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Custodians:

47 e-mails in May

May 31, 2009, 2 e-mail

R. H. wrote:

Here is the list of dates for the final Metrolinx Open houses:

Final Open Houses

Metrolinx today announced the final round of open houses in the current Environmental Assessment.

The Schedule is:

Monday, June 8

3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Weston Park Baptist Church

1871 Weston Road

Toronto, ON M9N 1V9

Tuesday, June 9

3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The Lithuanian House

1573 Bloor Street West

Toronto M6P 1A6

Wednesday, June 10

3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Mount Dennis United Church

71 Guestville Avenue

Toronto, ON M6N 4N4

Tuesday June 16

3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fort York

Blue Barracks Room

100 Garrison Road

Toronto, ON M5V 3K9

Wednesday June 17

3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Holiday Inn Select

Caledon Centre Ballroom

30 Peel Centre Drive

Brampton, ON L6T 4G3

Thursday June 18

3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Holiday Inn – Toronto Airport East

The Centennial Ballroom

600 Dixon Road

Toronto, ON M9W 1J1

We urge all of you to attend, to bring friends, neighbours and family, and to demand that this line be electrified from the outset.

From: Clean Train Coalition

Join our mailing list at www.cleantrain.ca

It’s been a busy few weeks! Here is a quick campaign update to keep you in the loop. Thank you for signing up to our mailing list and helping us prove that Clean Transit is Possible!

Third Round of Open Houses

Metrolinx has just announced its third round of Open Houses, which will be held between June 8 and June 18. Plan to visit the Open Houses and make your concerns known! And wait for further news about a campaign action opportunity at the upcoming sessions. Click here for more information on exact dates and locations: http://www.metrolinx.com/gsse/community/open_house.aspx

Electrification Study Announced – CTC to sit on Advisory Council

GO Transit will begin a study this summer on electrifying its entire train system. This is incredible news and a clear response to the immense public pressure we’ve all been able to mount in such a short time. The Terms of Reference for the study, and the study itself, will be overseen by an Advisory Committee, including a member of the Clean Train Coalition. Click here to learn more: http://http://www.thestar.com/article/640319

Of course, our fight isn’t over yet! We want to make sure that this study will really lead to electric transit, and that the Georgetown South Service Expansion and other residential corridors will be top priorities for implementation. As importantly, we want to make sure that there is no investment in diesel infrastructure until the study is complete.

Strachan Superbridge

Our friends in Liberty Village – and fans of sensible urban planning everywhere – scored a major victory as Metrolinx agreed to revise its previous plans for a "Super Bridge" over Strachan Avenue. A huge public outcry, supported by local City Councillors, made sure that Metrolinx adjusted its plans to consider the needs of the local neighbourhood. Click here for more: http://smsbsa.ca/

Release of The Better Move

The Clean Train Coalition held a press conference at Queen’s Park on May 27 to announce the release of the précis of The Better Move, an alternative vision for integrated rail transit in our region. To dowload a copy of the Better Move, visit http://www.cleantrain.ca/pressroom.php

Public Meeting, June 2 @ Fern School

This Tuesday, June 2, CTC is sponsoring an Information/Strategy meeting at Fern Avenue Public School (128 Fern Ave.), 7:00pm – 9:00pm. This meeting, arranged with the support of TDSB Trustee Irene Atkinson, will provide a fact-based overview of the negative effects of Metrolinx’ plans for rail expansion, and a forum for ideas on how best to apply political pressure on various levels of government to push for electrification of the Georgetown Corridor. Various local politicians, trustees and parent council reps are planning to attend.

Legal Fight

On the legal front, the CTC is focusing on three areas: We are examining the Environmental Assessment process which is being conducted by Metrolinx; we are talking to City Councillors about the very serious public health concerns arising from diesel trains, and; we are also dicussing the potential for a class-action lawsuit associated with the increased noise of diesel trains as well as the health impacts of exposure to diesel exhaust.

Next Steps: Fundraising, Lobbying, Getting the Word Out

Stay tuned for updates on fundraising activies. And if you haven’t yet sent a letter to the Premier and the key Ministers, download a copy at http://www.cleantrain.ca.

