Mayors meet to plan Yonge Subway Extension strategy
At an
historic meeting on April 26, the mayors of the three largest municipalities in
York Region discussed how they will work co-operatively to move the Yonge
Street Subway Extension forward. The meeting of Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, City
of Vaughan, Mayor Dave Barrow, Town of Richmond Hill and Mayor Frank Scarpitti,
City of Markham was facilitated by the Yonge North Group, composed of three municipal
councillors who have been working together for the last four years on this
project critical to their municipalities and the GTHA transit network.
As a first
step in their plan, the mayors called on the Province of Ontario to fund the
approved Metrolinx recommendation to move forward to the next stage of
development, preliminary design and engineering.
“We have come together to make a strong case in favour of
strategic transit investments in the GTHA to better serve citizens and promote
economic growth and jobs,” stated Mayor Bevilacqua. “The Yonge Street Subway
extension merits immediate consideration because the facts, figures and
economic benefits provide sound and intelligent reasons for public investment.
We are convinced that it will address key challenges which we collectively
experience and, equally important, provide opportunities for smart growth.”
Mayor
Scarpitti addressed the issue of capacity. “While we are fully aware of the capacity
issues on the Yonge Street subway line, we are also informed by the Metrolinx
study published in June 2015 that infrastructure improvements and other transit
projects will allow the Yonge Street extension to move forward at a strategic
pace.”
“This
project is shovel ready and shovel worthy,” said Mayor Barrow. “It has been
underway since 2008, has an approved environmental assessment and has undergone
extensive public consultation. The route has been delineated as well as the
stations.”
As part of
the plan developed between the three municipalities, an information and action
day will be scheduled in May to inform transit users along the Yonge corridor
of the current status of the Yonge Subway Extension and the need to make their
voices heard at both the federal and provincial levels.
Members of
the Yonge North Group include, Councillor Valerie Burke, City of Markham,
Councillor Godwin Chan, Town of Richmond Hill and Alan Shefman, City of
Vaughan. All three councillors represent wards that are bounded by Yonge
Street.