MPP Christina Martin posted this on Facebook:
RE: Davenport Diamond Rail Crossing – TPAP
Dear Neighbours,
On January 18th, 2016 Metrolinx hosted it’s most recent public meeting regarding their proposal to remove the Davenport Diamond rail crossing by building an 1.4km elevated guideway through the existing GO rail corridor.
At this meeting we heard the community’s concerns regarding safety, noise, vibration, ridership, and the need for a full assessment of all of the options. As a result, I wrote to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, the Hon. Glen Murray on the community’s behalf, requesting that the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) be delayed until these concerns were properly addressed.
This afternoon Minister Murray responded to my letter stating that the Transit Project Assessment Process is a “proponent-led, self-assessment process,” meaning that the Minister does not have the authority to delay the submission of the Notice of Commencement set to begin on January 28th, 2016. Subsequently, Metrolinx will have 120 days to receive feedback from the public, which must be both addressed and documented. At the end of this period a final Environmental Project Report is submitted by Metrolinx to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. If outstanding concerns remain at the end of TPAP, residents can submit objections to the Ministry for consideration. Once TPAP is completed and objections are received, the Minister can either give the proponent a notice allowing the project to proceed; a notice requiring further consideration, or a notice allowing them to proceed subject to conditions set out in the notice.
I remain committed to holding Metrolinx accountable to a project that engages our residents and includes the types of world class legacy pieces that bring real benefits to our community. This means continuing to advocate for a new GO Station along this rail corridor so residents can utilize Regional Express Rail as an efficient, alternative and electrified mode of transit as well as ensuring that we connect communities within Davenport.
As your MPP, I will continue to take any concerns you may have directly to Metrolinx and the Minister of Transportation. As we move into the Transit Project Assessment Process for the removal of the Davenport Diamond, I want to encourage you to remain engaged and I look forward to hearing from all of you.
Sincerely,
Cristina