Teamsters Canada Rail Conference

Yesterday, Metrolinx announced it completed the first stage of a project assessment process for GO Transit’s Georgetown South service expansion project, including the Union-Pearson rail link in Toronto.

During the past seven months, Metrolinx officials have consulted with neighborhood organizations and residents along the rail corridor seeking feedback on the proposed project and potential ways to address concerns.

The extended Georgetown line will bring GO Transit service to Toronto’s west end, as well as Mississauga and Brampton, Ontario. The project also will enable GO Transit to provide more frequent service to meet growing demand for more trains and offer a much-needed rail connection between Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and Union Station.

"There is an intuitive public understanding that we need to build more transit and provide better options for travelers," said Metrolinx President and Chief Executive Officer Rob Prichard in a prepared statement. “We took the community's comments and developed the most reasonable solutions and mitigation strategies available to address those concerns.”

Today, Metrolinx plans to issue a final environmental report on the project for public review. The Minister of the Environment will accept objections to the report until Aug. 31.

The Georgetown line expansion is part of the GO Transit Rail Improvement Program, a $1 billion initiative funded by the federal and provincial governments, and local municipalities. The Union-Pearson link will be financed and managed by a private-sector operator. Formerly the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority, Metrolinx merged with GO Transit in May.