Today, Metrolinx kicks off a series of public consultations on the Sheppard Subway Extension, a pivotal project for rapid transit connectivity across Toronto’s north end. Following an initial round of consultations back in November, 2023, these three latest sessions, from June 18 and 25, look to gather further community input for this extension, which will forge stronger links to Yonge-University Line 1 and Bloor-Danforth Line 2, as well as up to three GO Transit train lines.
The first of three community consultations will take place tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto. Planned as an extension of the existing Sheppard Line 4, the project proposes to extend the subway line both eastward and westward. Additionally, it is set to intersect with the proposed alignment of the Eglinton East LRT Along with easier and faster movement across the Greater Toronto Area, it aims to drive economic development along Sheppard Avenue, stimulating job creation and boosting local businesses by better connecting residential areas with business hubs.
Metrolinx's project and planning process for the extension is at the Initial Business Case (IBC) stage, used to review the project at a high level. Input from the community is encouraged, with the complete schedule of consultation meetings listed below:
- Tuesday, June 18 at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, located at 5183 Sheppard Avenue East, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
- Thursday, June 20 at the Earl Bales Community Centre, located at 4169 Bathurst Street, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
- Tuesday, June 25 at the Parkway Forest Community Centre, located at 55 Forest Manor Road, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Those unable to attend in person can provide feedback through the project website.
Insights and opinions gathered during the community consultations play a role in the IBC, which assesses the project’s potential impacts and benefits at a high level, with the intention that the transit solutions align with the community’s long-term needs and preferences.
Proposals being discussed range from extending the subway line in multiple directions to varying the types of service provided, such as underground or elevated tracks, and adjusting the frequency and capacity of service. Each proposed concept varies in its route, station locations, and service type. These consultations look to fine-tune these early concepts, exploring critical trade-offs such as faster service with fewer stops versus more accessible service with more stops, based on public preferences.
Metrolinx encourages everyone to actively participate in the upcoming community consultations. Your engagement contributes to a more democratic and community-focused planning process, whether you attend in person or provide feedback through the project website. Voice your opinions, share your experiences, and play a direct role in improving the transit infrastructure that supports your daily life. Don’t miss this opportunity to help shape Toronto’s transit future!
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