Presentation from Metrolinx on GO Expansion Program, Impacts to Burlington Coming to Dec. 7 EICS Committee
Next week, at the Dec. 7 Environment, Infrastructure, Community Services (EICS) Committee meeting, I will be sponsoring the delegation from Kelly Anderson, Senior Manager, Community Stakeholder Relations for Metrolinx for Halton/KW, Hamilton/Niagara, to provide committee with an update on Metrolinx projects in Burlington, impacting Wards 2 and 4, but with city-wide implications.Background:Metrolinx is improving service as part of the GO Expansion Program by increasing train frequency and availability. The long-term goal and vision of the GO Expansion Program is to provide 15-minute two-way all-day service on core segments of the rail network. This will be a benefit to Burlington residents.GO Expansion consists of many different projects, including new trains, signals, systems and track. There are six elements of the project, five of which are undertaking a Transit Project Assessment Process or TPAP addendum regulated by the Province of Ontario.Two of these - New Track and Facilities TPAP and an Addendum to the GO Rail Network Electrification TPAP 2017 - impact Burlington.To learn more about the GO Expansion click here.New Track and Facilities:New infrastructure being proposed as part of the New Track & Facilities TPAP includes three new layover/storage facilities along various corridors, including Walkers Line (Lakeshore West Corridor) at Appleby GO.The Notice of Commencement for this TPAP was issued on September 8, 2020. The TPAP is in Round 3 of public consultation for the GO Expansion Program from November 27 to December 11, 2020.Round 2 of consultation was held online from August 18 to September 1, 2020.
During Round 2 of the consultation, a second location was identified, the New Beach Layover by Burlington GO. See map below. To view the materials from Round 2, click here.GO Rail Network Electrification:The GO Rail Network Electrification project also identifies the Walkers Line Layover at Appleby GO. Information is available here: https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/go-rail-networkelectrification-addendum-important-documents-0Impacts:The Beach Layover by Burlington GO is near a residential community. The Walkers Line Layover by Appleby GO impacts a potential business expansion. Burlington Economic Development has been actively engaged with the business, the local Member of Provincial Parliament and Metrolinx related to the site impacts here.Consultation:As noted, Metrolinx is currently undergoing public consultation via virtual open houses Nov. 27-Dec. 11. For details on the public engagement process visit https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/engagement-initiatives/go-expansion-programpic3 and review the process map below.
This engagement is the next step in the TPAP process as Metrolinx moves towards the Notice of Completion and public review of the Environmental Project Report.The information from previous rounds of public meetings can be found on www.Metrolinxengage.com/goexpansionprogram.Conclusion:Given the multiple wards affected and the potentially significant city-wide impacts of either location, it is beneficial for all of council to hear from Metrolinx with details about the proposed projects.Sponsoring the delegation from Metrolinx allows an opportunity for residents, agencies or other stakeholders to provide input to committee and council. Committee and council will have several options for action, from receive and file the information, to directing staff to review and report back on pros and cons of the projects, and if applicable, provide a recommendation that can form council’s official position to communicate to Metrolinx as part of their review.For more information, please click these links:
- EICS-C-04-20 Metrolinx MEMO to EICS Committee - DECEMBER 7 2020
- EICS-C-04-20 MMW Memo Sponsoring Metrolinx Delegation
How to Delegate/Provide Feedback:To delegate virtually at this meeting, complete the online delegation registration form at www.burlington.ca/delegate or submit a written request by email to the Clerks Department at clerks@burlington.ca by noon on Dec. 7. All requests to delegate must contain a copy of the delegate’s intended remarks that will be circulated to all members of committee in advance as a backup should any technology issues occur.If you do not wish to delegate, but would still like to submit your feedback, please email your comments to clerks@burlington.ca. Your comments will be circulated to committee members in advance of the meeting and will be attached to the minutes, forming part of the public record.As always, you can watch a live webcast of the CPRM Committee meeting on Dec. 8 at burlington.ca/calendar and clicking the “LIVE” link that appears below the date of the meeting shortly before its 9:30 a.m. start time.RELATED LINKS:
- Items coming to Dec. 7 EICS Committee:
- Items coming to Dec. 8 CPRM Committee:
- Update at Dec. 8 CPRM Committee on Downtown UGC/MTSA: Public Engagement Process & Next Steps
- CPRM Committee to be Asked to Endorse Staff Comments on Nelson Quarry to Ministry of Natural Resources & Environmental Registry
- Burlington Transit Five-Year Business Plan (2020–2024) Coming to Dec. 8 CPRM Committee
- CPRM Committee looks to Update Burlington's Sidewalk Warrant and Local Improvement Bylaw
- Items coming to Dec. 10 CSSRA Committee: