Yonge Subway Extension
Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 2009
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PREFACE.......................................................................................................................................1
1.
INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................2
1.1
Station Location Generation ................................................................................... 2
2.
DESCRIPTIONS OF POTENTIAL STATION LOCATIONS ....................................3
2.1
Cummer Avenue/Drewry Avenue .......................................................................... 3
2.2
Steeles Avenue........................................................................................................ 5
2.3
Clark Avenue .......................................................................................................... 8
2.4
Centre Street.......................................................................................................... 10
2.5
Royal Orchard Boulevard ..................................................................................... 12
2.6
Langstaff Road / Longbridge Road....................................................................... 14
2.7
Richmond Hill Centre (Highway 7)...................................................................... 16
3.
DENSITIES REQUIRED TO SUPPORT A SUBWAY STATION............................19
4.
SELECTION OF THE PREFERRED STATION LOCATIONS...............................21
4.1
Screening of Potential Station Locations.............................................................. 21
4.2
Assessment of Potential Station Locations ........................................................... 23
4.3
Changes Resulting from Consultation .................................................................. 24
5.
EFFECTS OF SUBWAY EXTENSION ON FINCH STATION................................25
5.1
Bus Operations on Yonge Street between Finch Avenue and Steeles Avenue .... 25
5.2
Bus Operations at Finch Station ........................................................................... 26
5.3
Etobicoke-Finch West Light Rail Transit ............................................................. 27
APPENDICES
Appendix ‘A’ – Panorama Views of Potential Station Locations
Appendix ‘B’ – Future Bus Operations at Steeles Station (Preliminary)
Appendix ‘C’ – Future Bus Operations at Richmond Hill Centre Station (Preliminary)
Appendix ‘D’ – Density Ranges and Development Potentials for the Yonge Subway Extension (City of Toronto)
Appendix ‘E’ – Density Ranges and Development Potentials for the Yonge Subway Extension (York Region)
Appendix ‘F’ – Detailed Assessment of Potential Station Locations
Appendix ‘G’ – Future Bus Operations at Finch Station (Preliminary)
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
PREFACE
The Regional Municipality of York, in partnership with York
Region Rapid Transit Corporation, has completed a Conceptual
Design and Functional Planning Study for a proposed extension of
the Yonge Street Subway. The intent of the study was to undertake
preliminary planning in preparation for a Transit Project Assessment
for the proposed subway extension.
On June 15, 2007, the Province of Ontario announced $17.5 billion
in funding for transit projects for the Greater Toronto Area and
Hamilton. Named ‘MoveOntario 2020’, the provincial transit plan
includes funding for an extension of the Yonge Street Subway from
its current terminus at Finch Station in the City of Toronto to
Highway 7 (Richmond Hill Centre) in the Town of Richmond Hill.
As a result, on June 21 2007, York Region Council authorized
commencement of a Conceptual Planning and Functional Design
Study in coordination with the City of Toronto for the timely
extension of the subway.
The scope of Conceptual Design and Functional Planning was to
examine and evaluate possible vertical and horizontal alignment
alternatives, station locations, and associated surface facilities along
the corridor in consultation with public and government
stakeholders. The goal was to develop a technically feasible
solution and the results served as the basis that defined the Transit
Project. As part of the Transit Project Assessment process, an
Environmental Project Report is being prepared. It is intended that
the Environmental Project Report will be completed by February
2009.
This Technical Report is one of a series of reports prepared to
provide background information and explain the Transit Project in
detail:
•
Station Location Analysis
•
East Don River Crossing Alternatives
•
Richmond Hill Centre Alignment Alternatives
•
Station Layout Concepts
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Station Location Generation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Industry research has shown that, generally, people would be willing to walk up to 500
metres (or 10 minutes) to access a rapid transit station if a station were provided. Using
500 metres as the practical walking distance to a subway station, the minimum spacing
between stations would be 1 km. The most recent TTC subway stations, found on the
Sheppard line, are spaced approximately 1 km to 2 km apart. Average station spacing on
the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line varies from 1.3 km to 1.7 km north of St.
Clair Avenue, while average station spacing on the proposed Spadina subway extension
to the Vaughan Corporate Centre (VCC) is 1.4 km.
Figure 1-1: Average Station Spacing on Existing Subway Lines
Using the 1km station spacing as a guiding principle, and taking into account local land
use context and potential transportation opportunities, the following cross roads between
Finch Station and Richmond Hill Centre were identified as potential station locations and
carried into the station location analysis:
•
Cummer / Drewry Avenue
•
Steeles Avenue
•
Clark Avenue
•
Centre Street
•
Royal Orchard Boulevard
•
Longbridge / Langstaff Road
Panorama views of each potential station location are attached in Appendix ‘A’.
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
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Station Location Analysis
2.
DESCRIPTIONS OF POTENTIAL STATION LOCATIONS
2.1
Cummer Avenue/Drewry Avenue
This potential station would be located at the intersection of Yonge Street and Cummer /
Drewry Avenue in the City of Toronto, approximately 800 metres north of the current
terminus at Finch Station. The station’s zone of influence covers an area bounded
approximately by Hilda Avenue to the west, Willowdale Avenue to the east, Finch Hydro
Corridor to the south, and Centre Avenue to the north.
Natural Environment
The station would be situated in a built-up urban area. There are no significant natural
environment features in the vicinity.
Socio-Economic Environment
Existing land use patterns in the area are described below and illustrated in Figure 2-2:
•
Current population and employment density within the catchment area is
approximately 84 people per hectare1.
•
There are several high-rise apartment blocks located within a two to three-minute
walk from the Yonge Street / Cummer Avenue / Drewry Avenue intersection,
with low density commercial uses fronting both sides of Yonge Street and low
density residential uses beyond the frontage. Some of the apartment blocks have
ground floor commercial uses.
•
Newtonbrook Plaza (Figure 2-1), the largest commercial site in the vicinity, is
located in the southeast quadrant of the intersection and within the North York
Centre Secondary Plan area. This site has potential to redevelop.
It is anticipated that the City of Toronto will initiate a Yonge Corridor Planning Study
from Cummer/Drewry Avenue(s) north to Steeles Avenue in the near future to examine
possibilities and confirm the extent of redevelopment potential in the area. From
Cummer/Drewry Avenue(s) south, the policies of the North York Centre Secondary Plan
apply.
Figure 2-1: Newtonbrook Plaza
1
Existing population and employment density in Toronto provided by the City of Toronto City Planning Division,
Policy and Research Section
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
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Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
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Figure 2-2: Land Use Pattern around Yonge Street / Cummer Avenue / Drewry Avenue
Cultural Heritage
•
5925 Yonge Street at Cummer Avenue (Figure 2-3) is a commercial building
dating back to possibly the 1960s. The building has been identified as having
some heritage value but it is not listed or designated.
•
5926 Yonge Street at Drewry Avenue (Figure 2-4) is a former Newtonbrook
Store; it is currently a coffee shop outlet. The building is listed on the City of
Toronto Heritage Properties Inventory.
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January 28, 2009
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Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Figure 2-3: 5925 Yonge Street
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure 2-4: 5926 Yonge Street
Major Transit Connections
It is expected that a majority of future passenger activities at Cummer / Drewry Avenues
will result from transfers to and from the following east-west bus routes:
2.2
•
TTC Route 42 Cummer – this is an all-day service operating primarily east-west
on Cummer Avenue, McNicoll Avenue, and north-south on Yonge Street to Finch
Station. The route provides a connection between McNicoll Avenue-Middlefield
Road area in Scarborough and Finch Subway Station. With an extension of the
Yonge Subway, this route is expected to terminate at Cummer / Drewry Station
resulting in the need for a turnaround loop for this service at Yonge Street.
•
TTC Route 125 Drewry – this is an all-day service operating primarily east-west
on Drewry Avenue and north-south on Yonge Street to Finch Station. The route
provides a connection between the Bathurst Street-Antibes Drive area and Finch
Subway Station. With an extension of the Yonge Subway, this route is expected
to be combined with 42 Cummer and operate as a through route in the Drewry
Avenue / Cummer Avenue / McNicoll Avenue corridor.
Steeles Avenue
A station at Steeles Avenue would be situated at the cross roads of the Town of
Markham, the City of Vaughan, and the City of Toronto, approximately 1.2km north of
Cummer/Drewry Avenues. It is likely that the station and the associated surface facilities
could be located in all three municipalities. The station’s zone of influence covers an
area bounded approximately by Hilda Avenue to the west, Willowdale Avenue to the
east, Moore Park / Madawaska Avenues to the south, and the CN York Subdivision to the
north.
Natural Environment
The station would be situated in a built-up urban area. There are no significant natural
environment features in the vicinity.
Socio-Economic Environment
Existing land use patterns in the area are described below and illustrated in Figure 2-5:
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January 28, 2009
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Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
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Station Location Analysis
•
Current population and employment density within the catchment area is
approximately 85 people per hectare2.
•
In the City of Toronto, land use is comprised of low density commercial uses
fronting both sides of Yonge Street. Beyond the frontage, land use is
predominantly low density residential.
•
Centrepoint Mall in the southwest quadrant of the Yonge Street / Steeles Avenue
intersection is a major shopping destination with approximately 100 stores and
services covering 625,000 square feet of retail space.
•
In the Town of Markham, land use is predominantly residential with low density
commercial activities fronting Yonge Street. The northeast corner of the Yonge
Street / Steeles Avneue features a major Imperial Oil gas station. A mid-rise
apartment building is located adjacent to the gas station fronting Steeles Avenue
East.
•
In the City of Vaughan, land use is dominated by single-storey commercial plazas
and car dealerships along the north side of Steeles Avenue West and the west side
of Yonge Street. Beyond the frontages, land use is predominantly residential.
It should be noted that there are a number of land use planning and urban design studies
currently taking place around the Yonge / Steeles intersection:
•
The Town of Markham has recently completed the Yonge-Steeles Corridor land
use planning and urban design study. The Yonge-Steeles study calls for highdensity development along the east frontage of Yonge Street which will then
gradually step down to lower-density development beyond the frontage.
•
The City of Vaughan has recently initiated its own corridor land use planning and
urban design study on the west side of Yonge Street between Steeles Avenue and
Highway 407 (excluding the Thornhill Vaughan Heritage Conservation District).
•
It is anticipated that the City of Toronto will initiate a Yonge Corridor Planning
Study in the near future from Cummer/Drewry Avenue(s) north to Steeles
Avenue.
2
Existing population and employment density in Toronto provided by the City of Toronto City Planning Division,
Policy and Research Section; existing population and employment figures in York Region are based on the 2007
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and the 2007 York Region Employment Survey data,
respectively.
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Figure 2-5: Land Use Pattern around Yonge Street / Steeles Avenue
Cultural Heritage
There are no significant cultural heritage features within the area.
Major Transit Connections
As a major transit hub, Steeles Station will host a major inter-regional bus terminal
serving 15 TTC and YRT routes. Preliminary bus operation plan for the future Steeles
bus terminal is outlined and illustrated in Appendix ‘B’. It is expected that a large
majority of future passengers at Steeles Avenue will result from transfers to and from
these east-west surface routes.
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2.3
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Clark Avenue
This potential station would be situated on the municipal boundary between the City of
Vaughan and the Town of Markham. The station would be located at the intersection of
Yonge Street and Clark Avenue, approximately one kilometre north of Steeles Avenue.
The station’s zone of influence would cover an area bounded approximately by
Springfield Way to the east, Willowdale Boulevard to the west, CN York Subdivision to
the south, and Arnold Avenue / Elgin Street to the north.
Natural Environment
The station would be situated in a built-up urban area. There are no significant natural
environment features in the vicinity.
Socio-Economic Environment
Existing land use patterns in the area are described below and illustrated in Figure 2-6:
•
Current population and employment density within the catchment area is
approximately 110 people per hectare3.
•
Current land use is comprised of mid-rise condominium blocks, single-storey
commercial plaza, and low density residential on the Markham side of Yonge
Street; high rise condominium towers, townhouses, commercial plaza, and low
density residential on the Vaughan side.
•
The northeast quadrant features a recently-renovated gas station at the corner of
the intersection. Thornhill Public Secondary School is an identified major trip
generator within the catchment area.
There is moderate redevelopment potential within the station’s zone of influence. On the
east side of Yonge Street, the Town of Markham has recently completed their YongeSteeles Corridor Study. Although there has been little development on the Markham side
of the corridor in recent years, redevelopment pressure is growing and the Town
recognizes the need for intensification along the corridor in the near future.
Redevelopment on the Vaughan side of Yonge Street is currently being examined by a
land use planning/urban design study initiated in June 2008.
3
Existing population and employment figures in York Region are based on the 2007 Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and the 2007 York Region Employment Survey data, respectively.
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January 28, 2009
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Figure 2-6: Land Use Pattern around Yonge Street / Clark Avenue
Cultural Heritage
There are no significant cultural heritage features within the area. It is noted that the
southern boundary of Thonrhill Markham and Thornhill Vaughan Heritage Conservation
Districts is approximately 500m north of Clark Avenue.
Major Transit Connections
With a station at Clark Avenue, it is expected that a significant amount of future
passenger activities will result from transfers to and from the following east-west bus
routes:
•
YRT / Brampton Transit Route 77 / 77A Centre – this is an all-day service
operating primarily east-west on Highway 7, Centre Street (except on Sundays /
Holidays), and north-south on Yonge Street. YRT shares operation of this route
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Station Location Analysis
with Brampton Transit. The route provides connection between Bramalea City
Centre in the City of Brampton and the Finch YRT / GO bus terminal in the City
of Toronto. Current service frequency is approximately one bus every 15 minutes
during the peak periods. With an extension of the Yonge Subway, this route
could provide a feeder connection to the subway at Clark Avenue.
•
YRT Route 5 Clark – this is an east-west line operating primarily on Clark
Avenue in the City of Vaughan and Yonge Street. The route provides connection
between the Thornhill area of Vaughan (Dufferin Street and Glen Shields
Avenue) and the YRT / GO bus terminal at Finch Subway Station in the City of
Toronto. Current service frequency is approximately one bus every 15 minutes
during the peak periods. With an extension of the Yonge Subway, this route
could provide a feeder connection to the subway at Clark Avenue.
Due to the need for users of these bus services to transfer to other bus services, it is
proposed that these routes continue to operate to Steeles Station and terminate at the
proposed inter-regional bus terminal, rather than having these routes terminate at Clark
Station. Passengers on these bus routes wishing to transfer to the subway can do so at
Clark Station.
2.4
Centre Street
This potential station would be situated on the municipal boundary between the City of
Vaughan and the Town of Markham. The station would be located at the intersection of
Yonge Street and Centre Street, approximately one kilometre north of Clark Avenue.
The station’s zone of influence would cover an area bounded approximately by Elmbank
Road to the west, Sumner Lane to the east, Arnold Avenue / Elgin Street to the south, and
the East Don River to the north. The station would be situated entirely within the historic
Thornhill community.
John Street, approximately 230 metres south of Centre Street, is an east-west arterial road
serving the Town of Markham. John Street is one of the oldest roads in Markham and it
has had a major impact in shaping the historic Thornhill community.
Natural Environment
The station would be situated in a built-up urban area south of the East Don River Valley
and beyond the TRCA Regulatory Limits for the East Don River. There are no
significant natural environment features in vicinity of the potential station.
Socio-Economic Environment
Existing land use patterns in the area are described below and illustrated in Figure 2-7:
•
Current population and employment density within the catchment area is
approximately 50 people per hectare.
•
Current land use is comprised of low density commercial activities at four corners
of the Yonge Street / Centre Street intersection, and along the Yonge Street
frontage south of Centre Street.
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January 28, 2009
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•
Beyond the Yonge Street frontage, land use is predominantly low density
residential mixed with institutional uses. There are no significant trip generators
in the area.
•
There are two major golf courses located in the area: Ladies’ Golf Club of
Toronto and Thornhill Country Club
There is low redevelopment potential within the station’s zone of influence given the
heritage and historic natures of the Thornhill community. The only re-developable
parcels in the area are not expected to generate significant levels of activities.
Figure 2-7: Land Use Pattern around Yonge Street / Centre Street
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Cultural Heritage
The station would be situated within Thornhill Markham and Thornhill Vaughan
Heritage Conservation Districts. There are several heritage buildings fronting both sides
of Yonge Street. There are also three historic plaques located at the Yonge Street /
Centre Street intersection. All three plaques were erected by The Society of the
Preservation of Historic Thornhill:
•
A historic plaque at the entrance to Cricklewood Park marks the site of a historic
Georgian residence dating back to the early 1800s.
•
Another historic plaque at the entrance to Cricklewood Park commemorates the
Radial Railway Line; the railway line provided daily interurban services on
Yonge Street between Toronto and Sutton in the early 1900s.
•
A historic plaque that commemorates the “Old Victoria Hall/Mineral Springs
Bottling Plant” and “Mason Cogswell’s Wagon Yard/Weigh Scales”
Major Transit Connections
With a station at Centre Street, it is expected that a significant amount of future passenger
activities will result from transfers to and from the following east-west bus routes:
2.5
•
YRT / Brampton Transit Route 77 / 77A Centre
•
YRT Route 3 Thornhill-York U – this is an all-day service operating primarily
east-west within the Thornhill community in the City of Vaughan and the Town
of Markham. The route provides a local service between York University and
Don Mills Road. Current service frequency is approximately one bus every 20
minutes during the peak periods.
Royal Orchard Boulevard
This station would be situated on the municipal boundary between the City of Vaughan
and the Town of Markham. The station would be located at the intersection of Yonge
Street and Royal Orchard Boulevard, approximately 800 metres north of Centre Street.
The station’s zone of influence would cover an area bounded approximately by Riverside
Boulevard to the west, Silver Aspen Drive to the east, the East Don River to the south,
and Uplands Avenue to the north.
Natural Environment
The station would be situated in a built-up urban area. There are no significant natural
environment features in the vicinity.
Socio-Economic Environment
Existing land use patterns in the area are described below and illustrated in Figure 2-8:
•
Current population and employment density within the catchment area is
approximately 70 people per hectare.
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January 28, 2009
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Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
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Station Location Analysis
•
In the Town of Markham, current land use is comprised of high-rise
condominium towers and low density commercial activities surrounded by low
density residential uses.
•
In the City of Vaughan, land use is predominantly low density residential with a
few institutional and recreational uses.
•
Royal Orchard Shopping Centre, at the northeast corner of Yonge Street and
Royal Orchard Boulevard, is a major trip generator.
•
There are two major golf courses located in the area: Ladies’ Golf Club of
Toronto and Thornhill Country Club
There is low to moderate redevelopment potential on the Markham side of Yonge Street
within the station’s zone of influence. Redevelopment potential on the Vaughan side of
Yonge Street is minimal given that the lands are within the boundaries of Thornhill
Vaughan Heritage Conservation District. The extent of redevelopment potential in
Markham will be confirmed by a future land use planning study.
Figure 2-8: Land Use Pattern around Yonge Street / Royal Orchard Boulevard
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January 28, 2009
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Cultural Heritage
The station would be situated on the edge of Thornhill Vaughan Heritage Conservation
District. There are a number of heritage buildings and one cemetery on the Vaughan side
of Yonge Street between the East Don River and Thornhill Avenue.
Major Transit Connections
With a station at Centre Street, it is expected that a significant amount of future passenger
activities will result from transfers to and from the following east-west bus route:
•
2.6
YRT Route 3 Thornhill-York U
Langstaff Road / Longbridge Road
This station would be situated on the municipal boundary between the City of Vaughan
and the Town of Markham. The station would be located between Longbridge Road and
Langstaff Road, approximately one kilometre north of Royal Orchard Boulevard. The
station’s zone of influence would cover an area bounded approximately by Riverside
Boulevard to the west, Ruggles Avenue to the east, Uplands Avenue to the south, and
Highway 407 to the north. The station would be at the edge of Richmond Hill / Langstaff
Gateway Urban Growth Centre which has been designated as an ‘Anchor Hub’ by
Metrolinx.
Natural Environment
The station would be situated in a built-up urban area. There are no significant natural
environment features in the vicinity.
Socio-Economic Environment
Existing land use patterns in the area are described below and illustrated in Figure 2-9:
•
Current population and employment density within the catchment area is
approximately 20 people per hectare.
•
In the Town of Markham, current land use is dominated by light industrial
activities within the Langstaff development lands, Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
fronting the east side of Yonge Street, and commercial / residential uses south of
the cemetery. However, given that the area is within the boundaries of a
designated Urban Growth Centre, there is medium to high redevelopment
potential in the future.
•
In the City of Vaughan, land use is predominantly low density residential with
commercial activities fronting the west side of Yonge Street.
•
A significant portion of the station’s potential catchment area is occupied by
Highway 407 and the Hydro One high voltage transmission facilities.
•
There are no major trip generators in the area today.
Although there is low redevelopment potential within the catchment area at the present
time, the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham are concurrently undertaking
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separate land use planning and urban design studies to examine future redevelopment
opportunities in the area.
Figure 2-9: Land Use Pattern around Yonge Street / Longbridge Road / Langstaff Road
Cultural Heritage
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery is located on the east side of Yonge Street. The cemetery
extends to Bayview Avenue to the east.
Major Transit Connections
There are no local east-west transit services within the area. A station at Langstaff /
Longbridge Road will provide direct subway access to the proposed transit-oriented
redevelopment site on the Langstaff lands (south of Highway 407 and east of Yonge
Street) in the Town of Markham. There are significant commuter park’n ride demands
that will need to be satisfied as part of the subway extension. As there is no real
opportunity elsewhere in the study area to provide a park’n ride facility, the Hydro One
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500kV transmission corridor on the west side of Yonge Street and the south side of
Highway 407 is the only possible site to provide a commuter parking facility.
Based on the opportunities noted above, it is expected that most of the potential
passenger activities, generated by a station at Langstaff / Longbridge Road, will come
from the proposed Langstaff transit-oriented development on the east side of Yonge
Street, as well as the proposed commuter parking facility on the west side of Yonge
Street.
2.7
Richmond Hill Centre (Highway 7)
The Richmond Hill Centre area at Yonge Street and Highway 7 will serve as the terminus
of the Yonge Subway extension. The station would be situated within the boundaries of
Richmond Hill / Langstaff Gateway Urban Growth Centre, an ‘Anchor Hub’ as defined
by Metrolinx. More specifically, the station would be located with an area bounded by
Yonge Street to the west, CN Bala Subdivision to the east, High Tech Road to the north,
and Highway 7 to the south. The exact location of the station is dependent on the
preferred Richmond Hill Centre subway alignment north of Langstaff Road. The
station’s zone of influence could reach as far as Bantry Avenue to the north and Red
Cedar Avenue to the east.
Natural Environment
The station would be situated in a built-up urban area. A protected woodlot is located in
the southeast quadrant of Yonge Street and High Tech Road. A 200-year old bur oak tree
is located within the limits of the Yonge Street / Highway 7 / Garden Avenue stormwater
management pond.
Socio-Economic Environment
Existing land use patterns in the area are described below and illustrated in Figure 2-10:
•
Existing population and employment density within the catchment area is
approximately 40 people per hectare
•
Situated within the Richmond Hill Centre / Langstaff Gateway Urban Growth
Centre
•
Mainly low residential on the west side of Yonge Street
•
Entertainment / mixed-use on the east side
There is high redevelopment potential on the south side of Highway 407 and the east side
of Yonge Street as part of the Richmond Hill Centre / Langstaff Gateway Urban Growth
Centre. Details will be confirmed by the Richmond Hill Centre Land Use Master Plan &
Urban Design Study.
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January 28, 2009
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Figure 2-10: Land Use Pattern around Yonge Street / Garden Avenue
Cultural Heritage
Vishnu Mandir Hindu Temple on the west side of Yonge Street is the only significant
cultural heritage features in the area.
Major Transit Connections
In addition to current YRT and Viva connections at Richmond Hill Centre Terminal, the
area of Yonge Street and Highway 7 is a focal point of several existing and future higherorder rapid transit services providing inter-regional connections to the rest of the GTA.
These inter-regional connections are as follows:
•
Richmond Hill GO commuter rail line;
•
GO Bus services;
•
Planned Highway 407 Transitway;
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•
Viva Highway 7 and Yonge Street Rapidways; as well as
•
Yonge Subway Extension.
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
As a major transit hub, Richmond Hill Centre Station will host a major inter-regional bus
terminal serving 18 YRT and GO bus routes. Preliminary bus operation plan for the
future Richmond Hill Centre bus terminal is outlined and illustrated in Appendix ‘C’. It
is expected that a large majority of future passenger activities at Richmond Hill Centre
will result from transfers to and from east-west surface routes.
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Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
DENSITIES REQUIRED TO SUPPORT A SUBWAY STATION
A minimum density threshold of 100 people per hectare was used to determine whether a
potential station location can be considered viable and justified. The threshold calls for a
minimum average of 100 people per hectare based on population and employment within
500 metres of the station. This minimum criterion was initially developed by the TTC as
part of the Rapid Transit Expansion Study (RTES) report in 2001. The TTC undertook
collected empirical data on what created a well-utilized “successful” subway station.
This involved assessing the transit mode splits around each station on the existing TTC
subway/SRT system versus the surrounding land use densities. From the TTC’s
perspective, densities of over 100 jobs and residents per hectare are required to support a
higher-order transit service, considering both the existing density and the increased
density that is possible in the future. This criterion has been used consistently by the
TTC to assess subway stations.
Future population and employment for each potential station location were obtained from
the most recent data from the City of Toronto, as well as future density ranges and
development potentials examined by York Region in support of this study. A summary
of future projected densities are outlined in Figure 3-1. Details are attached in Appendix
‘D’ and Appendix ‘E’. The financial and operating cost risks increase in the initial years
of operation if extensive redevelopment does not occur within the projected timeframe.
Figure 3-1: Projected Densities (residents and jobs per hectare) at Proposed Station Locations
Station
Existing
Interim (Before 2031)
Full Build-Out
(Approaching 2051)
Cummer / Drewry
84
120
To be determined by
the City of Toronto
Steeles (Toronto)
97
120
To be determined by
the City of Toronto
Steeles (York Region)
60
280
520
Clark
110
145
180
Centre
50
50 to 60
60
Royal Orchard
70
100
130
Langstaff / Longbridge
20
145
270
Richmond Hill Centre
40
300
550
It should be noted that for York Region, the projected 2031 and 2051 densities generated
for each station represent potential development unconstrained by existing planning
policies, i.e. the projected densities are not yet approved planned densities. The figures
do not directly translate into future ridership at each proposed station. For the City of
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Toronto, the projected 2031 densities represent redevelopment potential based on existing
planning policies that reflect higher order transit but not a subway extension. Future land
use studies in Toronto will confirm future redevelopment potential.
3.1
York Region
Based on the subway alignment and the potential station locations being carried forward
in the technical analysis, York Region Planning and Development Services undertook a
corridor analysis on Yonge Street – between Steeles Avenue at the York/Toronto border
and Bantry Avenue in the Town of Richmond Hill – to examine redevelopment
opportunities at each potential station location. The scope of the analysis focused on
lands within a 500m radius of each potential subway station and the potential for
redevelopment within the station's zone of influence. The analysis was further refined to
include parcels that are outside of a 500m straight line distance from a station, but is still
within a 10-minute walk from a station. To carry out the analysis, York Region adopted
the approach used for the Spadina Subway Extension to Vaughan Corporate Centre. The
approach is outlined as follows:
1. Define the station area
2. Calculate the existing population and employment within each station area
3. Identify the Intensification Areas
4. Assign future development density ranges
5. Assign future population and employment mixes
6. Generate the potential population and employment
7. Establish development potentials by station over time
The goal of the Region's analysis was to develop a guiding framework that would inform
concurrent local land use studies with regards to possible density projections and
redevelopment opportunities in support of the potential subway stations. In order to
provide a comprehensive analysis, York Region staff worked closely with local
municipalities such that the Region's analysis would reflect, to the extent possible,
intensification work done to date by Markham, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill.
3.2
City of Toronto
It is anticipated that the City of Toronto will initiate a Yonge Corridor Planning Study
from Cummer/Drewry Avenue(s) north to Steeles Avenue in the near future to examine
possibilities and confirm the extent of redevelopment potential in the area. From
Cummer/Drewry Avenue(s) south, the policies of the North York Centre Secondary Plan
apply.
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
4.
SELECTION OF THE PREFERRED STATION LOCATIONS
4.1
Screening of Potential Station Locations
A preliminary screening of potential station locations was carried out prior to the detailed
analysis and evaluation. The purpose of this preliminary analysis was to eliminate
options that do not meet the minimum criteria of a successful subway station. An option
which was considered to meet the minimum criteria to justify a subway station was then
carried forward to the detailed assessment.
Steeles Station and Richmond Hill Centre Station were not subjected to the screening
process:
•
Richmond Hill Centre Station – terminus station of the proposed Yonge
Subway Extension
•
Steeles Station – considered a “mandatory” station for the following reasons:
o The station would function as a major transit hub, capturing the large
number of TTC and YRT bus routes that currently converge on the
intersection of Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue;
o There is an opportunity to provide a direction pedestrian connection to
Centrepoint Mall which could potentially generate a high volume of
passenger activities; and
o There is significant potential for redevelopment around the Yonge Street /
Steeles Avenue intersection, particularly in the Town of Markham, the
City of Vaughan, and the City of Toronto along the frontage of Yonge
Street and at the Centrepoint Mall site.
The screening analysis was carried out using factors outlined in Figure 4-1. As shown in
Figure 4-2, Centre Street was screened out from the analysis and not carried forward for
further consideration.
Figure 4-1: Key Screening Considerations for Screening Potential Station Locations
Factor
Social-Economic
Transportation
Technical / Constructability /
Cost
Cultural Environment
Natural Environment
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Key Screening Considerations
Is there enough existing density to generate walk-in activity today?
Is there an opportunity for redevelopment that could generate walk in
activity in the future?
Will there be enough population, employment or a major attraction in
the area?
How many surface bus routes or another higher order transit link will be
intercepted by a station at this location?
Will a station offer an opportunity to intercept a high volume of
automobiles?
Is there any technical issue that could significant affect the
constructability of a station at this location?
Is there any potential adverse impact on the cultural environment that
could preclude the feasibility of a station at this location?
Is there any potential adverse impact on the natural environment that
could preclude the feasibility of a station at this location?
January 28, 2009
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Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
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Station Location Analysis
Figure 4-2: Screening of Potential Station Locations1
Key Considerations
Social-Economic
Is there enough existing density to generate
walk-in activity today?
Is there an opportunity for redevelopment that
could generate walk-in activity in the future?
Cummer / Drewry
Clark
Centre
•
•
No local east-west bus route captured
If approved, provides significant
Park-and-Ride location for
commuters.
•
If under the East Don River
option is chosen: reduces
subway user convenience
and increases the amount of
time to reach the subway
platform due to deep station
depth
•
None identified
•
Potential for impacting
cultural heritage features.
Station would be located on
the edge of the Thornhill
Vaughan Heritage
Conservation District
•
Within proximity of Holy Cross
Catholic Cemetery, no direct impacts.
•
Urban area, no change to
natural environment features.
•
Urban area, no change to natural
environment features
Impacts to the hydro corridor lands
can be mitigated
None identified
•
•
No significant impact on
cultural environment.
•
•
Urban area, no change to
natural environment
features.
•
If under the East Don
River option is chosen:
reduces subway user
convenience and
increases the amount of
time to reach the subway
platform due to deep
station depth
Potential for impacting
cultural heritage
features. Station would
be located within the
Thornhill Vaughan
Heritage Conservation
District
Urban area, no change to
natural environment
features.
•
•
2 local east-west bus routes
captured
None identified
•
•
No significant impact on
cultural environment.
•
Urban area, no change to
natural environment
features.
•
•
•
•
Will there be enough population, employment or
a major attraction in the area?
Transportation
1 local east-west bus route
captured
2 local east-west bus
routes captured
2 local east-west bus routes
captured
•
•
•
•
•
Existing pop/emp density –
110 people / ha
Yes – moderate
redevelopment potential
along Yonge Street
corridor.
Projected future pop/emp
density – 145 people / ha
•
•
•
•
Langstaff / Longbridge
Existing pop/emp density –
70 people / ha
Likely – low to moderate
redevelopment potential due
to constraints (i.e. bordering
Thornhill Vaughan Heritage
District).
Projected future pop/emp
density – 100 people / ha
Existing pop/emp
density – 50 people / ha
Not likely – low
redevelopment potential
due to constraints (i.e.
within Heritage
Districts).
Projected future
pop/emp density – 50 to
60 people / ha
Existing pop/emp density –
84 people / ha
Yes – moderate to high
redevelopment potential
along Yonge Street
corridor.
Projected future pop/emp
density – 120 people / ha
•
Royal Orchard
•
•
•
•
•
How many surface bus routes or another higher
order transit link will be intercepted by a station
at this location?
Existing pop/emp density – 20 people
/ ha
Likely – potential for redevelopment
on Langstaff Road
Redevelopment potential limited by
constraints (i.e. Hydro corridor,
cemetery, Highway 407).
Projected future pop/emp density –
145 people / ha
Will a station offer an opportunity to intercept a
high volume of automobiles?
Technical / Constructability / Cost
Is there any technical issue that could significant
affect the user accessibility or constructability of
a station at this location?
Cultural Environment
Is there any potential adverse impact on the
cultural environment that could preclude the
feasibility of a station at this location?
Natural Environment
Is there any potential adverse impact on the
natural environment that could preclude the
feasibility of a station at this location?
Conclusion
Carry Forward
Carry Forward
Do Not Carry Forward
•
Carry Forward
Carry Forward
(1) Steeles and Richmond Hill Centre Stations were considered mandatory stations and were therefore not subject to the screening process.
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
4.2
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Assessment of Potential Station Locations
Based on results from the screening analysis, a detailed assessment was carried out on the
following station locations:
•
Cummer / Drewry
•
Clark
•
Royal Orchard
•
Langstaff / Lonbridge
The factors and criteria used in the assessment of stations are outlined in Figure 4-3
below. Complete results from the detailed assessment are provided in Appendix ‘E’.
Figure 4-3: Factors and Criteria for Assessing Station Locations
Factor
Social-Economic
Transportation
Technical / Constructability /
Cost
Cultural Environment
Natural Environment
Key Screening Considerations
• Population and employment density within station zone of influence
• Major trip origins and destinations within station zone of influence
• Potential to stimulate transit supportive development within station
zone of influence
• Potential impacts to residential and commercial properties
• Potential impacts to parks and trails
• Potential effects on local noise, vibration, and air quality
• Transit network connectivity
• Associated Station Surface Facilities
• User Accessibility
• Compliance with design standards & criteria
• Constructibility
• Achieve reasonable costs
• Minimize potential cost associated with clean-up of potentially
contaminated sites
• Potential impacts to known archaeological sites
• Proximity to heritage features
• Potential impacts to recreation sites
• Potential impacts to Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Natural
Heritage Systems, and Wildlife Corridors
• Potential impacts to surface water, identified water crossings,
drainage features, and areas susceptible to surface water
contamination
• Potential impacts to terrestrial features
• Potential impacts to fisheries and aquatic resources
Results from the analysis indicated that there are no major technical, transportation, or
environmental issues (socio-economic, cultural, and natural) that would preclude a station
at Cummer / Drewry Avenue, Clark Avenue, Royal Orchard Boulevard, and Langstaff /
Longbridge Road. Therefore, the technically-preferred recommendation is to provide a
station at all four locations.
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
4.3
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Changes Resulting from Consultation
At the first round of Public Consultation Centre held on June 17 and 18, 2008, members
of the public were given an opportunity to provide their input on the following areas of
interest:
•
Number of intermediate stations between Finch Station and Richmond Hill Centre
•
Preferred station locations
•
Centre Street Station versus Royal Orchard Station
The majority of participants indicated that a six-station extension, with intermediate
stations located at Cummer / Drewry Avenue, Steeles Avenue, Clark Avenue, Royal
Orchard Boulevard, Langstaff / Longbridge Road and Richmond Hill Centre, was the
preferred subway extension alternative. The majority of participants rejected a station at
Centre Street due to concerns associated with potential impacts a subway station may
have on the character of the Thornhill Heritage Conservation Districts.
Subsequently, a Public Workshop was held on July 31, 2008 where the majority of
participants preferred a six-station extension and preferred a station at Royal Orchard
Boulevard compared to Centre Street.
No significant changes were made to the station location analysis as a result of the public
consultation.
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
5.
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
EFFECTS OF SUBWAY EXTENSION ON FINCH STATION
The TTC Finch Subway Station is currently the northern terminus of the Yonge Subway.
There are two bus terminals at this station: the TTC terminal with 13 bus bays and the
YRT / GO terminal with 17 bus bays. Both bus terminals act together as a major transfer
point, particularly for north-south commuters, providing a connection between local /
regional bus and subway services.
5.1
Bus Operations on Yonge Street between Finch Avenue and Steeles
Avenue
Presently, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), GO Transit (GO), York Region
Transit / Viva (YRT / Viva), and Brampton Transit (BT) operate a total of 27 bus routes
at Finch Station, of which 21 routes operate on Yonge Street between Finch Avenue and
Steeles Avenue (Figure 5-1). The TTC operates 1 through route on Yonge Street (97
Yonge) between Queens Quay Boulevard in Downtown Toronto and Steeles Avenue at
the border with York Region.
On a typical week day, up to 1373 buses per direction travel on the two-kilometre
segment of Yonge Street between Finch Avenue and Steeles Avenue (Figure 5-2), of
which 129 buses operate during the busiest hour in the peak direction – 8am to 9am,
southbound to Finch Station (Figure 5-3).
With an extension of the Yonge Subway, bus operations at Finch Station will be
significantly reduced. Of the 27 bus routes that operate out of Finch Station today, 20
will be relocated to an inter-regional bus terminal at the proposed Steeles Station (Figure
5-4). It is expected that typical peak hour bus volume on Yonge Street between Finch
Avenue and Steeles Avenue will be reduced from 129 buses to less than 10 buses per
direction – local bus service on Yonge Street (97 Yonge) will remain.
Figure 5-1: Number of Bus Routes Serving Finch Station
Direction
Yonge – North of Finch
Yonge – South of Finch
Finch – East of Yonge
Finch – West of Yonge
Today
21
5
1
1
Number of Bus Routes
With Extension
1
5
1
1
Figure 5-2: Weekday Daily Bus Volume on Yonge Street between Finch Avenue and Steeles Avenue
(all day, southbound)
Operator
TTC
YRT / Viva / BT
GO
Total
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Today
776 (estimated)
576
21
1373
January 28, 2009
Proposed Future
(With Extension)
50 (estimated)
0
0
50
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure 5-3: Weekday Peak Hour Bus Volume on Yonge Street between Finch Avenue and Steeles
Avenue (8am to 9am, southbound)
Operator
Today
TTC
YRT / Viva / BT
GO
Total
66 (estimated)
55
8
129
Proposed Future
(With Extension)
Less than 10
0
0
Less than 10
Figure 5-4: Bus Routes Operating on Yonge Street between Finch Avenue and Steeles Avenue
Operator
TTC
YRT / Viva / BT
GO
5.2
Today
53 Steeles East (all branches)
60 Steeles West (all branches)
97 Yonge
42 Cummer (all branches)
125 Drewry
Viva Blue
Viva Pink
2 Milliken
5 Clark
23 Thornhill Woods
77 Highway 7/Centre
88 Bathurst
91/91A Bayview South
99 Yonge South
300 Business Express
301 Markham Express
302 Unionville Express
303 Bur Oak Express
340 Bayview Express
62 Newmarket ‘B’ GO Bus
32 Brampton Trinity Common GO Bus
Future (With Extension)
97 Yonge
None
None
Bus Operations at Finch Station
With an extension of the Yonge Subway and the associated relocation of bus routes from
Finch Station to an inter-regional bus terminal at the proposed Steeles Station, it is
anticipated that operation requirements at the TTC / YRT / GO Finch terminals will be
downsized significantly (Figure 5-5). The reduction in the number of bus bays at Finch
Station with a subway extension will provide a significant opportunity to redevelop the
TTC’s Finch bus terminal lands in conjunction with privately owned lands west of the
TTC bus terminal, fronting on Yonge Street between Finch Avenue and Bishop Avenue.
One redevelopment option would involve relocating the remaining TTC bus terminal
(which has significant redevelopment potential) to the area in the Hydro Corridor north of
Bishop Avenue vacated by YRT/BRT/BT. This would allow the existing TTC bus
terminal lands to be redeveloped unencumbered by TTC bus operations.
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure 5-5: Number of Bus Bays at Finch Station
Operator
TTC
YRT / Viva
GO
Other (undesignated)
Total
Today
13
10
4
3
30
With Yonge Subway
Extension
6
0
4
0
10
TTC routes 36 Finch West and 39 Finch East, as well as GO Transit routes 19 Oakville
Highway 403 , 27 Milton Highway 401, 95 Oshawa Highway 2 Express, and 96
Oshaway Highway 401 are expected to maintain their current operations at Finch Station.
5.3
Etobicoke-Finch West Light Rail Transit
The City of Toronto and the Toronto Transit Commission are currently undertaking
preliminary planning for a proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) line on Finch Avenue West
between Yonge Street and the Highway 27 area in Etobicoke. The Finch West LRT is
one component of the City’s Transit City Light Rail Plan. As part of the scope of that
planning study, the TTC /City are currently exploring ways of connecting the proposed
LRT with the Yonge Subway at Finch Station. Options and evaluation criteria for
deciding on the details of this connection are under development.
Should the Finch LRT be constructed the size of the TTC bus terminal at Finch Avenue
would be reduced from 6 bus bays (with the Yonge Subway Extension) to 4 bus bays
(with the extension of the subway and the Finch LRT).
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
APPENDIX ‘A’
Panorama Views of Potential Station Locations
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 28
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure A1: Yonge Street at Cummer / Drewry Avenue
North View
West View
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure A2: Yonge Street at Steeles Avenue
North View
South View
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure A3: Yonge Street at Clark Avenue
West View
North View
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure A4: Yonge Street at Centre Street
South View
North View
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure A5: Yonge Street at Royal Orchard Boulevard
North View
East View
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure A6: Yonge Street at Langstaff Road / Longbridge Road
West View (Yonge Street at Longbridge Road)
South View (Yonge Street at Langstaff Road / Highway 407 off-ramp)
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 34
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure A6: Richmond Hill Centre
South View
North View
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
APPENDIX ‘B’
Future Bus Operations at Steeles Station
(Preliminary)
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure B1: Future Bus Operations at Steeles Station (Preliminary List)
Route
Current
With Subway Extension
TTC 53 Steeles East
East-west route serving Steeles
Avenue East between Markham
Road in Scarborough and Finch
Station
Terminate at Steeles Station instead
of Finch Station
TTC 60 Steeles West
East-west route serving Steeles
Avenue West between Highway 27
and Finch Station
Terminate at Steeles Station instead
of Finch Station
TTC 7 Bathurst
North-south route serving Bathurst
Street between Bathurst Station on
the Bloor-Danforth Subway and
Steeles Avenue
Route extended easterly along
Steeles Avenue to Yonge Street;
terminate at Steeles Station
TTC 98 Willowdale
U-shaped north-south route serving
Willowdale and Senlac / Grantbrook
Street / Cactus Avenue between
Steeles Avenue and Sheppard-Yonge
Station on the Yonge Subway
Route broken into two separate
routes (98 and 98A) and extended to
Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue
TTC 98A Senlac
U-shaped north-south route serving
Willowdale and Senlac / Grantbrook
Street / Cactus Avenue between
Steeles Avenue and Sheppard-Yonge
Station on the Yonge Subway
Route broken into two separate
routes (98 and 98A) and extended to
Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue
TTC 11 Bayview
Primarily north-south route serving
Bayview Avenue between Davisville
Station on the Yonge Subway and
Steeles Avenue
Route extended westerly along
Steeles Avenue to Yonge Street;
terminate at Steeles Station
TTC 97 Yonge
North-south route serving Yonge
Street between Queens Quay
Boulevard and Steeles Avenue
Same as current
YRT 88 Bathurst
North-south route serving Bathurst
Street between Seneca College King
Campus and Finch GO Bus Terminal
Terminate at Steeles Station instead
of Finch GO Bus Terminal
YRT 23 Thornhill
Woods
Primarily north-south route serving
the Town of Richmond Hill and the
Thornhill area of Vaughan between
Rutherford Road and Finch GO Bus
Terminal
Terminate at Steeles Station instead
of Finch GO Bus Terminal
YRT 2 Milliken
East-west route serving the John
Street / Denison Street corridor in
the Town of Markham between 9th
Terminate at Steeles Station instead
of Finch GO Bus Terminal
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Route
Current
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
With Subway Extension
Line and Finch GO Bus Terminal
YRT 2A 14th Avenue
East-west route serving the 14th
Avenue corridor in the Town of
Markham between MarkhamStouffville Hospital and Woodbine
Avenue
Route extended westerly to Yonge
Street, southerly to Steeles Avenue;
terminate at Steeles Station
YRT 5 Clark
East-west route serving the Thornhill
area of Vaughan between the Glen
Shields Avenue / Dufferin Street
area and Finch GO Bus Terminal
Terminate at Steeles Station instead
of Finch GO Bus Terminal
YRT 77 Highway 7Centre
Primarily east-west route serving the
Queen Street / Highway 7 / Centre
Street corridor between Bramalea
City Centre and Finch GO Bus
Terminal
Terminate at Steeles Station instead
of Finch GO Bus Terminal
YRT 91 Bayview
North-south route serving Bayview
Avenue between the Bayview
Avenue / Elgin Mills Road area in
the Town of Richmond Hill and
Finch GO Bus Terminal
Terminate at Steeles Station instead
of Finch GO Bus Terminal
YRT 99 Yonge South
North-south route serving Yonge
Street between Bernard Terminal in
the Town of Richmond Hill and
Finch GO Bus Terminal
Terminate at Steeles Station instead
of Finch GO Bus Terminal
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 38
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure B2: Future Bus Operations at Steeles Station (Preliminary Plan)
John St
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 39
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
APPENDIX ‘C’
Future Bus Operations at
Richmond Hill Centre Station (Preliminary)
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 40
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure C1: Future Bus Operations at Richmond Hill Centre Station (Preliminary List)
Route
Current
With Subway Extension
Viva Blue
North-south route serving the Yonge
Street corridor between Newmarket
Terminal and Finch GO Bus
Terminal
Terminate at Richmond Hill Centre
instead of Finch GO Bus Terminal
Viva Pink
Primarily east-west route serving the
Highway 7 corridor between
Unionville GO Station and Finch
GO Bus Terminal
Terminate at Richmond Hill Centre
instead of Finch GO Bus Terminal
Viva Purple
East-west route serving the Highway
7 corridor between York University
and Markham-Stouffville Hospital
Same as current
YRT 1 Highway 7
East-west route serving the Highway
7 corridor between MarkhamStouffville Hospital and Richmond
Hill Centre Terminal
Same as current
YRT 83/83A Trench
Primarily a local north-south route
serving the Town of Richmond Hill
from north of Elgin Mills Road to
Richmond Hill Centre Terminal
Same as current
YRT 85 Rutherford /
16th Avenue (East)
East-west route serving the
Rutherford Road / Carrville Road
corridor between Woodbridge and
Markham-Stouffville Hospital
Will be broken into two branches at
Yonge Street and extended southerly
to Richmond Hill Centre Terminal;
one branch serving west, the other
serving east
YRT 85 Rutherford /
16th Avenue (West)
East-west route serving the
Rutherford Road / Carrville Road
corridor between Woodbridge and
Markham-Stouffville Hospital
Will be broken into two branches at
Yonge Street and extended southerly
to Richmond Hill Centre Terminal;
one branch serving west, the other
serving east
YRT 87 Langstaff
Maple
Primarily east-west route serving the
Maple area of Vaughan and the
Town of Richmond Hill between
Teston Road and Bayview Avenue
via Richmond Hill Centre Terminal
Same as current
YRT 91A Bayview
North-south route serving Bayview
Avenue between the Bayview
Avenue / Elgin Mills Road area in
the Town of Richmond Hill and
Finch GO Bus Terminal
A branch of 91 Bayview will
terminate at Richmond Hill Centre
instead of Steeles Station
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 41
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Route
Current
With Subway Extension
YRT 99 Yonge South
North-south route serving Yonge
Street between Bernard Terminal in
the Town of Richmond Hill and
Finch GO Bus Terminal via
Richmond Hill Centre Terminal
Same as current
YRT 301 Markham
Express
Primarily east-west express service
on Highway 407 between East
Markham and Finch GO Bus
Terminal
Terminate at Richmond Hill Centre
instead of Finch GO Bus Terminal
YRT 302 Unionville
Express
Primarily east-west express service
on Highway 407 between Unionville
and Finch GO Bus Terminal
Terminate at Richmond Hill Centre
instead of Finch GO Bus Terminal
YRT 303 Bur Oak
Express
Primarily east-west express service
on Highway 407 between Cornell /
East Markham and Finch GO Bus
Terminal
Terminate at Richmond Hill Centre
instead of Finch GO Bus Terminal
GO 40 Airport Express
East-west express service in the
Highway 407 / Highway 403
corridor between Richmond Hill
Centre Terminal and Square One GO
Terminal via Pearson International
Airport
Same as current
GO 62 Newmarket ‘B’
North-south route serving Yonge
Street between York Mills GO Bus
Terminal and Newmarket Terminal.
Terminate at Richmond Hill Centre
instead of York Mills GO Bus
Terminal
GO 32 Brampton Trinity
Common
Primarily east-west route between
Trinity Common in Brampton and
Yonge Street at Sheppard Avenue
Terminate at Richmond Hill Centre
instead of Sheppard-Yonge
GO 51/52/54 Highway
407 East
East-west Highway 407 express
service between York University and
Durham Region via Langstaff GO
Station
Relocate stop at Langstaff GO
Station from south park’n ride lot to
bus terminal at Richmond Hill
Centre Station
GO ‘Northern Route’
None
New route serving the Highway 404
corridor between Richmond Hill
Centre, Aurora, and points north
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 42
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure C2: Existing Bus Operations at Richmond Hill Centre Terminal
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 43
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure C3: Future Bus Operations at Richmond Hill Centre Station (Preliminary Plan)
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 44
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
APPENDIX ‘D’
Density Ranges and Development Potentials for
the Yonge Subway Extension – City of Toronto
(Preliminary)
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 45
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure D1 - Yonge/Steeles and Yonge/Cummer Population and Employment Statistics (2001 & 2006)
Yonge/Steeles & Yonge/Cummer - Population & Employment Statistics-2001 & 2006
(with selection by the geographic "centroid" of the blocks)
See Notes at bottom.
Area of 500m circular buffer:
2001
2001
2001
Population Census
Employment
by Block
Block Area by Block
(hectares)
Station
Steeles
Cummer
2,828
4,574
48.08
90.06
2,035
2,109
2006
2006
2006
Population Census
Employment
by Block
Block Area by Block
(hectares)
Station
Steeles
Cummer
2,838
4,245
48.08
78.48
1,790
3,110
2001
2001
Employment Employment
Block Area
by Address
(hectares)
46.88
104.27
1,934
3,740
2006
2006
Employment Employment
Block Area
by Address
(hectares)
46.88
104.27
1,713
2,973
DENSITIES
2001
Population
per hectare
by block
58.82
50.79
2006
Population
per hectare
by block
59.03
54.09
2001
Employment
per hectare
by block
43.41
20.23
2006
Employment
per hectare
by block
38.18
29.83
78.54 ha
2001
Employment
per hectare
by Address
24.62
47.62
2006
Employment
per hectare
by Address
21.81
37.85
2001
Total
Density
per
Hectare
102.23
71.01
2006
Total
Density
per
Hectare
97.21
83.91
2001 Total 2006 Total 2001-2006
2001-2006
Density per Density per Total Density Total Density
Hectare
Hectare
Change
% Change
Station
Steeles
Cummer
102.23
71.01
97.21
83.91
-5.02
12.90
-4.9%
18.2%
Densities greater than 100 persons per hectare are considered minimum expected density for subway stations
Data:
Statistics Canada, 2001 & 2006 Census Population by Block;
City of Toronto, City Planning Division, 2001 & 2006 Toronto Employment Survey
by Assessment Block and by Municipal Address
Notes:
Population and Employment by block was included if the centroid of the block
fell within the 500m buffer of the transit station.
Employment by Address was included if the address point from the City street
network fell within the 500m buffer of the transit station.
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 46
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure D2 – Yonge Subway Extension Proposed Station Projections (City of Toronto)
Yonge Subway Extension Proposed Station Projections
Buffer Area (ha) - 500m around proposed stations
78 ha
Cummer
Steeles
39 ha
Base
Pop
Base
Density Maximum
Population (pph)
Population
Census
1996 *
Projected
2001
Projected
2006
Projected
2011
Projected
2021
Projected
2031
* Adjusted Census PoW
Source:
Cummer
Maximum
Pop
Density
Employment Base
(pph)
Em ployment Density (pph) Population
3272
42
3272
3838
49
3838
4353
56
4353
4765
61
4765
4829
62
5041
4922
63
5317
for Employment numbers
42
49
56
61
65
68
2874
3258
3458
3662
3934
4214
37
42
44
47
50
54
2013
2062
2056
2050
2098
2163
Steeles
Base
Pop
Density
(pph)
52
53
53
53
54
55
Maximum
Maximum
Pop Density Pop
Employment
(pph)
Density
Employment Density (pph)
2013
2062
2056
2050
2238
2426
52
53
53
53
57
62
1748
1911
2002
2099
2210
2322
45
49
51
54
57
60
City Planning Division, Policy and Research Section
Note: the projected 2031 densities represent redevelopment potential based on existing planning policies that reflect higher order transit but not a subway extension. Future land
use studies in Toronto will confirm future redevelopment potential.
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 47
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
APPENDIX ‘E’
Density Ranges and Development Potentials for
the Yonge Subway Extension – York Region
(Preliminary)
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 48
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 49
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 50
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 51
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 52
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 53
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 54
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 55
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 56
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 57
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 58
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 59
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 60
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 61
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 62
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 63
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 64
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 65
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
January 28, 2009
Page 66
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
APPENDIX ‘F’
Detailed Assessment of Potential Station
Locations
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 67
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL STATION LOCATIONS
Factors/Indicators/Measures
Relevance of Factor
Baseline Value for
Comparison
Cummer / Drewry
Clark
Royal Orchard
Langstaff / Longbridge
84
110
70
20
1.0 Social-Economic Considerations
1.1 Population+Employment density within station zone of influence
EXISTING population+employment density Number of people per
hectare
within 500m radius of station
FUTURE (2031+) population+employment Number of people per
density within 500m radius of station based hectare (rounded)
on preliminary forecasts
Quantifies the
need/justification for a
station at this location
today
100 people/hectare
Moderate density residential around
the intersection with commercial uses
fronting both sides of Yonge Street –
Newtonbrook Shopping Centre on the
southeast quadrant; low density
residential beyond the frontage
Quantifies the
100 people/hectare
need/justification for a
station at this location in
the future
120
A mix of mid rise apartment blocks,
commercial plazas, and low density
residential on the Markham side; a
mix of mid rise condominium, high
rise condominium, townhouses,
commercial, and low density
residential on the Vaughan side
145 to 180
Mainly residential with moderate
density and a shopping plaza on the
east side
100 to 130
Mainly low residential with
commercial activities on both sides of
Yonge Street south of Bunker Road
145 to 270
1.2 Major trip origins and destinations within station zone of influence
EXISTING commercial, employment, or
institutional attractions within 500m radius
Name
APPROVED PLANNED major commercial, Name
employment, or institutional trip generators
in proximity
Identifies any major trip
generator within the
station catchment area
Identifies any major trip
generator within a
station's zone of
influence
Existing condition
Newtonbrook Shopping Centre
Thornhill Public Secondary School
Royal Orchard Shopping Centre
None identified
Future condition
None identified. Not a decision-relevant factor.
1.3 Potential to stimulate transit supportive development within station zone of influence
Redevelopment potential within station zone low, medium, high
of influence (500m radius)
Assesses potential for
redevelopment within a
station's zone of
influence
Existing conditions
Moderate to High
Redevelopment potential
predominanatly in the southeast
quadrant of the Yonge/Cummer
intersection. Some potential also
exists along the Yonge Street
frontage
Moderate
Redevelopments are being examined
along the east side of Yonge Street
between Steeles Avenue and Clark
Avenue (Markham's Yonge Steeles
Corridor Study), as well as the west
side of Yonge Street
(Vaughan/Markham's Thornhill
Yonge Street Study)
Low to Moderate
Redevelopment potential exists on
the east side of Yonge Street only as
the west side of Yonge Street is
within the Thornhill Vaughan Heritage
Conservation District
Extent of redevelopment to be
confirmed by Yonge Street 'Avenue'
Study (Toronto)
Extent of redevelopment to be
Extent of redevelopment to be
confirmed by Yonge Street North
confirmed by Yonge Street South
Corridor Study (Vaughan) and Yonge Corridor Study (Vaughan/Markham)
Steeles Corridor Study (Markham)
Moderate
Redevelopment potential mainly
along the Yonge Street frontage
south of Bunker Road. Part of the
Langstaff Gateway development is
within the station's zone of influence
Extent of redevelopment to be
confirmed by Yonge Street North
Corridor Study (Vaughan/Markham)
and Langstaff Master Plan Study
(Markham)
(1) Steeles and Richmond Hill Centre Stations were considered mandatory stations and were therefore not subject to the detailed assessment process.
(2) Rows shaded in grey indicate criteria that are not decision-relevant for selecting station locations
(3) Rows shaded in yellow indicate criteria that did not produce different results amongst the station locations
(4) Rows shaded in pink indicate criteria that are not decision-relevant because the affected features or the intended effects do not exist in the area
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 68
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
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Station Location Analysis
DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL STATION LOCATIONS
Factors/Indicators/Measures
Relevance of Factor
Baseline Value for
Comparison
Cummer / Drewry
Clark
Royal Orchard
Langstaff / Longbridge
1.0 Social-Economic Considerations
1.4 Potential impacts to residential and commercial properties
Number of commercial properties displaced Number
Number of residential properties displaced
Number
Extent to which local
businesses may be
displaced
Extent to which stable
residential properties
may be displaced
Existing condition
Existing condition
Although the provision of a subway station will result in property acquisition and generate pressure for surrounding lands to be redeveloped, the extent of
the effects will depend on (1) the preferred station layout and the associated property impacts, and (2) the extent to which affected landowners may be
willing to redevelop or relocate.
Although the provision of a subway station will result in property acquisition and generate pressure for surrounding lands to be redeveloped, the extent of
the effects will depend on (1) the preferred station layout and the associated property impacts, and (2) the extent to which affected landowners may be
willing to redevelop or relocate.
1.5 Potential impacts to parks and trails
Local parks and trails displaced
Description
Measures the potential Existing condition
for causing adverse
effects on any park and
trail in the area
No parks or trails displaced. Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location.
1.6 Potential effects on local noise, vibration, and air quality
Potential noise effects
Potential vibration effects
Potential air quality effects
Description
Description
Description
Noise effects as proxy Existing condition
measures for effects on
human health and
quality of life
Existing condition
Vibration effects as
proxy measures for
effects on human health
and quality of life
Existing condition
Air quality effects as
proxy measures for
effects on human health
and quality of life
Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location. Relevant for assessment of station design concepts.
Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location. Relevant for assessment of station design concepts.
Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location. Relevant for assessment of station design concepts.
(1) Steeles and Richmond Hill Centre Stations were considered mandatory stations and were therefore not subject to the detailed assessment process.
(2) Rows shaded in grey indicate criteria that are not decision-relevant for selecting station locations
(3) Rows shaded in yellow indicate criteria that did not produce different results amongst the station locations
(4) Rows shaded in pink indicate criteria that are not decision-relevant because the affected features or the intended effects do not exist in the area
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 69
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
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Station Location Analysis
DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL STATION LOCATIONS
Factors/Indicators/Measures
Relevance of Factor
Baseline Value for
Comparison
Cummer / Drewry
Clark
Royal Orchard
Langstaff / Longbridge
2.0 Transportation Opportunities
2.1 Transit Network Connectivity
Local transit connections
Intermodal transit connections
Total number of future
feeder bus routes from
the east, west, or north
intercepted (inbound,
AM peak hour)
Assesses connectivity
with local transit.
Assuming all 6 potential
stations are provided in
the network
Description
Assesses opportunity to Future transit network in
connect with other
the area
transit modes
2 bus routes, 18 buses/hr intercepted
2 bus routes, 17 buses/hour
1 bus route, 4 buses/hour intercepted
(YRT 5 Clark, YRT 77 Highway 7intercepted
(YRT 3 York U-Thornhill)
Centre)
(TTC 42 Cummer, TTC 125 Drewry)
None
None
None
None
None
low
low
low
high - hydro corridor
2.2 Associated Station Surface Facilities
Opportunity to provide for commuter
parking facility at station
low, medium, high
Measures the potential
for a station to attract
non-transit based
subway users
Land availability
2.3 User Accessibility
Station Depth
Approximated range of
depth (m)
Convenience of access Deepest station on the
for all users, including
existing TTC subway
Wheel-Trans users and system is 18m
other passengers with
disabilities
10 to 15m
10 to 15m
15m if subway crosses over the East 10 to 15m
Don River
30m if subway crosses under the
East Don River
(1) Steeles and Richmond Hill Centre Stations were considered mandatory stations and were therefore not subject to the detailed assessment process.
(2) Rows shaded in grey indicate criteria that are not decision-relevant for selecting station locations
(3) Rows shaded in yellow indicate criteria that did not produce different results amongst the station locations
(4) Rows shaded in pink indicate criteria that are not decision-relevant because the affected features or the intended effects do not exist in the area
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 70
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
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DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL STATION LOCATIONS
Factors/Indicators/Measures
Relevance of Factor
Baseline Value for
Comparison
Cummer / Drewry
Clark
Royal Orchard
Langstaff / Longbridge
3.0 Technical / Constructibility / Cost
3.1 Compliance with design standards & criteria
Horizontal and vertical alignments
Description
All stations will be designed to standards and criteria as agreed with TTC Subway Operation
3.2 Constructibility
Traffic impacts as a result of cut & cover
construction
Description
Availability of diversion
routes during
construction
Existing conditions
Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location. Relevant for assessment of station design concepts.
Can be mitigated through traffic
management plan
Physical constraints on the surface within
70m radius as it relates to station
construction
Description
3.3 Achieve reasonable costs
Capital Costs
2008 $ Millions
Order of Magnitude
PRELIMINARY (to be
refined)
Assesses potential
Existing conditions
physical limitation on the
surface for station
construction
Measures the potential Station type,
range of capital cost
configuration, depth, and
associated with a station anticipated facilities
Can be mitigated through traffic
management plan
Can be mitigated through traffic
management plan; lack of diversion
routes across the East Don River
valley is a challenge but will be
addressed in the associated traffic
management plan
Can be mitigated through traffic
management plan
Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location. Relevant for assessment of station design concepts.
50 to 70
Capital cost dependent on station
type, configuration and depth assume line station with minimal
facilities
50 to 70
Capital cost dependent on station
type, configuration and depth assume line station with minimal
facilities
50 to 70
Capital cost dependent on station
type, configuration and depth assume line station with minimal
facilities
50 to 70
Capital cost dependent on station
type, configuration and depth assume line station with minimal
facilities
3.4 Minimize potential cost associated with clean-up of potentially contaminated sites
Number of sites with High potential for
contamination (i.e. landfill or gas service
station on property) that may be affected
Description
Number of sites with Medium potential for
contamination (i.e. property with record of
previous spill) that may be affected
Description
Number of sites with Low potential for
contamination (i.e. average commercial
property) that may be affected
Number of Gas Conflict Areas (i.e. contact
with underground gas pipeline) that may be
affected
Number of Spill sites that may be affected
Number of Fuel Storage sites that may be
affected
Description
Measures the potential
risk associated with
need for mitigation of
contamination.
See above
Based on desktop
review of available
data/resources
Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location. Relevant for assessment of station design concepts.
See above
Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location. Relevant for assessment of station design concepts.
See above
See above
Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location. Relevant for assessment of station design concepts.
Description
See above
See above
Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location. Relevant for assessment of station design concepts.
Description
Description
See above
See above
See above
See above
Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location. Relevant for assessment of station design concepts.
Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location. Relevant for assessment of station design concepts.
(1) Steeles and Richmond Hill Centre Stations were considered mandatory stations and were therefore not subject to the detailed assessment process.
(2) Rows shaded in grey indicate criteria that are not decision-relevant for selecting station locations
(3) Rows shaded in yellow indicate criteria that did not produce different results amongst the station locations
(4) Rows shaded in pink indicate criteria that are not decision-relevant because the affected features or the intended effects do not exist in the area
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 71
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL STATION LOCATIONS
Factors/Indicators/Measures
Relevance of Factor
Baseline Value for
Comparison
Cummer / Drewry
Clark
Royal Orchard
Langstaff / Longbridge
4.0 Cultural Environment
4.1 Potential impacts to known archaeological sites
Number of known sites in proximity of
alignment
Number
Area of archaeological potential that have
previously been undisturbed by
development
Hectares
Assess the potential for Existing condition
causing adverse effects
on any known
archaeological site
Assess the potential for Existing condition
causing adverse effects
on any known area of
archaeological potential
The majority of the study area has low archaeological potential as the area has been extensively disturbed by ROW construction and adajacent
development. There are areas of archaeological potential south of the Hwy 407. Stage 2 archaeological assessment required prior to any construction
within the study area.
The majority of the study area has low archaeological potential as the area has been extensively disturbed by ROW construction and adajacent
development. There are areas of archaeological potential south of the Hwy 407. Stage 2 archaeological assessment required prior to any construction
within the study area.
4.2 Proximity to heritage features
Number of identified cultural heritage
features in proximity of the proposed
subway station
Potential for changing character of the
heritage district
Description
Description
Assess the potential for Existing condition
affecting on any
significant built-heritage
and cultural heritage
features in the area
Extent to which
Existing condition
character of the heritage
district could be affected
by the alternative
3
5926 Yonge Street
0
5925 Yonge Street
5915 Yonge Street
None
7
8038 Yonge Street
1
Holy Cross Cemetery on the east
side of Yonge Street
8018 Yonge Street
8000 Yonge Street
7994 Yonge Street
7951 Yonge Street
Thornhill Baptist Church Cemetery on
the west side of Yonge Street
Commemorative plaque for the
“Thornhill Settlement Village” and
“Holy Trinity Burying Ground”
None
Yes - station on the edge of the
heritage district
None
4.3 Potential impacts to parks and recreation sites
Potential impact to local golf courses
Description
Assess the potential
effects on local golf
courses as a result of
the alternative
Existing condition
No golf courses affected. Not a decision-relevant factor.
4.4 Potential impacts to places of worship and unique community features
Number of community facilities displaced
(including performing arts and fine arts
facilities)
Number
Number of institutional facilities displaced
(including places of workshop)
Number
Extent to which
Existing condition
community/recreational
facilities may be
displaced
Extent to which
Existing condition
institutional facilities may
be displaced
No community facilities affected. Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location.
No institutional facilities affected. Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location.
(1) Steeles and Richmond Hill Centre Stations were considered mandatory stations and were therefore not subject to the detailed assessment process.
(2) Rows shaded in grey indicate criteria that are not decision-relevant for selecting station locations
(3) Rows shaded in yellow indicate criteria that did not produce different results amongst the station locations
(4) Rows shaded in pink indicate criteria that are not decision-relevant because the affected features or the intended effects do not exist in the area
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 72
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL STATION LOCATIONS
Factors/Indicators/Measures
Relevance of Factor
Baseline Value for
Comparison
Cummer / Drewry
Clark
Royal Orchard
Langstaff / Longbridge
5.0 Natural Environment
5.1 Potential impacts to Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Natural Heritage Systems, and Wildlife Corridors
Provincial/Federal natural features /
environmentally significant features
potentially affected
Description
Regional/Local natural features /
environmentally significant features
potentially affected
Description
Assess the potential
Existing condition
effects on any significant
natural resources /
features, if present
There are no Provincial or Federal natural features / environmentally significant features within the area
Assess the potential
Existing condition
effects on any significant
natural resources /
features, if present
None identified. Not a decision-relevant factor.
5.2 Potential impacts to surface water, identified water crossings, drainage features, and areas susceptible to surface water contamination
Drainage features and utilities potentially
affected
Description
TRCA regulatory limits potentially affected
Description
Ability to provide treatment for stormwater
run-off
Assess the potential
Existing condition
effects on drainage and
utilities
Assess the potential
Existing condition
effects on TRCA
regulatory limits
Not a decision relevant factor for selecting station location. Relevant for assessing East Don River crossing alternatives
All stations are located outside of TRCA regulatory limits
All Stations will be designed to meet local stormwater runoff design guidelines. There are no constraints known at this time that would restrict the ability
to meet design guidelines.
Description
5.3 Potential impacts to terrestrial features
Habitat potentially displaced or severed
Description
Assess the potential
effects on terrestrial
features
Existing condition
Assess the potential
effects on aqautic
features
Existing condition
None identified. Not a decision-relevant factor.
5.4 Potential impacts to fisheries and aquatic resources
Aquatic features potentially affected
Description
Not a decision-relevant factor. Relevant for assessing East Don River crossing alternatives
(1) Steeles and Richmond Hill Centre Stations were considered mandatory stations and were therefore not subject to the detailed assessment process.
(2) Rows shaded in grey indicate criteria that are not decision-relevant for selecting station locations
(3) Rows shaded in yellow indicate criteria that did not produce different results amongst the station locations
(4) Rows shaded in pink indicate criteria that are not decision-relevant because the affected features or the intended effects do not exist in the area
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
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Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
APPENDIX ‘G’
Future Bus Operations at Finch Station
(Preliminary)
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 74
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure G1: Existing Bus Operations at Finch Station
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 75
Yonge Subway Extension – Finch Station to Richmond Hill Centre
Conceptual Design and Functional Planning
Technical Report
Station Location Analysis
Figure G2: Future Bus Operations at Finch Station (Preliminary Plan – without Finch West LRT)
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
January 28, 2009
Page 76