April 17, 2009, 4 e-mails

V. G. wrote:

This project could have some major implications for our neighbourhood, potentially both good and bad. I posted a somewhat random collection of thoughts about it here, in the comments section:

http://www.southjunctiontriangle.ca/DavenportDiamondOpenHouse1

I know this grade-separation idea was brought up a few years ago. Does anyone have any notes from what happened back then?

Mike Sullivan wrote:

Metrolinx has commenced a second set of ‘open houses’ to ‘consult’ with the public. They have refused requests from councillors and MPPs to attend any public meetings they call.

Please make an effort to attend these open houses, or provide your comments via their website (www.metrolinx.com).

They have chosen a design for the project, and have rejected all of the demands of the Weston Community Coalition. We want the system electrified. They say no. We want John Street kept open. They say no. We want a real tunnel, not a ditch with a tiny piece covered. They say no. We want public transit with more stops. They say no.

Their ‘draft’ Environmental Study Report is incomplete. The remainder will not be available until June. It is a brief description of the project, but there is absolutely no detail on how the environment will be affected by this project. Studies of air quality from receptors along the line will NOT be undertaken, as there is not enough time. Instead, we have learned that they intend to use computer modelling to try to predict the levels of pollution, based in part on an existing air quality monitoring station at 125 Resources Rd (Weston and 401 area). They seem to agree that the standards for acceptable levels of air pollution in Ontario are seriously outdated. However, apparently the project will only have to meet those standards. Several kinds of carcinogens will not be part of that study. Studies of noise and vibration are being performed by a single individual, we have learned. No details as to how that will be conducted are available.

Both the air quality study team and the noise and vibration study individual will apparently be attending the open house, so you can speak to them yourselves.

You may have heard recently of noise concerns about the construction of a rail ditch at the junction. Old technology pile driving is being used, rather than bored hole technology. The pile driver explosions are going on for the next 18 months. The sound level at a nearby school is 107 decibels. No information is available on the technology to be used for the construction of ditches in Weston or at Strachan.

Our petition to the legislature has been answered by the Minister of Transportation, James Bradley. In it he states that Metrolinx intends to consult extensively for several months before the EA is started, and that no decisions have been made on the specific details. With respect Mr. Bradley, the decisions have been made, the EA has started, and our concerns have not been met.

We urge you to write to the premier, the minister and your politicians. Metrolinx clearly will not be listening, to anything but minor concerns.

Below are the times and dates for the remaining open houses, and the contact info for politicians.

Thanks

Mike Sullivan

Chair

Weston Community Coalition

OPEN HOUSES

Politician Addresses

From: Adam Giambrone

Toronto City Councillor
Ward 18 Davenport
Chair, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

Dear Resident,

Click on image to enlarge it.

Yesterday I met with GO Transit about their proposal for their Davenport Diamond Rail to Rail Grade Separation Project. They provided me with the attached image of the Snider rail to rail grade separation as an example of the kind of major structure they are proposing to run through our community.

I also was told that they had only advertised their upcoming open house, being held on Wednesday, April 22nd, in local newspapers. They have not sent a single flyer into our community to alert people to the major infrastructure they are proposing to build. This is clearly not good enough, so I have undertaken to have flyers delivered door to door over the next few days to the area bounded by Bloor, Dupont, Symington and Lansdowne to alert people to the upcoming open house. I have attached a copy of the GO Transit flyer for those who do not have it already.

I encourage you to distribute these GO Transit materials to interested residents so that people can either attend their open house, or call them directly, to tell GO Transit what you think about their proposal.

Yours truly,

H.W. wrote:

Sir or Madam,

Our dog used to go outside to relieve himself. Now he often refuses to. He relieves himself in the house, right after having been out. Formerly the train noises were not a problem but now they spook him. In other words the total noise, we think, is having an effect.

He also has some odd behaviors, such as licking his paws a lot.

This has cost us in vet bills.

I think the effects on pets should be collected since perhaps there is a cause of action.