Councillor Mark Grimes requested the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) reinitiate the Community Consultation process for proposed transit improvements on Lake Shore Blvd West, The TTC has agreed to the request and the consultation process will begin again at meetings scheduled for May 2009.

Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore Councillor Mark Grimes said, “1 know that public transit is an important part of Toronto’s Sustainable Transportation Initiative and I support that — but any proposal to change the community’s transportation options must be sensitive to local issues and planning objectives.”

The TTC has agreed to work closely with the community to develop a concept that supports the local economy, while also improving residents’ travel options through the introduction of high-quality, sustainable, transit with more attractive and inviting streetseapes. With the anticipated increase in population, the aging of the current streetcar stock, and vehicles that are not fully accessible, upgrades to the vehicles and service are required.

Councillor Grimes has stated: “I have put the brakes on the LRT plan. At this time there are no specific plans as to how or what will be implemented on Lake Shore Blvd. I have ensured that concepts originally shown to the community regarding Light Rapid Transit (LRT) no longer form the basis for the transit upgrades. We are starting the consultation process over.”

Issues now open for discussion will he the use of replacement streetcars along the route, location of transit stops, use of a dedicated right of way, streetscape, accessibility of vehicles, speed of service, and other topics relating to transit. Councillor Grimes has thanked the TTC and its staff for stopping to listen to the residents and their willingness to adapt the consultation process for the Lakeshore community. The TTC will host preliminary consultation meetings on May 11th at the Mimico Adult Learning Centre and May 12 at the Assembly Hall, Mark Grimes urges all members of the community to attend, voice their opinion and be involved in this important process.

Media Contact
Councillor Mark Grimes
Ward 6- Etobicoke-Lakeshore
(416) 397-9273