In favour of full impact and environmental assessment of the Ontario Line

Reference Number
137
Text

The original plan was for the Ontario Line to be an underground subway line. Metrolinx has changed this to an above ground rail line, cutting through many communities, with little or no consultation with the local residents, businesses and schools that an above ground rail line would impact.

I have been following Metrolinx's invitations for community engagement for the past year, and it seems that they only use those opportunities to talk about what they're going to do, and not actually allow for public consultation.

The current plan has the rail line taking over the land belonging to a community centre that serves underprivileged youth; it would encroach on land that is currently an elementary school; it would significantly increase the amount of train traffic, and hence noise and pollution, along a fairly quiet rail line. What is the impact on human health? On wildlife? On community services?

Bill 171 allows construction to take place before the Environmental Impact Assessment is published. This is nonsense! Construction should not begin unless we understand the risks and effects of such a rail line, and give those affected by it, an opportunity to provide their input.

In addition, given that we are still in a pandemic and that demand for transit is generally reduced, the postponement of the Ontario Line to allow for proper impact and environmental assessments makes sense at this time.

Submitted by
Lu Na
Phase
N/A
Public Notice
N/A
Attachment(s)
N/A
Comment Tags
Air Quality Noise Migratory Birds Wildlife / Habitat General opposition to project Human Health and Well-Being Assessment Timelines / Process Community / Regional Infrastructure Local Population
Date Submitted
2021-03-08 - 2:19 PM
Date modified: