Ontario Line Should be Underground

Dear Minister Wilkinson, as has been pointed out by many others on this registry, we are in dire need of an Impact Assessment of the Ontario Line by the Federal government, specifically the above ground section that runs through the Riverside and Leslieville neighbourhoods. Metrolinx has been underhanded in their dealings with this community to date and Federal oversight is needed to ensure the safety of our neighbourhoods and environment. Metrolinx has taken shortcuts on the Environmental Assessment (EA) of the above ground portion of the line and have outright dismissed or ignored public and municipal concerns surrounding noise, vibration, safety setback distance and other. It is clear that Metrolinx has no desire of addressing any of these valid concerns and instead has taken a stance to not participate in community outreach altogether. Bill 171 allows construction to take place before an Environmental Impact Assessment has been published and this only serves to mute the voice of this community in their fight to protect their neighbourhoods. This is why we need the Federal government to “designate” the Ontario Line. We need you to hold Metrolinx accountable and ensure things are done right because without that, this neighbourhood will be a shell of its former self. 

We are for public transit but it should be done right and it should be underground.