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Toronto City Council · 2023-02-07 · 2023.MM3.24

The filed record

Metrolinx's Community Participation and Actions Regarding Osgoode Station and the Ontario Line - by Councillor Ausma Malik, seconded by Councillor Dianne Saxe

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The decision

2023-02-07 · Toronto City Council · adopted

As filed

City Council on February 7 and 8, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council request Metrolinx to: a. halt the removal of the Osgoode Garden's trees until the Construction Liaison Committee can reconvene to further discuss siting options with Metrolinx; b. create a structure for participatory engagement with community stakeholders for all future Ontario Line consultations; and c. replace any injured or damaged trees

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with at least five equivalent trees at a location acceptable to the City, and restore the surface area after construction with a depth of soil appropriate for supporting trees.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

On Wednesday, February 1, 2023 the Transit Expansion Office released a summary of the third-party review prepared by the independent consultant on the potential locations for Osgoode Hall station entrance to the local Councillor prior to the Community Consultation. That evening, the Independent third party consultant presented the findings to the local stakeholders impacted by the proposed location of the Osgoode Hall station entrance.

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Metrolinx stated at the conclusion of the presentation they would be moving ahead with construction immediately, and not allow time for the community to receive the report. On Sunday, February 5, 2023, the Law Society of Ontario was granted an interim injunction on the removal of the heritage trees in the Osgoode Gardens at Osgoode Hall. This injunction is in effect until February 10, 2023. Through the Provincial government's Bill 171, the Building Transit Faster Act, Metrolinx has been able to circumvent City processes and approvals in the name of building transit. While construction of the Ontario Line is vital to our infrastructure needs and should not be faced with unnecessary delays, the injunction has given Metrolinx an opportunity to find a better path forward, with proper public engagement. Metrolinx now has the ability to return to the table, work with the City and our community partners, and find solutions that work for all, to ensure this fundamental transit project is built right and on schedule. This matter is considered urgent as the injunction ends Friday, February 10.

Staff recommended

Councillor Ausma Malik, seconded by Councillor Dianne Saxe, recommends that: 1. City Council request Metrolinx to: a. halt the removal of the Osgoode Garden's trees until the Construction Liaison Committee can reconvene to further discuss siting options with Metrolinx; b. create a structure for participatory engagement with community stakeholders for all future Ontario Line consultations; and c. replace any injured or

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damaged trees with at least five equivalent trees at a location acceptable to the City, and restore the surface area after construction with a depth of soil appropriate for supporting trees.

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