Abstract As the population of cities increase, the need for a single interconnected subway system will help to bring many new benefits and improvements to society. The Yonge subway expansion project will add new stations and bus terminals allowing for the connection of York region and the City of Toronto. This article will first give background information regarding the project and will discuss the status and problems of the plan. Further on, it will present data, research, and information regarding the Yonge subway extension and the many future social, environmental, and economical improvements that it will bring.
Yonge Subway Extension Project
Abstract
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction: Project Overview 1 Chapter 1: The Planning Process Financial Budget
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Chapter 2: Benefits
6
Benefits Case Analysis
8
Public Meetings
11
5
Conclusion End Notes
12
References
15
Bibliography
16
List of Figures
17
13
Appendix 19
Introduction Project Overview In 2007, the Province announced a new large scale transit plan called the MoveOntario 2020 transit vision. The idea was to initiate a 12 year regional transit plan that would create 52 new transit projects in the Greater Toronto Area and the region of Hamilton. The Province also promised 17.5 Billion dollars to the funding of these new transit projects.1 One of the projects was the plan of extending the Yonge subway line further north. In 2008, the Yonge Subway Extension project was approved by the Toronto Transit Committee, Metrolinx, the City of Toronto, York Region Transit, and the Municipality of York Region. This report discusses about the importance of the extension and the future benefits that it will bring.
Fig 2: City of Toronto Logo Fig 1: TTC Logo
Fig 3: York Region Logo
Fig 5: York Region Transit Logo Fig 4: Metrolinx Logo
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Planning Process The proposal of the Yonge subway station is to extend the Yonge subway line from the Finch Subway station to a new station of Richmond Hill Centre in York Region. This will stretch 6.8 to 7 km further and will introduce 6 new subway stations. The terminals built in Toronto would be Cummer/Drewry Station and Steeles Station, Clark Station, Royal Orchard Boulevard Station, Longbridge Road/Langstaff Road Station and Richmond Hill Centre Station.2 Bus terminals for the pickup and drop-off of passengers would also be added at Steeles station.3 By extending the subway system further north, there will be improved inter-regional connectivity and easier travel times from York region to Toronto.
Yonge Subway Extension Project Station Location
Station Spacing
Cummer/Drewry
0.85 km
Steeles Ave.
1.2 km
Clark Station
1 km
Royal Orchard Blvd.
1.9 km
Langstaff Rd/Longbridge Rd.
0.9 km
Richmond Hill Centre.
1.1 km
Total
6.95 km
Fig 6: A breakdown of the distances between each subway station.
Fig 7: A map of the 6 proposed subway stations.
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
Chapter 1: Planning Process
Fig 2:
Fig 8: By extending the Yonge subway system, there will be greater interconnectivity of access between the City of Toronto and York region.
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
Chapter 1: Planning Process
The planning process of the Yonge subway extension includes many different operations and steps. These processes come in the form of reviews, case studies, research, analyses, and proposals.4 The timeline below lists the major phases involved in the Yonge subway extension project. When the necessary information is gathered, construction procedures will begin. This step will take the most time out of the agenda as it is important to carefully review the data collected and other important information regarding the project. Fig 9 : A complete chart of the step-by-step phases and estimated completion dates involved in the major phases of planning.
Major Phase of Planning Complete Functional Design Provincial Project Approval Project Notice to Proceed/Initial Capitalization Project Management/Governance/AFP Property / CEAA Design/Engineering Construction Subway System Comissioning In-Service
Fig 10 : A 2009 timeline outlining the progress made towards the planning of the project.
Yonge Subway Extension Project
Estimated Completion 2008-2009 2008-2009 2009 2009-2010 2009-2011 2010-2013 2012-2016 2016 2016-2017
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Chapter 1: Planning Process
Financial Budget The estimated cost for the construction of the 6 stations is 2.4 billion dollars.5 This estimated amount of money was supposed to be funded primarily by the Province of Ontario and the Federal government, but updates on the project reveal that there have been no funding opportunities available to start the development.6 Instead, the municipalities of Toronto and York region have been left to fund the project on their own. This is a problem as the limited financial powers of these municipalities are not able to self-fund the project themselves.7 Without private funding from the government, the development of the project will be left with no choice but to be put on hold until appropriate and sustainable funding methods can be found.
