New GO-SmartTrack Stations in Davenport
New GO/Smart Track stations King-Liberty, St.Clair-Old Weston and Bloor-Lansdowne will use existing Metrolinx tracks on the Barrie and Kitchener GO lines to supplement local transit service. They are expected to be operational by 2026 and are being delivered in partnership with the City of Toronto.
In my role as MPP I have been working to push Metrolinx to closely engage our community on these projects and have participated in each of the preliminary community meetings. I have raised community concerns about signal bells, fare integration, related infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians and electrification of the GO network. I look forward to hearing more from residents in these neighbourhoods as these projects get underway, and will always work to make sure your voice is heard.
Learn more about the SmartTrack Stations Program on the Metrolinx website:
Davenport Diamond Project
Ontario, through its regional transit agency Metrolinx, is expanding the Barrie GO rail line that runs through the western part of Davenport. That expansion will include the construction of a major rail bridge, called a guideway, over the existing CP Rail tracks, between approximately Bloor Street and Davenport Road west of Lansdowne Avenue.
Our community has been active on this project since it was first announced, and through the hard work of individuals and local advocacy group Options for Davenport, we were able to secure a number of community benefits including public realm enhancements to run beneath the raised bridge and a local GO station at Landsdowne avenue.
As Davenport's MPP, I have been pushing the provincial government to ensure that project provides maximum benefit for our community, which stands to be significantly impacted by construction and increased rail traffic. That includes ensuring that the promised community benefits are maintained, and that the agency keeps regular, open dialogue with our community throughout the construction process. A major focus of our work has been on limiting overnight construction noise in the corridor, successfully working with local residents to petition the province, Metrolinx and contractors to roll back the hours of construction noise.
Read the latest construction notices and announcements on the Metrolinx website.
Read about my local advocacy on issues related to the Davenport Diamond here.
New motions to address transit issues
In December 2021, I tabled three motions at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to address transit issues in Davenport and in Toronto. These motions propose to reform the governance structure of Metrolinx to foster more transparent transit planning across the province; to accelerate the electrification of the GO Train network to reduce harmful emissions; and to find safe alternatives to reducing the noise levels caused by bell-ringing on the GO Barrie line, the Union-Pearson Express Stations, and other GO Transit lines. With these motions, I am pushing for a high-quality, cleaner, and greener transit system that is safe for residents and better serves the GTA.
- Motion 27
That, in the opinion of this House, transit planning should be transparent with investments made in the public's long-term interest, and that the Government of Ontario should partner with municipalities to reform the governance structure of Metrolinx accordingly.
- Motion 28
That, in the opinion of this House, the Government of Ontario should take immediate steps to electrify the GO Train network on an accelerated timeline to replace dirty diesel trains along all lines.
- Motion 29
That, in the opinion of this House, the Government of Ontario should immediately direct Metrolinx to introduce, based on international research and experience and in consultation with local communities, safe alternatives to bell ringing at stations on the GO Barrie line, the Union-Pearson Express Stations, and other GO Transit lines, to maintain the safety of transit users while protecting and improving the quality of life and safety of residents living near GO Stations.