinx
Gary McNeil, President, GO Transit
Kathy Haley, President, Union Pearson Express
Hon. Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Hon. Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment
Olivia Chow, MP, Trinity-Spadina
Kirsty Duncan, MP, Etobicoke North
Mike Sullivan, MP, York South - Weston
Andrew Cash, MP, Davenport
Peggy Nash, MP, Parkdale - High Park
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford
Councillor Doug Ford
Councillor Frances Nunziata
Councillor Frank Di Giorgio
Councillor Gord Perks
Councillor Cesar Palacio
Councillor Ana Bailão
Councillor Mike Layton
Councillor Adam Vaughan
Councillor Pam McConnell
Dr. David McKeown, Toronto Medical Officer of Health
Jennifer Keesmaat, Toronto Chief Planner & Executive Director
Donna Quan, Acting Director, Toronto District School Board
Tess Kalinowski, Transportation Reporter, Toronto Star
Christopher Hume, Columnist, Toronto Star
Marcus Gee, Columnist, The Globe and Mail
Lisa Rochon, Columnist, The Globe and Mail
Sue-Ann Levy, Columnist, Toronto Sun
Matt Galloway, Host, CBC Metro Morning
Mike Crawley, Provincial Affairs Reporter, CBC
Shawn Micallef, Senior Editor, Spacing Magazine
Matthew Blackett, Publisher, Spacing Magazine
Moses Znaimer, President, ZoomerMedia Ltd.
Rick Ciccarelli, Chair, Clean Train Coalition
Saba Ahmad, Counsel, Clean Train Coalition
Richard Mongiat, Chair, Junction Triangle Rail Committee
Brian Torry, Chair, Roncesvalles-Macdonell Residents’ Association
Tim Noronha, Chairperson, The West Bend Community Association
Kevin Putnam, Junction Triangle Rail Committee
Mitzie Hunter, CEO, Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance
John Tory, Chair, Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance
Carol Wilding, Toronto Region Board of Trade
Nick Eaves, President & Chief Executive Officer, Woodbine Entertainment Group
Tad Putyra, President and COO of Low-Rise Development for Great Gulf
Great Gulf Homes - Lighthaus Project
Andrew Muroff, Executive VP and General Counsel, SiteLine Group
“440 Dufferin” Project
Mario Riberio, Ross Anicai of Triumph Developments
“Howard Park” project
Boris Shteiman and John Colangelo, Royal Queen Developments
“Q Loft” Project
Bill Gardiner, Gairloch Investments
“383 Sorauren” Project
Fred Guth, President, Somerset Homes
“362 Wallace Avenue” Project
Alfredo Romano, Castlepoint Realty
“Sterling Lofts” Project
I can appreciate the desire to preserve old architecture but is this bridge really worth saving? What is its significance (i.e. historical, architectural) besides the fact that it has been there a long time?
Opposition to diesel has been going on in this area for over 5 years. Many folks here have attended over 25 Metrolinx meetings.
Whether you drive to work or not Metrolinx is adding additional pollution to the area. No matter what happens diesel and its infrastructure will never get greener whereas an electric system can.
If you are really interested in congestion then you will note that the diesel airport link only has 2 stops unlike an electric system which according to Metrolinx's own data would have more stops, more revenue, and serve more people; possibly becoming a DRL that transit experts agree we all need. The airport link is bad planning.
You seem very uninformed about the issue and transit issues in general and many of the people who are interested in this issue have devoted many hours of time and met with Metrolinx many times in forming their view. Many of our residents have researched and talked with experts on these issues including Toronto's Medical Officer of Health who is against diesel and long time transit expert Steve Munro who thinks electric would be a better transit choice.
Maybe you might want to read the 2012 Auditor Generals report where he cites the airport link as having no business plan and being unable to even break even in its current diesel configuration. If you calmed down you might realize that people who think the diesel airport link is a joke are actually asking for MORE trains of the electric variety for a truly cost effective and comprehensive transit solution for the west end.
And speaking of caves, diesel is dinosaur technology compared to what other cities like Vancouver have.
I think there's some confusion here: The comments you're replying to are about the lack of public consultation regarding changes to the Wallace Ave. bridge. I really should move that discussion into it's own forum, as it's getting jumbled into this unrelated train wall topic.
NOTE: I have moved the discussion of the Wallace Ave. Footbridge to it's own forum.