We’re now planning a campaign to get posters into your hands and around your neighbourhoods. Stay tuned for more. In the meanwhile, if you are aware of any community events that would make a great opportunity to get the word out – or if you can lend a hand sharing our message in your community – send a note to outreach@cleantransit.ca

Help get the word out - get your neighbours to sign up to http://www.cleantrain.ca

May 30, 2009

R. M. wrote:

Hello, can you e-mail me the dates and times of the upcoming Metrolinx open houses. I couldn't download the attachments.

C. wrote:

sorry R. they did not include the dates in their attachment. I would check the local newspapers for their upcoming dates as this seems to be their method of communication thus far.

May 29, 2009, 4 e-mails

K. M. wrote:

I appreciate the support that we have been given as citizens by the politicians. My impression is that the politicians West of the tracks have been very helpful while East of the tracks ( where I live and am a constituent) their support - including Adam Giambrone and Tony Ruprecht - has been ambivalent and wavering.

So this is a slight modification to the persons listed below as supportive

May 28, 2009, 7 e-mail

R. wrote:

I don't understand how this is a victory since these "improvements" were dismissed by the West Diamond Group/Hook Ave in past meetings with GO. Now they propose the same thing and it's a 'victory'. I understand that there is a date now - June 8, but if it was seen by the community as not a solution, why is it a victory now? It's not enough. Unless there is an strategy on how to deal with it, it seems more like stalling on the part of GO. I heard Cheri on CBC this morning and I appreciate her saying we have reason to be skeptical, but that means we have to wait until June 8 to say it's not enough and then listen to GO grandstand again.

Anyway, the interviewer on the CBC was good at describing how bad the pile drivers are. I hope there is a strategy on how to deal with the piledriving after June 8 because we all know and have already said it's not enough.

May 27, 2009, 4 e-mail

M. M. wrote:

Some good news neighbours.... GO has agreed to study electrification for all of its rail corridors, including ours. A huge step in the right direction though no news yet on whether the Union Pearson link operated by SNC-Lavalin will also consider electrifying.

The Globe and mail: Metrolinx to study all-electric GO trains May 27, 2009.

Great work Clean Train Coalition and all of those who sent in letters! Keep it up.

May 25, 2009, 2 e-mail

C. V. wrote:

Member Motion
City Council
NOTICE OF MOTION
MM36.1 ACTION
Ward: 11, 13, 14, 17, 18

Support for West Toronto Residents – Excessive Noise from the Railto- Rail Diamond Grade Separation Project - Councillor Palacio, seconded by Councillor Nunziata

  • Notice of this Motion has been given.
  • This Motion is subject to referral to the Executive Committee. A two-thirds vote is required to waive referral.

May 23, 2009, 1 e-mail

R. K. wrote:

A point I'd like to emphasize that Jan made, keep a log and not in digital form, it should be hand written in a book that can't have pages added to it (it is not something that you wrote after the fact). Get everyone that is affected to write in the book and date each entry. Those with dexterous pets can get them to add their comments too! It won't be enough to say you suffered months of punishing noise but if you hold up a book with day after day of notes detailing your suffering, that will have impact and will be highly regarded as evidence.

May 22, 2009, 3 e-mails

M. D. wrote:

Hello, can a request be made to the City of Toronto to have Street washing trucks employed daily to clean the streets surrounding the GO construction site, in an attempt to keep the dust/dirt down from the site? Since the beginning of the construction process the streets in our neighbourhood, our verandas and our cars have been covered in sooty grime, regular washing of the streets will help to minimize these issues.

Your help in making this happen would be greatly appreciated.

May 21, 2009, 1 e-mail

From: Elizabeth Littlejohn

Here is the link for my blog for your CELOS site regarding working on the clean train campaign- I would be pleased if you would post it on the CELOs site.

http://railroadedbymetrolinx.blogspot.com/

May 19, 2009, 1 e-mail

SRA wrote:

The volunteers representing the community affected by the West Toronto Diamond Grade Separation Project met with GO last week.

They were informed that vibratory hammers would not be replacing the diesel explosion pile drivers, as originally suggested in GO's May 6 update. As well, there has been a decision not to replace diesel explosion pile drivers with augers for the centre line of piles to be driven beginning in September.

There is no schedule for other noise-reducing measures that may or may not be implemented.

As a result of this, we have asked the Canadian Transportation Agency to initiate mediation right away and to issue an injunction to stop construction until the matter is resolved. We have also asked the CTA to help the community by providing an independent expert to advise us.

Please continue to reach out to your elected representatives if you are concerned about the noise and vibration impact on your home, business, family and community.

May 15, 2009, 1 e-mail

City Councillor Joe Pantalone's Letter: Urgent Update on Strachan SuperBridge

Dear Ward 19 resident;

If you live south of Dundas Street West, you have received emails from me about the at-grade crossing at Strachan Avenue, the City of Toronto*s urban-friendly design for the separation of the rails, and MetroLinx and the Province of Ontario*s plan to add a bridge. After a backgrounder on the issue, there is a brief update.

Background:

As you may know, MetroLinx is a new provincial body with a mandate to improve and increase rail transportation including the Georgetown and Pearson Airport lines. Everyone agrees that a change at the level crossing at Strachan Avenue is needed as the sheer volume of trains will make the current crossing both unsafe and impractical. In September 2007, I requested that the City of Toronto*s Transportation, Urban Design, and Planning sections work together to come up with an urban friendly design for a new grade separation at Strachan Avenue.

Through 2008, the City, in consultation with the community, developed a plan that would lower the rail tracks and keep Strachan basically at grade, thus leaving the east-west streets open. (See the City of Toronto

Staff Report: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2008/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-16917.pdf)

 

There was a community consultation process and the City*s design earned broad community support. Over the past four months, City staff have worked with MetroLinx staff on the design.

A new Environmental Assessment began on April 2, 2009 (now a-6-month long process). Under this Assessment process, at their first Open House on April 9, 2009, MetroLinx suddenly dropped the City's option and instead proposed a design that would add a super-bridge over the rail corridor.

The bridge would start just south of King Street West and end north of the existing bridge on Strachan Avenue. The Strachan Avenue Super Bridge will be 8 metres high and the rail corridor will be lowered by 2.5 metres. Wellington Street and Duoro Street would tunnel under Strachan Avenue and vehicles will no longer be able to turn onto Strachan Avenue.

On the other side, due to the slope of the bridge, East Liberty Street and Ordnance Street will be raised by 2.5 metres to meet the bridge.

See the attached two images developed by the City of Toronto that demonstrate the differences between the City's and MetroLinx's proposals where Strachan Avenue meets Wellington Street and Duoro Street. Not only is the bridge an eyesore, but the design is unfriendly to cyclists, pedestrians, our urban landscape, Historic Fort York and our Waterfront gateway.

Update:

Just today, I learned that the Province of Ontario does not care about what happens on Strachan Avenue. I have been hoping that reason would prevail given the only sensible solution is the City*s design and given that MetroLinx*s plan is so obviously a bad plan. However, MetroLinx and the McGuinty government do not seem to be ready to do the right thing.

I have been shocked by the Province of Ontario and MetroLinx*s disregard for Toronto but I am proud of the tenacity with which our local businesses, residents and community groups have rallied to protect our west downtown community.

If you agree with me that City of Toronto proposal is the ONLY proposal that works for our community, please send or re-send emails to:

jbradley.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org, rob.macisaac@metrolinx.com, dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

cc: mayor_miller@toronto.ca, councillor_pantalone@toronto.ca, chowo@parl.gc.ca, rmarchese-co@ndp.on.ca

Thank you,
Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone

May 14, 2009, 3 e-mail

An e-mail from the Premier of Ontario

Thanks for your online message regarding construction of an underpass to separate GO commuter rail lines and Canadian Pacific (CP) freight trains along GO Transit’s Georgetown line. I appreciate the time you took to forward your comments.

As you may know, the federal government and our government each agreed to provide up to $385 million through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund to support major GO Transit rail infrastructure improvements over seven years.

The new underpass along the Georgetown line will eliminate scheduling conflicts between CP freight trains and GO trains, increasing the frequency of GO service on the line. During rush hour, almost every seat on all GO trains is occupied. This expansion will enable GO to accommodate more than 40,000 additional passengers forecast to use the system during peak periods by 2011.

You may wish to view details about these improvements by accessing Transport Canada’s website at http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2009/09-h018e.htm#bg.

Thanks again for contacting me. Please accept my best wishes.

Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario

May 13, 2009, 1 e-mail

H. K. wrote:

There are a number of ways to submit a formal claim for property damages to GO. Perhaps the easiest is for you to contact your own insurance company first, file a claim, and then forward your insurance agent’s contact information to me, and I will forward it to the person handling claims at GO. Your premium should not be affected if the damage of the property is the result of the construction. GO will then contact your insurance company, and both adjusters will work to resolve your claim.