Fig 11: A break down of the costs and spending associated with the Yonge Extension Project
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
Chapter 1: Financial Budget
Chapter 2: Benefits There are many benefits that occur due to the extension of the Yonge subway line including: more employment opportunities, more transit choices for individuals within the region, the connection of between municipalities of Toronto and York Region through the use of one transit system, and greater accessibility to individuals who do not own automobiles.8 Because the number of users on the Yonge subway line increases every year, the extension of the subway line will help to occupy this growing number. The graph data below is from 1996 to 2031 and it shows a gradual increase of users as each year passes. It is estimated that in 2031, this population will reach from 37,000 42,000 users per hour.9 By extending the subway line further north, this can help respond to the large number of users and also reduce the large build-up of people at Finch subway station.
Fig 12: The number of users using the Yonge Subway line is estimated to increase as we move forward into the future. By adding new subway stations and expanding, this will help in controlling the congestion. 6
Yonge Subway Extension Project
Chapter 2: Benefits
Fig 13: Presently, there is a large amount of traffic congestion at Finch station. When the new extension is complete, there will be a decrease of congestion and environmental pollutants.
Fig 14: Build-up of transit users at Bloor Station on the Yonge Subway line as of 2009 7
Yonge Subway Extension Project
Chapter 2: Benefits
Benefits Case Analysis The Metrolinx Benefits Case Analysis (BCE) is a detailed report that was done in 2009 that summarizes the social, economic, and environmental impacts that may occur during the construction stages of the project and also the aftereffects of when the stations are complete. This case study is important to the community because it compares and analyses the benefits and consequences of alternative options. The study also acts as a manual so that public interest groups are able to learn more about the project in greater detail. The three alternative options listed in the report are10: Option 1: Subway extension of up to 6 stations Option 2: Subway exteison of up to 5 stations Option 3: Bus Rapid transit extension with improvements made on the Richmond Hill Go service line. Data was compared by using different variables to show the positive and negative results of each option. The study acts as a manual to the public interest groups so that they will be able to understand and learn more about the Fig 15 : The Yonge North project in greater detail. Based on the positive results generated by the extension of the subway to 6 stations, option one was chosen.
Subway Benefits Case report conducted by the Metrolinx in 2009 is useful for both officials and public interest groups as it outlines the benefits associated with the expansion.
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
Chapter 2: Benefits Case Analysis
Environmental Benefits By extending the Yonge subway system, the amount of people using public transit will increase and the amount of people using automobiles will decrease. Thus, the environmental benefits will be a reduction in the amount of CO2 gas emissions. The amount in environmental savings generated is estimated to be 11.1 Million dollars.11
Fig 16: Chart showing the reduction of Carbon Dioxide gas reduction in the year 2021 to 2031 and the environmental savings.
Social Benefits The social benefits that will occur are that transit users will have greater accessibility to nearby subway stations. The extension of the subway system will also be beneficial socially as it will attract approximately 2.2 million new users due to the ability to travel from Toronto to York region.12 This improved accessibility will promote the use of other transportation methods such as public transit, walking, and bicycling. For example, individuals from York region will no longer have to drive to a subway station in Toronto when they need to work or travel. Instead, they can one go to one of the new subway stations in York region. Overall, this will help benefit the social community as it is healthier and more sustainable for the entire neighbourhood.
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
Chapter 2: Benefits Case Analysis
Fig 18: The extension of the subway will promote the use of bicycles and other modes of transportation to subway stations. Fig 17: Users will no longer have to use automobiles to travel to Toronto or York region as both York region and Toronto transit systems will make it easier to travel Economic Benefits There are many economic benefits that the Yonge subway extension brings such as: employment for individuals during the construction process and also opportunities when construction is finished, an increase in the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), and improvements in the standard of living for many people.13 As the chart shows, the number of people employed will be between 13,000 to 21,800 people. All in all, the data collected shows that the subway extension will be economically beneficial to all.
Figure 19: Economic benefits due to expansion of subway system.
