Transportation Minister Announces Sheppard East LRT is Voted by a Majority of Toronto City Council

This is an update to my previous post Expert Advisory Panel’s Reasons to Recommend Sheppard Avenue East Light Rail Transit (LRT).

“Do you support or reject the Expert Advisory Panel’s recommendations?” was a question stated in the previous blog.

Toronto City Council in Ontario, Canada, considered the report and its recommendations during a special meeting on Wednesday, March 21.

Then on Thursday, Transportation Minister of Ontario gave the answer as follows:

“A majority of Toronto City Council voted today to build light rail transit along Sheppard Avenue East.”

When the Sheppard East LRT is completed and service begins in 2014, Sheppard Avenue East will look like this:

Above, Conceptualization of Sheppard Avenue East LRT.
Above, Conceptualization of Sheppard Avenue East LRT.

Hopefully the noise pollution will also be significantly reduced for both residents and travellers in Toronto, since Sheppard Avenue East Light Rail Transit will depend on modern electrically-powered light rail vehicles (made by Bombardier) operating in dedicated transit lanes at street level.

Congrats to the The Expert Advisory Panel!

Ontario, Canada: Newsroom

Minister’s Statement on Toronto City Council Vote on Transit

March 22, 2012 5:20 PM

Today, Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli issued the following statement on the Toronto City Council vote in favour of light rail transit:

“A majority of Toronto City Council voted today to build light rail transit along Sheppard Avenue East.

Last year, the Province signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mayor Rob Ford to build a subway along Sheppard, on the condition that the plan be approved by council.

This government respects the will of the city’s democratically elected councillors and they sent a message today to the Province and to Metrolinx that light rail transit is their preference.

The Finch West LRT, Eglinton Crosstown and Scarborough RT upgrade received an overwhelming endorsement by Council in February. Today, council finalized their proposal for Sheppard Avenue East.

Metrolinx will now review that plan and then Cabinet will have the opportunity to further consider all advice.

Through the McGuinty government’s $8.4-billion transit commitment, we are investing in keeping this city moving.”

CONTACT

  • David Salter
    Minister’s Office
    416-327-1815

Ministry of Transportation
ontario.ca/transportation

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