May 9, 2009, 3 e-mails

From: Dufferin Grove Park Newsletter

CLEAN TRAIN COALITION

During the last week of April, there was at least one community meeting every evening, about the Metrolinx plan to increase the rail corridor traffic from 60 to 350 diesel trains a day. Neighbourhoods all up and down the rail corridor joined the Clean Train Coalition (go to http://www.cleantrain.ca), and began to map out their course. The first step was to send many letters to the provincial politicians on May 4 and 5. At Dufferin Grove Park, over the course of four days, 1109 letters were collected, put in individually addressed envelopes, sealed, and then hand-delivered to the Ontario Legislature. Letters were collected at the farmers market, Friday Night Supper, and the playground, aided by volunteers Genie Davis, Robert F.Kennedy, Michael Edwards, Danyelle Boily, Percy, Davey and Nick White, Belinda Cole, Gretel Meyer Odell, Lea Ambros and Kate Cayley.

The “mailmen” were Percy, Davey and Nick White, using a second-hand Canada Post canvas bag lent by Michelle and Geoff Webb.

May 8,2009, 1 e-mail.

From: Clean Train Coalition

Thank you for signing up to support the Clean Train Coalition! We know that you are as concerned as we are about the proposed plan. Working together we will make a difference and prove that Clean Transit is Possible!

The Clean Letter Campaign!

Clean Letter Day was a smashing success! While we can't track precise numbers, our best estimates put the total at about 3,000 - 5,000 letters sent with 1,000 letters landing this week on McGuinty's desk. This is incredible! Thanks so much to our Outreach Team and to each of you who took the time to send in your letters - and to convince others to do the same.

May 7, 2009, 4 e-mail

M. D. wrote:

Please confirm it is that should be contacted with regards to reportage of and compensation for the damages that have occurred to my home as a result of the GO construction underway across from my residence at 31 Hook Avenue?

May 6, 2009, 2 e-mails

From: Belinda Cole

Nicholas finished stuffing and glueing shut the remaining letters last night, and helped Percy and Davey with the final count today.

here are the numbers:

Premier Dalton McGuinty - 144

James Bradley, Minister of Transportation - 110

David Caplan, Minister of Long Term Care - 33

Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance - 131

Peter Fonseca, Minister of Labour - 129

John Gerretsen, Minister of Environment - 33

Rosario Marchese, MPP Trinity Spadina - 91

Deborah Matthews, Minister Children and Youth

Tony Ruprecht - MPP - Davenport - 109

George Smitherman - Minister of Energy & Infrastructure

Jim Watson - Minister Municipal Affairs - 33

Kathleen Wynne - Minister of Education - 129

Cheri diNovo - 1

Total = 1109

Yahoooooooo!!! Off we go to the adventure of the Legislative mailroom and delivery "system"

May 5, 2009, 2 e-mails

From : Elizabeth Littlejohn
To: Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Dear Prime Minister Harper,

I am a Toronto resident who is very concerned about the expansion of the Georgetown corridor (including the Union-Pearson Rail Link) and Newmarket corridors using diesel trains.

This rail expansion should use electric trains to ensure that significant environmental concerns are resolved, and the expansion of this service does not merely shift the cause of pollution from highways to rail corridors.

These rail corridors run beside schools, nursing homes, playgrounds and through residential neighbourhoods. The rights of the citizens who use these services, and live in these areas, should be considered as a major part of the Environmental Assessment process.

May 2, 2009, 1 e-mail

SRA wrote:

This is an update on negotiations with GO Transit on behalf of the community affected by noise and vibration from the West Toronto Diamond grade separation project.

A small group met with GO last Tuesday. GO reported that they are investigating the following:

- the use of vibratory hammers (*see explanation below) for the first 80 per cent of every pile, using diesel hammer pile drivers only for the final 20 per cent of the necessary depth. This should result in a significant noise reduction. - shrouds and noise barriers, sand bags to reduce noise - Use of augers rather than pile drivers for the third (inner) line of piles. (The project includes three lines or rows of piles to be driven in parallel.) This would significantly reduce the duration of piledriving noise and vibration.

May 1st, 2009, 4 e-mails

F. D. wrote:

For those of you who are canvassing your streets, here is the flyer(Black&White, colored ) in Portuguese. Please share with your neighbours! I believe this was done courtesy of E. M. (Thanks E.!)


Content last modified on June 01, 2009, at 02:43 AM EST