Have you EVER checked the Metrolinx site or looked in the METRO paper on your commute to work? No, you probably DRIVE to work - creating at least five times the co2 emissions and forty times the particulate matter as a Tier 4 train!
Metrolinx has been posting on their site and in the paper regularly about meetings and information sessions, tours and opportunities to give opinions in writing. I've done so - and I'm supportive of it. I moved to the junction triangle so that I could stop using my car or a taxi to get to the airport - and I cannot wait for it to be in place! I wish I didn't have to.
You could have been involved years ago in the project but you didn't really care - because you probably just moved into the area - and ya dint seee da twain twacks... Go back to your cave and stay there. Progess is a good thing.
If anybody is responsible for alterations to the bridge it is the City Planning department (currently under Sara Phipps) who have wanted to expand the roads along the rail corridor since the mid 1970's. The developer of the property on Wallace, Fred Guth, did not want to put any street in at all in the first place. He was instructed that he did by City. So in fairness he is not directly responsible for putting a street through to Perth. It is this new street that would mean that the stairs on the bridge would have to be reconfigured for safety. The development has changed its parking access configurations twice based on public feedback from residents to the north at public meetings.
The planning department did make this change known at a public meeting about the site design but did not present any drawings or solicit any feedback so people basically were in the dark. I, on behalf of Friends of Railpath complained about this process and expressed concern that Railpath would be adversely effected. I told quite a few people in the area about this and also consulted with Eric Jokinen who did the 1996 report on restoring the bridge for the Architectural Conservatory of Ontario. He was kind enough to send me a copy of that report which clearly stated that the east stairs could not be saved but that the rest of the bridge could and should be for historical reasons.
A few of Friends of Railpath met with the City Planner and the developer and the councillor to find out what IF ANY changes were going to happen and how they would effect Railpath, something that we obviously know a lot about and have been working to expand and improve. We were shown very rough ideas about how the bridge stairs could be changed to accommodate the new street and we discovered that there was the possibility of making the public space at Wallace Railpath bigger. We gave our opinion on which idea we thought worked best with Railpath and made some suggestions for safety and lighting. It remains our wish that the bridge stay as it is but should there be changes we wanted to make sure that Railpath was not screwed up. The last thing I said to the Councilor and Sara Phipps from Planning as our site inspection finished was to take our suggestions into account and when a more detailed technical plan emerged to present it to the community for feedback. We have yet to hear anything back about this.
Although the ideas we were shown were very rough it is important to inform that what we saw showed that the original bridge will not be changed or moved. It is the replacement stairs that will be reused in a new way to land closer to Railpath after cutting under the existing bridge. And as I understand it no taxpayer money will be used to do this.
Back last July I emailed info and documents about all this to many people in the area including some of the posters and I also talked with people I know on Wallace and people I was seeing on another area committee. Frankly there was not much concern about it and I suspect that without having a plan to look at and react to it will remain that way. I still fully expect to see a meeting happen where people can be consulted and heard. Again, my position is to leave the bridge stairs where they are.
This Planning Departments lack of consultation thing is a real problem. I make note that in terms of Castlepoint there was tons of consultation, tons of meetings where the developers changed things based on community wants, and even with the community backing the project, and the Councilor backing the project Sara Phipps still said no. If one is interested in people making decisions for a whole community then one not look further than Planning. I suggest that people call the Councilor and Planning and ask when the meeting will be.
On the day of destruction - there should be a protest and an action of civil disobedience. This is a landmark - and it should not be touched for all the reasons mentioned above!
The bridge as we now know it, at least the east portion of it, perhaps more, will be destroyed to accommodate the new development. I emailed our councilor Ana Bailao back in the spring when I heard of this and asked if she could re-assure the community the bridge would not be touched. She did not respond. I suspect she knows the majority of residents will not be pleased so she snuck this one in under the radar. This is from a councilor who campaigned on "consultation consultation consultation" and "let the community decide".
The bridge was restored at great expense and effort (paid for with public money) in the 90's. Now that's going to be undone to satisfy the want of 1 developer. Must be nice to move into a community and change things around. I thought the residents had a say.
Ana showed plans to a select group of people in the summer but the issue was not (and should have been) whether or not the bridge would be touched but what design plan was more "popular". This also lends credibility to the concerns brought up during the election that Ana was too cozy with developers. Very disappointing on many levels.