Yonge Subway Extension Project
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Chapter 2: Benefits Case Analysis
Public Information Meetings One of the most important benefits of this project is that it helps to increase the participation of public interest groups on the project. Individuals and residential groups become interested and concerned because it is a large project that will have a positive and negative impact in the community and neighbourhood that they live in.14 People will have different reactions to the development. As people gather together to understand and voice their concerns, they will become more educated and can influence the decision making process of the project.15
This public hearing process is also important for the officials and professionals involved in the planning and development of the project. As a transit and community planner, it is important to remember that planning is a tool used to serve public interest and community groups.16 To best address the concerns and needs of the community, public meetings and hearings are held monthly to provide answers to these questions. Updates are on a regular schedule, so that the public are able to keep track of new updates and information.17 By finding out about the responses and reactions of public interest groups, we can effectively determine the important concerns and problems that the public are worried about. In this way, we will be able to better address these issues.
Fig 20, 21 and 22: Public meetings and hearings allow for greater public participation and an increase in knowledge about the project. It is essential in the planning and development process of the project.
Yonge Subway Extension Project
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Chapter 2: Public Meeting
Conclusion The Yonge subway extension is an important beneficial project that will promote the use of public transit more frequently as travelling between the City of Toronto and York region will be made easier and less automobile dependent. Benefits will also be seen in the long run through improvements in the environment, social and economic sectors of the community. As such, accessibility to locations for the public will be greater as the system expands into a single inter-regional transportation system. Before the step of construction can begin, there will need to be reviews and careful considerations of the impacts that will follow with the plan. Thus, the Yonge subway extension is one of the big plans on MoveOntario’s agenda that will surely have a significant positive outcome.
Fig 23: Reviews and careful considerations of each option by professionals will need to be made before the construction can begin.
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
Conclusion
Endnotes Ontario Government. McGuinty Government Action Plan For Rapid Transit Will Move The Economy Forward. (2007).
1
Steer Davies Gleave. Yonge North Subway Extenesion Benefits Case Analysis. (2009). slide 1
2
Steer Davies Gleave. Yonge North Subway Extenesion Benefits Case Analysis. (2009). slide 1
3
VivaNext. Yonge Subway Extension Transit Project Assessment Toronto Public Meeting. (2009).
4
5
Fantauzzi, J. York Region. No private funding fix subway extension. (2011).
6
Fantauzzi, J. York Region. No private funding fix subway extension. (2011).
7
Fantauzzi, J. York Region. No private funding fix subway extension. (2011).
VivaNext. Yonge Subway Extension Transit Project Assessment Toronto Public Meeting. (2009).
8
VivaNext. Yonge Subway Extension Transit Project Assessment Toronto Public Meeting. (2009).
9
Steer Davies Gleave. Yonge North Subway Extenesion Benefits Case Analysis. (2009). slide 1
10
Steer Davies Gleave. Yonge North Subway Extenesion Benefits Case Analysis. (2009). slide 28
11
Steer Davies Gleave. Yonge North Subway Extenesion Benefits Case Analysis. (2009). slide 39
12
Steer Davies Gleave. Yonge North Subway Extenesion Benefits Case Analysis. (2009). slide 31
13
14
Hodge, G,. & Gordon, L.A, D,. Planning Canadian Communities, (2008). 282 13
Yonge Subway Extension Project
Endnotes
Endnotes 15
Hodge, G,. & Gordon, L.A, D,. Planning Canadian Communities, (2008). 282
16
Hodge, G,. & Gordon, L.A, D,. Planning Canadian Communities, (2008). 284
17
Hodge, G,. & Gordon, L.A, D,. Planning Canadian Communities, (2008). 285
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
Endnotes
References Fantauzzi, J,. (2011). York Region. No private funding fix subway extension. Retrieved on Apr 04, 2011. From: http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/975328--no-private-fundingfix-for-yonge-subway-extension. This news article talks about the financial problems that the York region and City of Toronto are currently facing. The Provincial and Federal governments have not offered any funding to continue the process and thus the status of the project is on halt.
Ontario Government. (2007). McGuinty Government Action Plan For Rapid Transit Will Move The Economy Forward. Retrieved on Mar 27, 2011. From: http://news.ontario. ca/opo/en/2007/06/mcguinty-government-action-plan-for-rapid-transit-will-move-theeconomy-forward.html This provides background information on the region wide transit plan that was announced by the McGuinty Government in 2007. The plan of a single transit movement called MoveOntario is a future plan that features new transit projects.
