Ashbridges Bay TTC Maintenance and Storage Facility

Transcription

1 Ashbridges Bay TTC Maintenance and Storage Facility September 8, 2010 Presented to Government Review Team 1

2 Presentation Overview Overview of the Project Status of Transit Project Assessment Process Potential Effects and Mitigation Measures Soil Removal Schedule/Next Shdl/N Steps 2

3 Purpose New light rail vehicles (LRVs) cannot be maintained at existing facilities. Ashbridges Bay Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) required to ensure new LRVs are maintained in a state of good repair. Insufficient amount of storage track at Roncesvalles and Russell carhouses. Almost double the amount of storage track required to accommodate new LRVs. Non revenue service track is required to connect the MSF to the existing streetcar network. 3

4 Vehicles Existing streetcars are 30 to 40 years old and have reached the end of their useful lives. Fleet of 204 new low floor LRVs have been ordered to replace the existing streetcars. Delivery of LRVs to commence in About 36 new LRVs will be delivered annually. Interior of new vehicle New Low Floor Light Rail Vehicle 4

5 The Project Recommended Ashbridges Bay MSF site located at Lake Shore Boulevard East & Leslie Street intersection. Leslie Street tracks will connect MSF to existing Queen Street East streetcar service. The City of Toronto Official Plan (2006) identifies Leslie Street as a future Higher Order Transit Corridor. 5 5

6 Recommended Site Layout Maintain 204 LRVs and store up to 100 LRVs. Includes a main building with a green roof designed in accordance with Toronto Green Standards, and an electrical substation. Approximately 470 employees to work at the facility. The facility will include the following activities: daily servicing and cleaning, preventative and corrective maintenance. On site stormwater management pond. 6

7 Recommended Leslie Street Connecting Track Design LRVs will operate in mixed traffic (centre lanes). On street parking maintained. Access to all driveways and parking lots maintained. Four through lanes on Leslie Street between Queen Street and Commissioners Street. Existing left turn lanes remain. LRVs will primarily operate outside of rush hour periods. 7

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11 Key Milestones and Public Consultation Meeting Date Purpose May 2008 June 16, 17, 18, 2009 December 16, 2010 Commission approved Facility Master Plan TTC Site Selection Open House TTC Commission Meeting Site Selection February 18, 2010 TTC Preliminary Planning Public Open House #1 Introduce Transit Project Assessment (TPA) Process April 8, 2010 TTC Preliminary Planning Public Consultation Presentation #2 Present Technical Preferred Connecting Track Option May 18, 2010 May 19, 2010 June 2, 2010 City of TorontoPublicWorksCommittee Meeting Approve TTC use of Ashbridges Bay site TTC Landscape Design Competition Public Open House Meeting Ashbridges Bay site and Leslie Street Connecting Track approved by TTC Commission June 9, 2010 June 24, 2010 July 14 & July 28, 2010 August 8 & 10, 2010 Ashbridges Bay site and Leslie Street Connecting Track approved City Council Notice of Commencement for TPA Process Meeting with Leslie Street Resident and Property Owners Transit Project Assessment Process Public Consultation Presentation #3 Landscape Design Competition Event 11

12 Status of Transit Project Assessment Process 12

13 Effects Assessment The Transit Project Assessment Process assessed the potential effects associated with the facility and the connecting tracks based on the following factors: Noise and Vibration Potential effects of noise and vibration levels on sensitive receptors Natural le Environment Terrestrial Hydrogeology Contaminated Soils Air Quality Potential effects of dust, odour, fine particulates, etc. on identified sensitive receptors Socio Economic & Land Use Environment Potential effects on residences and businesses Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and First Nations Proposed & approved land uses Safety and operation of Martin Goodman Trail Potential Effects Traffic and Transportation Intersection operations Traffic operations Roadway parking/loading Constructability Operation and maintenance 13

14 Potential Effects Natural Environment Vegetation and Wildlife Key Effects: Removal of low quality vegetation habitat and trees that are not Provincially Significant. Mitigation: Removing vegetation between August 1 and April 14, to ensure bird nests are protected in order to be in compliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Green roof on main building will sustain low herbaceous vegetation and provide some habitat for insects and birds. Trees removed that fall under the City s Tree By-Law (seven trees with diameter of 30 cm or higher at breast height (dbh) will be replaced at a 3-to-1 ratio (21 trees). New plantings will be incorporated into the Ashbridges Bay MSF landscape design. 14

15 Stormwater Management Potential Effects Natural Environment On-site Soil Key Effects: Stormwater quality and quantity. Mitigation: Utilize low impact development (LID) Best Management Practices and a wet pond. Final site grade will be higher than the estimated regional flood water level. Key Effects: Impacted soil (mound) to be removed from the site. Mitigation: Adhere to the Soil Removal and Capping Contract that: Complies with all federal, provincial and local licenses and certificates of approval. Identifies air quality and dust suppression measures. Identifies haul routes that minimize community effects. Establish a Construction Liaison Group. 15

