Junction Triangle

GO Train at Bloor Station

Information from Metrolinx / GO Transit. You can download PDF copes of this flyer in English and French.

The Georgetown South (GTS) Project will provide infrastructure improvements to meet existing GO Transit ridership demand and future growth. It will also accommodate the new Union Pearson Express (formerly known as the Air Rail Link) service between Union Station and Pearson International Airport. This project is one of the key elements of The Big Move.

Bloor GO Station Construction Work begins January 28

What we are doing

• We are extending the existing north platform towards Ernest Avenue.
• This first phase of work involves utility relocation and installation of a shoring wall through the use of augured piles. We will also install construction hoarding along our property line adjacent to the West Toronto Railpath.
• After construction is fully complete in 2014, the new Bloor GO/UP Express station will be fully accessible with the following customer amenities:
  • A new ticket sales and customer service booth;
  • A platform snowmelt system;
  • Platform canopies;
  • New bike racks;
  • Station and train information boards;
  • New pedestrian tunnels with enhanced lighting and CCTV cameras;
  • New platform access from the West Toronto Railpath.

Via the latest email update from Metrolinx / GO Transit:

Closure of Old Weston/Junction Road Rail Crossing – Beginning January 26
The Old Weston/Junction Road Rail Crossing will be closed beginning January 26 until the summer. For more information, please read the construction update which was distributed to the community on January 14.

Although this is just outside of the Junction Triangle, the closure of Old Weston / Junction Rd makes navigation around the north-west side of the neighbourhood a bit more troublesome. It also seems to funnel more traffic through Osler and Dupont Streets.

Metrolinx Georgetown South Project Public Meeting

Metrolinx hosts its first public meeting in the Junction Triangle to provide an update on construction of the Pearson air-rail link and what we can expect in 2013. Got questions about construction plans, electrification, Noise Walls, or other train-related concerns? Metrolinx communications staff will be available to answer questions.

Junction Triangle/West Toronto Diamond
Thursday, February 21 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
110 Franklin Avenue

January 16, 2013

Mr. Bob Chiarelli
Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure
3rd Floor, Ferguson Block
77 Wellesley Street
Toronto, ON M7A 1Z8

Re: West Toronto Train Wall Summit

Dear Mr. Chiarelli:

Following on our meeting in November to discuss the electrification of the Georgetown South rail corridor, the Junction Triangle Rail Committee convened a meeting of West Toronto community groups on January 5th to discuss the Metrolinx plan to construct Noise Walls five metres tall along the route.

Community groups to express concern over air rail link barrier walls at weekend meeting
Bloor West Villager by Rahul Gupta

A west-end group concerned about a series of noise barrier walls planned by Metrolinx will hold a summit to discuss the issue this weekend.

Kevin Putnam of the Junction Triangle Rail Committee (JTRC) said his group has invited other community groups for a frank exchange on the controversial walls, which Metrolinx wants erected along the Georgetown South rail corridor.

Event information from Metrolinx:

The Georgetown South (GTS) Project will provide infrastructure improvements to meet existing GO Transit ridership demand and future growth. It will also accommodate existing and future VIA Rail and CN freight train service as well as the new Air Rail Link between Union Station and Pearson International Airport.

Bloor GO Station Public Meeting
GO Transit is committed to keeping you informed about our construction activities and infrastructure projects. In keeping with The Big Move, Metrolinx’s regional transportation plan, we are planning to update and improve Bloor GO Station, making it a more modern link to safe, comfortable and convenient public transportation by early 2015. The project involves station enhancements, including a new barrier-free pedestrian tunnel and rehabilitation of the existing pedestrian access from Bloor Street. The improved Bloor GO Station will also feature an Air Rail Link stop, providing a seamless connection from Union Station to Pearson International Airport .

You are invited to attend our public information session to learn about the upcoming plans for Bloor GO Station. Representatives from GO Transit, as well as the project’s consultants, will be on hand to answer questions.

Monday, December 10 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Lithuanian House
1573 Bloor Street West

The following meeting announcement come from Kelly Thornton at Metrolinx:

When: Thu, 1 November, 18:30 – 20:30
Where: 2054 Davenport Road, Toronto, Ontario (Toronto Police Service 11 Division) (map)
Description: Join us for the West Toronto Diamond Project Public Meeting to get an update on construction and what to look forward to in 2013.

Kelly Thornton
Community Relations

From the Junction Triangle Rail Committee:

Sunday, September 16, 2012
12 Noon – 3 p.m.
Perth Square Park (350 Perth Avenue)

For anyone wondering what the future of diesel train service in the Junction Triangle will look like, you can see it on display in Perth Square Park on Sunday, September 16 from Noon til 3 p.m.

Perth Square Park

Thursday, August 30, 2012

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

More diesel trains appear to be coming to the Junction Triangle (JT) as the provincial government rushes to build a rail link to the airport in time for the Pam Am Games in 2015. Frustrated by government’s unwillingness to address the shortcomings in their plan, Mothers of the Junction Triangle are hosting a potluck and taking their concerns directly to Premier Dalton McGuinty.

If you want to see electric trains running on the Georgetown corridor, join us in the park. There will be food, fun for the kids and a special direct line to the Premier’s office where everyone is invited to tell him what you think.

Lots of great things are happening in the Junction Triangle. Schoolyard revitalization and library expansion are underway because people are coming together with a shared purpose and aiming high. We can bring change to public transit in the same way; a shared purpose with the aim of persuading the decision-maker, Dalton McGuinty that electric rail is our choice.

August 8, 2012

Mr. Dalton McGuinty
Premier
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1

Re: Invitation to Meet Re: Diesel Train Service Expansion in West Toronto

Dear Mr. McGuinty:

Like a number of residents in the Junction Triangle in West Toronto, I am dismayed by the actions of your government related to the expansion of diesel train service and the Pearson airport rail link.

After years of delay and misinformation, the government’s own consultant stated clearly at a Metrolinx public meeting on June 27 that there are no technical issues preventing the construction of an electric rail airport link except the political will. Construction could be completed in time for the Pan Am Games (three years) and cost about $400-million.

It is regrettable that no member of your government attended this meeting to answer questions. During the past several years and repeated attempts to meet, no member of your government has ever attended a public meeting to address the concerns of Junction Triangle residents. As we experienced on June 27, a government agency and hired consultants with no decision-making authority have been put forward to deflect questions.

There are many good reasons to expand public transit, but nothing suggests rushing to install diesel technology in time for a two-week sporting event will have any benefit for the people in West Toronto forced to live with this legacy for the next generation.

Despite policy differences, you have always struck me as a pragmatic and reasonable person. Could we arrange a time to meet with you and the Transportation Minister to discuss this matter? Many thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Kevin Putnam
Junction Triangle Rail Committee

Cc. All members, Junction Triangle Rail Committee
JunctionTriangle.ca