Sheppard Subway East Extension
Oct. 31, 2023
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
I am delighted to inform you that my third promise to you is on its way to fruition. In addition to building a New Hospital in Birchmount and building the Bridletowne Community and Health Hub, we now have the green light by the Minister of Transportation and Associate Minister of Transportation to start early planning work for the Sheppard Subway East extension, connecting the Don Mills Station with McCowan station and the future Scarborough Subway extension to the east.
In response to my June1, 2023 question, the Associate Minister Hon. Stan Cho, during question period in the Legislative Assembly, stated: “Minister Mulroney and I recently gave official direction to develop an initial business case for an extension of the Sheppard subway. Let’s break it down, Speaker. We’ve asked officials to examine extending the Sheppard line eastwards from its current terminus at Don Mills station to the future Scarborough subway extension, which would serve that very member’s community.”
Accordingly, Metrolinx is launching three community consultation meetings to seek the input of the community to extend the subway line along Sheppard Avenue both east and west. That includes the examination of track alignments, grade options, storage facility requirements and technology regimes of the potential extension.
The Sheppard Extension project is at the first stage of Metrolinx’s project planning and development process (Initial Business Case–IBC). IBC reviews a potential project at a high level to assess how it addresses a problem and/or opportunity. It also selects a preferred option for further refinement and design. Input and feedback received from community members during consultation is an important component of the IBC recommendation.
We want to hear how people travel along the Sheppard Avenue corridor and how they might benefit from new rapid transit options in the future so that we may maximize benefits for the community and future riders.
While the exploratory work will focus mostly on the eastward route, we’ve also tasked agency officials with investigating a possible western extension from Sheppard-Yonge Station to Sheppard West Station at Allen Road.
This potential east-west expansion would create a brand-new northerly transit corridor– a game-changer for commuters traveling across Scarborough and North York.
The Sheppard Extension also has the potential to support economic development and new jobs in the region.
Agincourt and Milliken GO Stations
In addition to the Sheppard Subway, I was delighted to join the Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Transportation Todd McCarthy, and Parliamentary Secretary Vijay Thanigasalam at the Agincourt GO Station to announce the completion of major infrastructure upgrades at the Agincourt and Milliken GO stations along the Stouffville Line as part of our plan to deliver more trips and more often across the GO network. The enhancements at both GO Stations will include an additional track and platforms, new pedestrian tunnels, and brand-new station buildings with modern facilities.
The Milliken and Agincourt GO stations will build capacity on the Stouffville line to meet current and future ridership demand and support two-way, all-day GO train service every 15 minutes between the Unionville GO Station and Union Station in downtown Toronto.
Our government understands Ontario’s transportation needs and the necessity of keeping pace with the incredible growth of building the hard infrastructure necessary for today and planning the next generation of projects for tomorrow… and that includes the Sheppard Line extension.
Dear Neighbors,
Finally, after years of failed promises, endless debates, and redundant votes, the Sheppard Subway is one step closer to realisation. I am proud that the Sheppard East extension is at hand. After this summer’s ground-breaking of the Bridletowne Community and Health Hub, and the allocation of more than one billion dollars to build the new Birchmount Hospital next to the current site, now it is the turn of the Sheppard Subway East.
Commuters in Scarborough deserve the same access to reliable public transit as people living in downtown Toronto. Delivering safer, faster, and more convenient travel options to our commuters is my ultimate goal.
That is why I am advocating for critical investment in Scarborough Agincourt and Scarborough to ensure the necessary transit and other infrastructure are in place to support our growing population.
It is my honor and privilege to serve you and advocate on your behalf. After all, I have been resident of this great region for the past 33 years and whatever affects you affects my family and me.
Community Consultation Dates and Locations
Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto: 5183 Sheppard Ave. East, Scarborough, ON M1B 5Z5 Tuesday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Parkway Forest Community Centre: 55 Forest Manor Rd, North York, ON M2J 1G3 Wednesday, November 15, 6:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.
Toronto Public Library, North York Central Branch: 5120 Yonge St. North York, ON M2N 5N9 Thursday, November 16, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00p.m.