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
References
Bibliography Hodge, G,. & Gordon, L.A, D,. (2008), Planning Canadian Communities, Nelson, Thomson Canada Limited, Toronto, ON., pg. 282, 284, 285. This document discusses the importance of holding public meetings and hearings for public interest groups. It explains in detail that feedback, opinions, concerns, and questions are all part of the planning process and that that the data collected from the public interest groups will be used in planning process of the project.
Steer Davies Gleave. (2009). Yonge North Subway Extenesion Benefits Case Analysis. Retrieved on Mar 29, 2011. From: http://www.metrolinx.com/mx/docs/ Yonge-North_BCA_Report_FINAL.pdf This document is an in-depth report prepared by the Metrolinx for the Yonge Subway Extension project. It is a series of reviews and case studies used to compare alternative options to the development. It also uses the research collected to compare and list the benefits associated with each option.
VivaNext. (2009). Yonge Subway Extension. Retrieved on Mar 27, 2011. From: http://www.vivanext.com/assets/files/pdfs/YSS_ExecutiveSummary_FINAL_web.pdf This summary by the Viva transit system presents an overview of the environmental benefits and the plan implementation procedures. It also highlights key topics such as the importance of public hearings and meetings and how they can affect the project.
Wheeler, C,. (2008). Toronto Transit Comission. Yonge Subway Extension Recommended Concept/Project Issues. Retrieved on Mar 3, 2011. From: http:// www3.ttc.ca/PDF/About_the_TTC/yonge_subway_extension_recommended_concept_ project_issues_de.pdf This document provides an in-depth case analysis of the Yonge Subway Extension project and presents important information such as the environmental, social and economical benefits of the completed project. It is useful for providing information and specific statistics on short and long term effects of the project.
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
References
List of Figures Introduction: Project Overview Figure 1: Toronto Transit Committee Logo. 2011. Retrieved on Mar 25, 2011 From: http://www3.ttc.ca/ index.jsp. Figure 2: City of Toronto Logo. 2011. Retrieved on Mar 25, 2011. From http://www.toronto.ca. Figure 3: York Region Logo. 2011. Retrieved on Mar 25, 2011. From: http://www.york.ca/default.htm Figure 4: Metrolinx Logo. 2011. Retrieved on Mar 25, 2011. From: http://www.metrolinx.com/mx_pgm/ en/default.aspx Figure 5: York Region Transit Logo. 2011. Retrieved on Mar 25, 2011. From: http://www.yorkregiontransit.com/ Figure 6:A breakdown of the distances between each subway station. Figure 7: A map of the 6 proposed subway stations. VivaNext. (2009). Retrieved on Mar 27, 2011. From: http://www.vivanext.com/assets/files/pastConsultations/november_28/Subway_handout.pdf. 2 Figure 8: By extending the Yonge subway system, there will be greater interconnectivity of access between the City of Toronto and York region. VivaNext. (2009). Retrieved on Mar 28, 2011. From: http:// www.vivanext.com/assets/files/pastConsultations/jan_23_09/January_20_PCC_presentation.pdf. 2 Figure 9: A complete chart of the step-by-step phases and estimated completion dates involved in the major phases of planning. VivaNext. (2009). Retrieved on Mar 28, 2011. From: http://www.vivanext. com/assets/files/pastConsultations/jan_23_09/January_20_PCC_presentation.pdf. 55 Figure 10: A 2009 timeline outlining the progress made towards the planning of the project. VivaNext (2009). Retrieved on Mar 28, 2011. From: http://www.vivanext.com/assets/files/pastConsultations/ jan_23_09/January_20_PCC_presentation.pdf. 5 Figure 11: A break down of the costs and spending associated with the Yonge Extension Project. City of Toronto. (2009). Retrieved on Mar 28, 2011. From: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/ex/bgrd/ backgroundfile-17894.pdf. 7 Figure 12: The number of users using the Yonge Subway line is estimated to increase as we move forward into the future. By adding new subway stations and expanding, this will help in controlling the congestion. VivaNext (2009). Retrieved on Mar 30, 2011. From: http://www.vivanext.com/assets/files/ pastConsultations/jan_23_09/January_20_PCC_presentation.pdf. 15 Figure 13: Presently, there is a large amount of traffic congestion at Finch station. When the new extension is complete, there will be a decrease of congestion and environmental pollutants. CTV News. (2009). Retrieved on Mar 31, 2011. From: http://mynews.ctv.ca/mediadetails/885053?siteT=toronto
