I have reviewed the proposed…

I have reviewed the proposed changes to the EA process as it relates to the Ontario Line listed here: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-0614 . I disagree with allowing these changes. Specifically, I do not want “objections to be addressed through an issues resolution process that Metrolinx would manage”. I do not trust Metrolinx to be responsible for the administration of issues resolution, given their track record.

I have followed the Ontario Line process closely and am appalled at how Metrolinx has handled community consultation to date. They seem to be only going through the process of having open house sessions so they can check that box, not to actually listen to the ideas of the citizens that will be affected by this transit.

The online comment board at https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/comment/4124#comment-4124 is full of thoughtful input by community members but the responses from Metrolinx are all virtually the same:
"Any decisions made on alignment and station location are in the interest of improving the customer experience, increasing access to transit, maximizing ridership, achieving travel time savings, and creating better access to jobs." This is not the sort of thoughtful answer people deserve.

It is a mistake to think that, because the Downtown Relief Line received Environmental Assessment approval in October 2018, the Ontario Line does not require a full and complete EA. The proposed routing and especially changing the plan to elevated rather than underground subway between Gerrard and the Don River means that an EA is essential. The citizens of Toronto want and need new transit, but it has to be done right. We don’t trust Metrolinx to do that.

Let me end by saying that even this process of giving comments is not being handled well. Citizens are expected to make comments on the Metrolinx website, to this forum for the EA changes and to Bill 171 (not to mention via email – I have yet to receive a response to my messages to the Minister of Transportation). We have busy lives and expecting us to find the best place to submit our concerns just adds one more barrier in the process of providing citizen feedback on projects that affect us. I will make my over-riding message here again in case it has been lost: the portion of the Ontario Line between Gerrard and the Don River should be underground. A comprehensive EA will reach this conclusion (in fact, the one completed in 2018 did exactly that.) Don’t skimp on the EA process or you will end up moving forward with a flawed plan.