A few weeks ago we talked about how studies are now underway for a new rapid transit line known as the Relief Line (also as the DRL) that would bring some relief to the Bloor-Danforth Subway and especially the over-capacity Bloor-Yonge interchange station, by connecting Line 1 in Downtown Toronto to Line 2 east of the Don River. While four public meetings were held earlier this month to assess route location alignment and station location options, the City of Toronto and the TTC are still looking for feedback from people through an online survey, linked here, until Friday, March 27. Following is a video released by the City of Toronto highlighting the stakes of the Relief Line.

Divided into four phases, the Project Assessment has started last spring with the development of a public consultation plan (Phase 1A) before moving to Phases 1B and 2, currently undertaken simultaneously to ensure their quick completion. To support the public consultation and educate the public about the existing and future conditions, a technology analysis and earlier studies are available for the readers to consider before voicing their opinion. It is reminded that the evaluation criteria here is about serving people, strengthening and supporting the prosperity of the city. The survey allows participants to place pins on a map to point out, among other things, heritage and natural features, key destinations and potential development areas. 

The assessment will result in a long list of potential station locations as well as a precise evaluation framework and criteria to be applied throughout the study. The long list will be analyzed and evaluated during Phase 3 to release a short list where the potential in-line and terminus stations will undergo a strict assessment taking into consideration criteria such as potential future developments in their vicinities, traffic flow in these areas, or the best way and location to cross the Don Valley.
 

Relief line study area, image courtesy of the TTC

From there, a series of preliminary alignment options will be determined, leading to Phase 4 for further analysis and evaluation focused on environmental impacts at a greater level of detail. Mitigation measures would also be developed to attempt to address negative impacts. The results of this study, containing a shortlist of route and station locations is to be revealed later this year, as its completion is due by late 2015 or early 2016.

If you wish to learn more, you can visit reliefline.ca or go on Twitter and follow @CityPlanTO. To give your input by March 27, fill in the survey here. UrbanToronto will keep a close eye to this major project for our city. In the meantime, if you wish to get involved in the conversation, you can leave a comment in the section provided at the bottom of this page.