Say goodbye to views like this: http://tiff.net/filmsandschedules/tiff/2012/storieswetell
The public consultation has been non-existant. No meeting notices, no chance for area residents to participate, no publication of design options or Minutes from private meetings with developers. This is a lousy arrangement.
After some initial upset members of Friends of Railpath, and residents of Wallace met with the developer and with the City planner last year to develop a solution that would not effect the historical aspects of the bridge and would not effect Railpath. The only part that is being changed is the east stairs (not original) are being reconfigured (and re-used). The historical preservation was important as this is one of the last bridges of its kind in Canada but also safety at night was considered too.
Once again I cannot say I was pleased that the city Planning Department makes choices that effect us without talking to us but I do thank the developer who is paying for the change and the additional lighting and design for coming out to meet us in person.
A historical note, many believe that the east stairs originally went north south like the west stairs but in fact the east stairs were always were they are today.
If the trees are one side of the fence or the other - if they are close, it provides the same effect for those who enjoy the path, really. Still a shame, I think...
What does this mean - can you give more information - or direct us to something official that is referring to this? This would be a neighbourhood tragedy - by it's age - would it not be protected as a heritage landmark - isn't it close to a 100+ years old?
Not only are we losing trees along the Railpath but the Wallace Ave. footbridge is going to be significantly changed to accommodate the new development going in on the old Glidden site. There was zero consultation with the community on that but plenty with the developer.
The wall itself shouldn't take up that much space. The trees are coming down because they are filling up the corridor with more tracks. The easternmost tracks will be almost right up against the Railpath (see the new bridges at Bloor and Dupont - right next to RP).
Also, they're not cutting any trees on the Railpath itself (or at least they shouldn't be!!). Any tree loss should be within their own property on the rail corridor.
I will definitely miss the foliage in the rail corridor though. Here's what it looked like in October 2009:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vgedris/4208221281
Nothing like large walls of separation to ghettoize a neighbourhood - and a nice BIIIIIG stretch of wall for garbage tag graffiti. When is the next neighbourhood meeting on this - this will not be good for the neighbourhood's property values, that's for sure.
I know they are just garbage weed trees, but they were nice to have around, and were at least a nice median of foliage - with leaves and some shade in the summer. Or is this a part of the impending huge wall of separation that is going up because of the noisy diesel? Either way - it's a bit of a shame, and I'm fearful and that we are losing some enjoyable and valuable components on our path with these continued Metrolinx changes.
You are right Scott, Andrew can't keep people(Anarchists) from coming into the hood, BUT he shouldn't of went to the DIGIN meeting that invited the Anarchists. No surprise with Jonah as he has a reputation of keeping friends like Anarchists. Not only do people in the hood notice this, so do other political parties as well(Conservatives, Liberals) both Provincially and Federally. This might come back to bit him in the butt later on. Greg knows first hand about the anarchists, after getting assulted by them few years back, so he has seen another side of them and I guess the police as well. Greg in your last posting you wrote about the anarchists invading our community, do you actually live in the hood or is this about the anarchists???? J
Somewhat of a generalization if you ask me. Andrew has been anti-nuclear since I met him in high school and thats his prerogative. He is the federal MP so it only makes sense for people who have the same views (on this specific issue) to suggest that people call him about it. Andrew Cash does not have any ability to block people from moving into an area and I know that he would be the last person to stop democratic protest even if he disagreed with it. 47 seconds of video has little evidentiary value in this case.
I dont think there is much support for these protesters or blocking trains in the community and most people probably feel that increased localized diesel exhaust from Metrolinx trains near our schools and playgrounds is a greater concern. Yes it would be politically bad for an MP or MPP to become too associated with Anarchists and people advocating unlawful activity but I think if you are going to jump onto this issue they come with the territory.
By the way it would seem that our community has been invaded by anti-anarchists too. : )
Andrew Cash refused to do anything about the anarchists who've invaded our neighbourhood- now they're blocking our roads and railway lines!
http://www.genuinewitty.com/2013/02/10/anarchists-for-andrew-cash/
I think there's a legal precedent out there where you can kick condo residents for extreme noise. Yes, a lawyer must be consulted. But why are you using your own lawyer. The condo management should look into this for the condo corp. Why fork out money on your own when this is a condo issue. You pay for condo fees and condo management should be the ones doing the legwork on this.
I filed a complaint with the condominium management.
I will see what they can do.
"Consultation" with Metrolinx is a one sided affair. Our democracy deserves better.