Response from MPP Peter Milczyn re: Mimico GO Station improvement delay

Thank you for your email with regard to concerns about Metrolinx’s August 2016 update re the new timeline for the design, construction and completion of the improvements to Mimico GO Station.

Metrolinx is currently transforming the GO rail network to be the backbone of regional rapid transit (RER).  This is one of the largest infrastructure projects in North America and has a provincial government commitment of $13.5B over 10 years.

Updates to Mimico GO Station were developed between 2012-2016, with construction scheduled to begin in 2018. While much of the previous construction work completed in 2013 was needed to respond to service increases, I am advised that there are a number of new factors that Metrolinx feels are prudent to consider before completing elements of the station.  The careful analysis of the impact of electrification along the Lakeshore West GO line needed to be completed prior to the next phase of construction at Mimico GO to ensure there would be no costly future conflicts between the new station elements and the electricity infrastructure.

Construction has been ongoing at this station over the last few years, including: lengthening of platforms to accommodate 12-car trains, snowmelt systems installation on platforms, parking lot expansion, and installation of “kiss n’ ride” passenger drop-off.

Further station upgrades which are necessary to achieve barrier-free access and AODA compliance are now in the detailed design stage.

The scope of work includes:

• new station building and replacement of existing (west) tunnel
• new south entrance and east tunnel connecting across the railway corridor
• new elevators and other features to make station compliant with AODA guidelines

Metrolinx is planning to add a ramp and stairs from a new station building to Royal York Road; a pick-up and drop-off area at Windsor Street; and a new south entrance at Blue Goose Street.

The City of Toronto and Metrolinx are working together on the “last mile” aspect of making the Mimico GO station more easily accessible to the broader community, specifcally to the east. Better pedestrian and cycling  linkages to the areas experiencing intensification are being closely analyzed.

I understand that Mimico GO Station is critical to our community and that accessible, barrier free access is greatly needed. All new infrastructure is being built to be accessible, and for older infrastructure the province is moving forward, as per our accessibility legislation, as quickly as we can to ensure barrier free access.

Transit in Etobicoke-Lakeshore has been a priority for me throughout my time in public office, and I will continue to work hard to advocate for meaningful transit investments in our community.

Yours Sincerely,

Peter Milczyn, MPP