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Review Comments Spreadsheet
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 Project Name: Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) - Ontario Line Revised By: West Don Lands Committee (WDLC)
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Item No.Reviewer NameDescription Review Comment Response (Authors OLTA/Metrolinx)
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1WDLCWhile the Draft EIA provides a very comprehensive inventory of discrete impacts, in some areas it fails to account for the more global effects of this complex, multi-year infrastructure project. In other areas, such as construction impacts, we see the need for much more specific information about potential mitigation.Thank you for your comment. Globally, public transportation infrastructure is key to sustainable urban planning and design, socioeconomic development and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by providing a low emissions alternative to driving. The EIAR is meant to provide a high level impact assessment and provide mitigation recommendations based on the study area. As the design advances, specific mitigation related to construction will be further refined. Site specific mitigation plans and monitoring information will be provided to the community at the regular construction liaison committee (CLC) meetings.
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2WDLCImpact of the Ancillary Transit Oriented Community at the Corktown StationThe Draft EIA fails to consider the added socio-economic impacts of the Transit Oriented Community (TOC) development associated with the Ontario Line. As a program that is expressly authorized by the transit program, the TOC impacts should also have been considered in the EIA.Infrastructure Ontario is leading the transit-oriented communities program for the Ontario Line, which includes any developments above and beyond constructing the transit line itself. There is a separate consultation process related to the TOC program which is not covered within the extent of the EIAR. Additional details can be found at their website at engageio.ca
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3WDLCImpact of the Ancillary Transit Oriented Community at the Corktown StationThe expropriation of the First Parliament site and its absorption into the proposed Corktown TOC has overturned City and community plans for a civic and commemorative resource. As a result, the community stands to lose zoned parkland, open space, and the opportunity to protect the footprint of the
first Parliament buildings to create a heritage tourism hub. The loss of parkland to a community that already has access to only 10% of the city average, is significant, especially as the TOC expects to add another 1500 residential units to the immediate area. This impact is not acknowledged in the Draft EIA and as a result there is no consideration of appropriate mitigation. The loss of the community-building and economic potential of a cultural heritage hub is similarly an impact that should be considered as part of the socio-economic impacts of the Ontario Line.		See response to comment 2
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4WDLCImpact of the Ancillary Transit Oriented Community at the Corktown StationAs the Draft EIA points out, Old Town still has one of the largest concentrations of 19th century buildings in Ontario. While the Draft EIA notes the planning protections aimed at conserving this unique heritage landscape, it does not consider the province’s stated intention to alter the King-Parliament planning framework by driving “peak” development heights for the Corktown TOC to 46+-storeys.See response to comment 2
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5WDLCConstruction ImpactsThe Draft EIA makes only passing reference to construction coordination with concurrent municipal and private developments, but the question of how residents and businesses around the Corktown Station will survive the eight or more years of construction is not trivial.An important part of the planning and design work for a major project like this involves hearing from communities about the plans. Metrolinx has held numerous in-person and online open houses across the alignment over the past year to gather feedback. Drawing from this, Metrolinx has made refinements to plans and changes to construction methods to reduce community impacts and create a better fit for the neighbourhood.

Metrolinx will continue to work with communities to ensure a comprehensive array of measures are in place to address any construction impacts, such as noise, vibration or traffic impacts, and to ensure designs are sensitive and respectful of communities. Site specific mitigation plans and monitoring information will be provided to the community at the regular construction liaison committee (CLC) meetings.
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6WDLCConstruction ImpactsAs of last March, there were 15,000 units of residential condominium construction in the development pipeline around the station site. It is likely that number has already increased substantially. Ontario line construction at the Corktown, Moss Park and Queen Stations is estimated to generate more than 100 heavy truck trips in and out of the Old Town area every day. That is in addition to construction traffic generated by the private sector developments. In our relatively intimate environment, heavy equipment poses a real threat to quality of life and to life itself. We lost two members of the community in the past year to pedestrian/cement truck collisions. The general approach to mitigation suggested in the Draft EIA does not go nearly far in identifying mitigating measures that will keep our neighbourhoods safe, livable and vibrant.The potential for environmental impacts has been determined based on an understanding of the Project components, and how construction and operation of the Project will interact with existing environmental conditions. The impact assessment is based on conservative assumptions regarding potential impacts that could occur as a result of the Project. They are also based on existing environmental conditions, and information available at the time of the EIAR.

The Project design has considered methods to avoid potential negative environmental impacts and where potential negative impacts cannot be avoided, mitigation measures have been recommended. Monitoring activities have also been identified wherever required. This is based on condition at the time of the EIAR. During construction, contractors are to ensure that the health and safety of the public are protected in related to the work performed.
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7WDLCConstruction Impacts Where are the specific proposals as to how the massive activity associated with the Ontario Line (OL) will be coordinated with the private sector construction?The City of Toronto ensures overall coordination of construction activities in Toronto that are taking place at the same time. Metrolinx is not the only developer working in this area; however, Metrolinx will undertake efforts to participate in coordination of construction activities with other developers through the City.

The EIAR assesses the environmental impact of the Ontario Line project, and does not consider other private sector construction projects.
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8WDLCConstruction ImpactsWill Metrolinx lead and resource, for instance, the coordinating body that will surely be needed to manage safe and civilized use of the streets?Metrolinx is responsible for traffic management as part of the Ontario Line implementation and we work closely with the City of Toronto to ensure it is integrated with the overall City of Toronto traffic management.
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9WDLCConstruction Impacts• Is there a commitment to include the residential and business community in planning and monitoring the construction process?When Metrolinx plans to build transit in an area, we establish a Community Liaison Committee (CLC). CLCs are comprised of local residents who have an interest in the project’s construction and provide a forum for Metrolinx and the Project Constructor to share details about the work being done to maintain transparency with the community. CLCs also provide an opportunity for the community to share feedback on the project.

Closer to the beginning of construction, Metrolinx will also set up 24-hour hotline to get in touch in the event of an emergency or other occurrences outside regular work or business hours.
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10WDLCConstruction Impacts• Will Metrolinx ensure that its contractual arrangements with the South Civil constructor allow Metrolinx to require adjustments in work methods to address safety and quality of life concerns?Public safety is a top priority in all Ontario Line design work and during construction. The Constructors are contractually obligated to ensure the safety of the public. Metrolinx, may require the implementation of improved safety and quality measures through on-going monitoring.
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11WDLCConstruction Impacts• Is Metrolinx prepared to develop and live up to standards such as the Corporate Social Responsibility Code developed by the Canadian Construction Association?Metrolinx is committed to reducing GHGs and carbon emissions as we are implementing climate lens assessments on all subways project. The EIAR identifies potential environmental impacts and provides mitigation and monitoring measures. These measures will be considered and included within all project contracts.
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12WDLCConstruction ImpactsThe Draft EIA confirms for the first time that tunnelling work, and presumably removal of tunnelling debris (spoils) will take place around the clock. How will Metrolinx ensure that the residential population around the Corktown Station is not driven away because of unbearable overnight work? What is outlined in the Draft EIA is not at all reassuring.The tunnelling work at the surface of the Corktown laydown area will require nighttime work, as the TBM construction is expected to continue overnight. Metrolinx appreciates this impact, and is committed to ensuring that the overnight nighttime noise required for the project is minimized for the residential population around the Corktown location.
No truck traffic is expected overnight as soil will be stored temporarily on-site. Mitigations expected at the Corktown construction area include enclosing conveyors/drives, silencers/enclosures for fans and generators, and using quieter equipment. Table 4-9 of Appendix A6 - Noise and Vibration Report shows the predicted construction noise with these mitigations, and for receptors around Corktown most to be within the nighttime limit. For those showing predicted construction noise levels still above the nighttime limit (e.g. 301 Front St E), additional site-specific mitigations (as provided in Appendix K) can be applied to meet these limits.
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13WDLCConstruction Impacts• What is the plan to support downtown businesses during a construction period that could easily keep customers and visitors away from the East Downtown area?We are committed to ensuring local businesses remain accessible and successful throughout this important project.

Metrolinx will work with the business community to provide customized, tailored supports, from making sure store fronts are clear and easy to access, to working together on promotions and shop-local incentives, to helping them relocate to other nearby locations if their properties are needed to support construction.

We are also opening community offices along the route, with community engagement staff available during business hours to answer questions, provide updates and help support local businesses and organizations through construction. During construction, we will have a 24-hour hotline that will give the community direct access to someone who will listen to their concerns and help address any issues.

This will be an ongoing process, and we are committed to keeping an open, two-way dialogue going so we can continuously strengthen and improve our supports for local businesses.
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14WDLCConstruction ImpactsWhat is the mitigation strategy to ensure that the Old Town’s heritage resources can still be a successful tourist draw during the long construction period?Previously identified and potential built heritage resources and cultural heritage landscapes situated within the Old Town area have been considered within the Heritage Detailed Design Report. Potential direct and indirect impacts were considered for each resource and strategies developed to mitigate those impacts.
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15WDLCImpacts on Community FacilitiesThe Draft EIA looks very comprehensively at potential impacts on existing community assets such as parks and schools and libraries, but it fails to consider negative impacts on planned facilities.The EIAR works with the information available from the City of Toronto and other stakeholders at this time. Metrolinx continues to work with stakeholders to coordinate nearby planned projects to the Ontario Line.
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16WDLCImpacts on Community FacilitiesWithin the Downtown East, Ontario line staging requirements have delayed the development of a much-needed Toronto Public Library branch planned for the First Parliament site and, as already noted, the expropriate of the site for development has resulted in the loss of parkland and civic open space. In the West Don Lands, staging requirements for the OL Don River bridge, will result in at least a half decade delay in the construction of a long-awaited elementary school. These delays deprive the community of important resources and have negative impacts on the lives of families with young children. The Draft EIA should acknowledge these impacts and identify appropriate mitigation of the harm to the community.Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario are working closely with the City of Toronto to coordinate their plans for the library at the First Parliament site. Metrolinx continues to work with stakeholders to avoid impacts to future planned facilities as a result of the Ontario Line Project.
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