Ontario Line / Metrolinx

GO DEEPER · POLICY & PRIORITIES · What will you do?

P03 · question 3 of 10

What specifically would you demand from Metrolinx to reduce disruption to residents and businesses, and what can a city councillor realistically do if Metrolinx refuses?

Quick version: S03 · What is the first thing you would demand of Metrolinx during Ontario Line construction?

Approach & proposed action

Susan Chapelle

I support the Ontario Line, and I expect communities living through construction to be treated properly. Residents need sleep, businesses need customers and everyone needs safe access to their street. Demand advance notice of disruptive work, justified overnight schedules, effective noise controls and accessible walking routes maintained through winter. Businesses need visible signage, delivery access and someone accountable for resolving problems. I would pursue financial support for documented construction losses. These protections should be addressed before Council approves road closures or access to City property, and incorporated into applicable permits and agreements wherever legally available. I would work with staff to establish conditions for hauling, pedestrian access, business access and restoration, with monitoring and consequences for breaches. I would seek published noise and vibration results, a public complaints record and regular meetings where residents can influence construction arrangements. If Metrolinx refuses, I would bring specific conditions and remedies to Council, seek legal advice on enforcing existing obligations, and organize neighbouring councillors, BIAs and residents around documented demands. Provincial powers limit some municipal controls, but that does not excuse passive oversight. My job would be to use every available approval, agreement and enforcement tool to protect residents across Ward 14.

Jason Stevens

the city is trying to hold the province accountable and I would join councilor Matlow and others to do so!

Maria Voutsinas

Here in Ward 14 Metrolinx has been very disruptive of the quality of the lives of residents. We all understand the trade-offs required to get the Ontario Line up and running but Metrolinx has not been very communicative of impending disruptions and consequences of construction. I would push Metrolinx to improve their communication with residents and their problem solving. The unfortunate bottom line though is that the Ontario Line is a provincial project. City Hall can only deal with matters under its jurisdiction but that includes significant areas such as pest control, noise violations and inadequate signage from traffic detours. City Hall can and should insist on better responses from Metrolinx in these areas in particular.

Cost & funding

Susan Chapelle

Noise controls, safe access, clear signs and construction communication should be budgeted as project costs by Metrolinx and its contractors. I would seek provincial funding for documented business losses and replacement transit caused by construction. City coordination would initially use existing transit expansion, transportation and economic development resources. Any additional staff or local assistance would need a costed budget proposal. I would distinguish costs the City must carry from those it should seek to recover through agreements. Residents should not be promised compensation without an approved program, eligibility rules and a funding source. I would publish any remaining funding gaps.

Trade-offs & affected groups

Susan Chapelle

Residents lose sleep and access, businesses lose visibility and customers, and construction workers need safe conditions. People with disabilities, children and seniors face particular risks when familiar routes change. Tenants may have less control over noise protection than property owners. Restricting construction hours can lengthen disruption or raise project costs. Maintaining deliveries can compete with sidewalk space. Compensation requires fair rules that include small operators. I would prioritize safety and basic access, then negotiate the least disruptive workable schedule. Residents should understand the trade-offs, and project convenience should not automatically outweigh the community's ability to function.

Authority & feasibility

Susan Chapelle

Metrolinx is a provincial agency. Council can make requests, negotiate agreements and direct City staff within municipal responsibilities, but provincial legislation can limit municipal control. I would seek legal advice before claiming the City could stop work or withhold approvals. Changes to signs, access routes, communication and work sequencing can often be negotiated without redesigning the project. Business compensation and major noise measures require provincial agreement and funding. I would use construction liaison meetings, Council motions and coordinated escalation to secure commitments. If a request is rejected, residents would see why, who made the decision and what options remain available.

Deliverable & timeline

Susan Chapelle

I would meet affected residents, BIAs, City staff and Metrolinx to establish the most urgent access, noise and business problems. I would publish our requests and seek named contacts with response deadlines. Within the first year, I would pursue agreed access standards, public reporting on complaints and noise, and a funded business support proposal. Through the term, I would monitor unresolved problems and escalate repeated failures through Council and provincial representatives. Success would mean completed fixes, shorter complaint resolution times and fewer preventable access failures. Meetings would not count as delivery for residents

Supporting sources

Susan Chapelle

Metrolinx Noise and Vibration Management guidance, on monitoring and reducing construction impacts. Metrolinx Community Benefits and Supports framework, on community and business impacts. City of Toronto Ontario Line construction reports, including 2023 TM2.1 and 2026 TE28.27, on municipal requests and escalation. Metrolinx Preparing for Major Construction guidance, on advance information and engagement.

Responded, but not to this question

Denise Walcott

No response yet

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