16 Soil Removal Approximately 385,000 m 3 to be removed from site. Anticipate 9 months to remove soil. Waste Characterization study and Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments completed. Soil mound will be removed by direct excavation and by truck off-site. Contract documents ready for tender. Timing of Notice to Proceed to be confirmed. Wood and concrete debris mixed with soil and cinders 16

17 Martin Goodman Trail Key Effects: Potential Effects Socio economic & Air Quality Air Quality Key Effects: Site access and new tracks will cross the Martin Goodman Trail. Mitigation: The track design has been developed to combine the access with existing crossing point. Streetcars will operate under a protected traffic phase to cross the Martin Goodman Trail minimizing conflicts with pedestrians, cyclists and conflicting automobile traffic. During construction - potential for nuisance dust. During operations - servicing and maintenance activities have the potential to produce emissions. Mitigation: During construction - a dust control / air quality monitoring program would include dust suppression (water), road sweeping, and cleaning of vehicle tires. During operations - ventilation and capture and control systems, and energy efficient i building design to reduce emissions. View of Martin Goodman Trail along the site 17

18 Noise & Vibration - at Site Potential Effects Noise & Vibration Noise & Vibration - along Leslie Streett Assessment based on existing streetcar data. Measurement of noise and vibration of Prototype LRV in early 2012 to determine effects of new LRVs. Key Effects: For nearest residences, noise levels may exceed MOE limits by two decibels (based on existing data). Vibration no effect resulting from MSF. Mitigation: Should noise levels remain above MOE limit, installation of an acoustic barrier along the north and west end of the site may be required to ensure noise levels are compliant with MOE Limit (Leq) (dba). Track-based technologies (e.g. lubrication) will assist in minimizing wheel screech. Key Effects: Noise - for residences 7 to 10 meters away from the tracks, noise levels would exceed MOE limits by up to 3 decibels. Vibration for residences up to 15 metres away from the tracks, vibration levels would exceed MOE limits. Mitigation: Depending on results of the noise and vibration modelling undertaken for Prototype LRV in 2012, the following measures will be explored further: Upgrades to the existing track-design to minimize vibration at the source. Receiver-side id mitigation. i i 18

19 Community Commitments to Address Noise & Vibration 2010 Engage design firm from Lake Shore/Leslie project to develop concept for Leslie Street/ consult with community 2011 Present Leslie Street streetscape improvements to community 2011 Develop construction management plans and share with local community Spring 2011 Early 2012 Spring 2012 Summer 2012 Fall 2012 Mid 2013 Conduct Pre Construction surveys Prototype LRV measuring Commence connection track construction Assessment of noise and vibration levels on Leslie Street with new LRV data and identification of effects Finalize agreement with affected property owners for mitigation measures Complete connection track construction Fall 2013 Post construction surveys 19

20 Potential Effects Traffic Key Effects: Safety and access to Maintenance and Storage Facility site (LRVs and automobiles). Some manageable challenges anticipated for Leslie Street during LRV operations, including the Leslie Street/Lake Shore Boulevard East intersection (as most will operate outside of rush hour periods). Mitigation: Review signal timings and LRV detection capabilities along Leslie Street to optimize traffic operations along the Leslie Street corridor. Lengthen northbound left turn lane on Leslie Street at Lake Shore Boulevard to facilitate turning movements. Existing traffic at the Leslie Street and Lake Shore Boulevard intersection Provide an exclusive southbound left turn lane on Leslie Street at Commissioners Street to facilitate LRV and vehicle movements; provide an exclusive westbound right turn lane and a shared left through lane for the east leg of Commissioners Street. Expected weekday use 230 LRV trips per day Most of the LRVs will operate outside of the morning and evening rush hour periods Existing traffic at the Leslie Street and Eastern Avenue intersection 20

21 Landscape Design Competition: Creating an Exciting Community Vision Landscape Design Competition launched to generate an exciting and green vision for the landscaping around the MSF. Three leading urban design landscape firms participating in the competition were introduced to the public at the May 19 Public Meeting. The landscape design competition includes the areas between the existing curbs along Lake Shore Boulevard and Leslie Street to the planned Facility s outer boundary. Public comments were accepted until August 23 and forwarded to a Jury Panel. 21

22 Our Commitment to Consult Planning (TPA Process) Design (Landscape, Prototype Testing) Construction (Soil Removal, Facility and Connection Track) Consultation with local community throughout site planning, design and construction activities. Establishment of a Construction Liaison Group. Dedicated Community Liaison Officer: o o o o o Full time on project. Responsible for communicating with residents, business and property owners and other community stakeholders. Point of contact for the community direct communication with Project Manager, Transportation Services and other City services. Complaints process. Regular updates via e mail, website and community flyers. 22

