An environmental study and another to assess noise and vibration are underway at the former Mr. Christie cookie factory lands in preparation for a proposed Park Lawn GO station.
The work is part of a Pre-Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) that is studying the noise levels of the Lakeshore West Rail Corridor and other sources of noise and compare it to what is predicted, according to an October 9 letter sent to the Humber Bay Shores Residence Association (HBSRA) by the 2150 Lake Shore Transit EA.
The letter follows comments last summer from area residents on the Park Lawn Go Station Transit Project Assessment Process.
“The noise level will be compared to provincial standards for noise limits within populated areas and any necessary mitigation will be implemented if required,” according the letter.
They said a Natural Environment Report is also being undertaken to study the impacts of the station on the natural environment in the area.
The study will assess the existing conditions on the site including wildlife and species at risk habitat, aquatic habitat, watercourses, tree inventories and other natural features.
“The technical study will identify any impacts to the natural environment as a result of the proposed GO Station and mitigation, in retaining the function of the ravine system,” residents were assured.
The transit company said parking at the station will be non-existent to encourage residents to walk, cycle or take transit to the new station.
“Commuter parking is not planned for the Park Lawn Go Station,” the letter stated. “Area resident parking areas would be separate from the general parking area with access controlled through the use of security measures to prevent errant use of parking by potential customers.”
The letter stressed that mitigation measures are being incorporated in which long-term commuter parking usage of retail and visitor parking can be ‘controlled and prevented.’
“The need and range of measures and controls will be advanced as part of the planning process as new development proceeds,” residents were told.
They said a new relief road is planned north of the GO Station that will connect Park Lawn Rd., and Lake Shore Blvd. W.
“Other intersection improvements and realignments of the accesses to the Gardiner Expressway are proposed in addition to a series of internal roads on the 2150 Lake Shore site,” according to the document.
Members of the HBSRA said they raised five points during community meetings including little or no commuter parking to encourage active means of getting to the station and that drop-off areas take into consideration new street designs.
“This is an early stage of consultation so we have to wait and see what the study will recommend to ensure our concerns are adequately addressed,” the group said on social media.
First Capital REIT (FCR) has proposed to build the GO Station in partnership with Metrolinx that will be located at the north end of the 11-hectare site, known as 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
The proposed station is anticipated to evolve into a transportation hub that would provide improved local and regional transit access and connectivity. GO Transit currently operates train service along the Lakeshore West Corridor, from Union Station in Toronto to West Harbour, in Hamilton and Niagara Falls.
The station is estimated to cost about $96 million to build and when operational around 2024 is estimated to service about 5,000 passengers daily.
First Capital intends to build a 655,000 square metre mixed-use development on the site, including 15 towers ranging in height from 22 to 71 storeys, according to a plan submitted to the city. There will also be schools and parks for residents.