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
List of Figures
Figure 14: Build-up of transit users at Bloor Station on the Yonge Subway line as of 2009. VivaNext (2009). Retrieved on Mar 30, 2011. From: http://www.vivanext.com/assets/files/pastConsultations/ jan_23_09/January_20_PCC_presentation.pdf. 22 Figure 15: The Yonge North Subway Benefits Case report conducted by the Metrolinx in 2009 is useful for both officials and public interest groups as it outlines the benefits associated with the expansion. Steer Davies Gleave. (2009). Yonge North Subway Extenesion Benefits Case Analysis . Retrieved on Mar 29, 2011. From: http://www.metrolinx.com/mx/docs/Yonge-North_BCA_Report_ FINAL.pdf Figure 16: Chart showing the reduction of Carbon Dioxide gas reduction in the year 2021 to 2031 and the environmental savings. Steer Davies Gleave. (2009). Yonge North Subway Extenesion Benefits Case Analysis . Retrieved on Mar 29, 2011. From: http://www.metrolinx.com/mx/docs/Yonge-North_ BCA_Report_FINAL.pdf Figure 17: Users will no longer have to use automobiles to travel to Toronto or York region as both York region and Toronto transit systems will make it easier to travel. VivaNext (2009). Retrieved on Mar 28, 2011. From: http://www.vivanext.com/assets/files/pastConsultations/jan_23_09/January_20_ PCC_presentation.pdf. 2 Figure 18: The extension of the subway will promote the use of bicycles and other modes of transportation to subway stations. Toronto Star. (2008) Riders weigh in on ‘essential service’. Retrieved on Apr 2, 2011. From: http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/416371. Figure 19: Economic benefits due to expansion of subway system.Steer Davies Gleave. (2009). Yonge North Subway Extenesion Benefits Case Analysis . Retrieved on Mar 29, 2011. From: http://www. metrolinx.com/mx/docs/Yonge-North_BCA_Report_FINAL.pdf Figures 20, 21, and 22: Public meetings and hearings allow for greater public participation and an increase in knowledge about the project. It is essential in the planning and development process of the project. VivaNext (2009). Retrieved on Apr 2, 2011. From: http://www.vivanext.com/assets/files/pdfs/ YSS_ExecutiveSummary_FINAL_web.pdf Figure 23: Reviews and careful considerations of each option by professionals will need to be made before the construction can begin. The Globe and Mail. (2010). Retrieved on Apr 2, 2011. From: http:// www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/inside-city-hall/?page=5.
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
List of Figures
Appendix City of Toronto. (2008). Yonge Subway Extension – Environmental Assessment Submission and Project Update. Retrieved on Mar 30, 2011. From: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/ex/bgrd/ backgroundfile-17894.pdf Fleischer, D., (2009). Metrolinx, Region still Working on Subway Extension Goal. Retrieved on Mar 29, 2011. From: http://www.yorkregion.com/Article/550073 VivaNext. (2008). Past Meetings: Yonge Extension. Retrieved on Apr 1, 2011. From: http://www.vivanext.com/past_ consultations_subways VivaNext (2009). Yonge Extension. Retrieved on Mar 29, 2011. From: http://www.vivanext.com/yonge_extension VivaNext. (2009). Yonge Subway Extension Transit Project Assessment Toronto Public Meeting. Retrieved on Mar 30, 2011. From: http://www.vivanext.com/assets/files/pastConsultations/jan_23_09/January_20_PCC_presentation.pdf
Traffic congestion on the subway.
Roberts, R. (2009). Toronto plays hardball on York subway extension. National Post. Retrieved on Apr 1, 2011. From: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/ blogs/toronto/archive/2009/01/05/toronto-plays-hardball-on-york-subway-extension.aspx
By extending the subway there would be a decrease in congestion situations like this.
Marshall, S. (2008). The case for a Downtown Relief Line. Spacing Toronto. Retrieved on Apr 1, 2011. From: http://spacingtoronto.ca/2008/04/14/the-case-for-a-downtown-relief-line/
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Yonge Subway Extension Project
Appendix
Yonge Subway Extenstion Project Prepared by: Colin Pang Student Number 500395362