23 Future Steps Fall 2010 Select Landscape Design Firm Develop selected design to detail design stage Engage community to develop concepts for Leslie Street connection File Environmental Project Report: Notice of Completion of Transit Project Assessment Process 30 day public and agency review period Anticipated receipt of Notice to Proceed from Ministry of the Environment after 35 day review period Late 2010 Spring/ Summer 2011 Spring 2012 Commence Soil Removal Commence MSF construction Commence connection track construction 2013 Complete MSF and connection track construction 23

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26 Notice of Completion of Environmental Project Report Ashbridges Bay Maintenance and Storage Facility for New Streetcars The Project The City of Toronto and the Toronto Transit Commission have completed an Environmental Project Report in accordance with Ontario Regulation 231/08 for the Ashbridges Bay Maintenance and Storage Facility for New Streetcars and Leslie Street Connecting Tracks Project. Background The City of Toronto and the Toronto Transit Commission have ordered 204 new streetcars (Light Rail Vehicles) which will provide significant customer service improvements: Low-floor accessibility for people with disabilities, seniors, families with strollers, bicycle storage; Almost double the passenger capacity of current streetcars; Multiple doors and a proof of payment system to increase the speed of boarding and exiting; and Design enhancements to reduce noise and vibration. A new Maintenance and Storage Facility is required to support the new streetcars which will begin to replace the current fleet in One hundred of the 204 new streetcars will be stored at the 8.6 hectare Ashbridges Bay site, located at the southeast corner of Lake Shore Boulevard East and Leslie Street. Connection tracks to the Facility will be constructed on Leslie Street from Commissioners Street to Queen Street (0.8 kilometres). Streetcars will access the Facility, operating on these tracks in mixed traffic, in order to preserve access to all Leslie Street properties. The Process The environmental impact of this transit project was assessed and an Environmental Project Report prepared according to the Transit Project Assessment Process prescribed in Ontario Regulation 231/08, Transit Projects and Greater Toronto Transportation Authority Undertakings. The Environmental Project Report for the Ashbridges Bay Maintenance and Storage Facility for New Streetcars and Leslie Street Connecting Tracks Project will be made available for a 30-day review period beginning September 30, 2010 on the project website: and at the following locations: Locations for 30-day Review Period City of Toronto City Clerks Office Toronto City Hall 100 Queen Street West, 10th Floor West Tower Toronto, ON M5H 2N Toronto Transit Commission Transit City Department 5160 Yonge Street, 3rd Floor Toronto, ON M2N 6L Toronto Public Library Jones Branch 118 Jones Avenue Toronto, ON M4M 2Z Ministry of the Environment Central Region Office 5775 Yonge Street, 8th Floor North York, ON M2M 4J Toronto Public Library Beaches Branch 2161 Queen Street East Toronto, ON M4L 1J South Riverdale Community Health Centre 955 Queen Street East Toronto, ON M4M 3P Ministry of the Environment Environmental Assessment & Approvals Branch 2 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 12A Toronto, ON M4V 1L /

27 There are circumstances where the Minister of the Environment has the authority to require further consideration of the transit project, or impose conditions on it. These occur if the Minister is of the opinion that: The transit project may have a negative impact on a matter of provincial importance that relates to the natural environment or has cultural heritage value or interest; or The transit project may have a negative impact on a constitutionally protected Aboriginal or treaty right. Before exercising the authority referred to above, the Minister is required to consider any written objections to the transit project that he or she may receive within 30 days after the Notice of Completion of the Environmental Project Report is first published. Interested persons are encouraged to review the project documents and provide comments by October 30, Comments and concerns may be directed to the project contacts listed below. If you have unresolved concerns, you have the right to submit an objection to this transit project to the Minister of the Environment no later than October 30, 2010 (135 St. Clair Avenue West, 12th Floor, Toronto, ON M4V 1P5; Fax: ; Minister.moe@ontario.ca Attn: Minister of the Environment). Although not required, a copy of the objection is requested to be forwarded to the Director and project contacts listed below: Lito Romano Community Liaison Officer Toronto Transit Commission 5160 Yonge Street, 13th Floor Toronto, ON M2N 6L9 Ashbridges@ttc.ca Fax: TTY: Phone: Web: involved/projects/lrv Director Environmental Assessment & Approvals Branch Ministry of the Environment 2 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 12A Toronto, ON M4V 1L5 Attn: Lorna Zappone, Project Officer lorna.zappone@ontario.ca Phone: or Fax: Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Environmental Assessment Act, unless otherwise stated in the submission, any personal information such as name, address, telephone number and property location included in a submission will become part of the public record files for this matter and will be released, if requested, to any person. Issue Date: September 30, 2010