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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPDS-063-23Clarftwn Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: Planning and Development Committee Date of Meeting: October 23, 2023 Report Number: PDS-063-23 Submitted By: Reviewed By: File Number: Report Subject: Carlos Salazar, Director of Planning and Infrastructure Services Mary -Anne Dempster, CAO By-law Number: Resolution#: PD-076-23 GO Transit Rail Service — Bowmanville Extension Environmental Assessment Project Addendum: Information Update Recommendation: 1. That Report PDS-063-23, and any related delegations or communication items, be received for information. Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-063-23 Report Overview Page 2 Following the completion of the 2011 EPR, Metrolinx advanced the design of the proposed expansion of GO Transit infrastructure from Oshawa to Bowmanville. Based on refinements and revisions to the design approach since the completion of the 2011 EPR, the alignment and infrastructure requirements for the project have changed and Metrolinx initiated an EPR Addendum to assess the effects of these changes in scope. The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the Bowmanville Extension Project Addendum, released on October 51". The document is posted for a 30-day public review period, closing on November 6, 2023. 1. Background 1.1 In 2011, Metrolinx completed an Environmental Project Report (EPR) to assess the proposed expansion of GO Transit infrastructure from Oshawa to Bowmanville. The EPR for the Oshawa to Bowmanville Rail Service Expansion and Whitby Rail Maintenance Facility, referred to as the `Project', considered the potential environmental impacts of the Project and recommended appropriate mitigation measures. 1.2 Since completion of the 2011 Environmental Project Report, Metrolinx has advanced the design of the Project through additional feasibility studies and proposed changes to the Project, which includes changes to: • Track alignment starting at Durham College Oshawa GO Station and terminating in Bowmanville; • Bridge, at -grade crossing and culvert requirements; • Relocation of proposed Thornton's Corners East GO Station; and • Relocation of Rundle Road Layover to Bowmanville GO Station. 1.3 As part of the EPR Addendum, Metrolinx conducted virtual public consultation in June 2023 to present and seek feedback on the results of the technical studies, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures. 2. Addendum Report 2.1 An addendum to the 2011 EPR is required to address these Project refinements and revisions to the design approach that were not previously considered in the EPR. This EPR Addendum has been prepared for the following purposes: Municipality of Clarington Report PDS-063-23 Page 3 • Determine significant changes from the 2011 EPR resulting from Project refinements and revisions; • Document the findings of the existing environmental conditions; • Assess potential environmental impacts of the preferred alignment and determine associated mitigation and monitoring requirements; • Engage and consult with stakeholder and public consultation; and • Develop commitments to future work associated with the design, construction, and operation of the Project, including required permits, licenses and approvals. 2.2 The Addendum, entitled `Oshawa to Bowmanville Rail Service Extension: Environmental Project Report Addendum', dated October 2023 was released on October 5th and will be open for a 30-day public review period, closing on November 6, 2023. Staff will review the Addendum and coordinate a response to Metrolinx. 3. Financial Considerations 3.1 Not Applicable. 4. Concurrence 4.1 This report has been reviewed by the Deputy CAO/Treasurer who concurs with this information. 5. Conclusion 5.1 It is respectfully recommended that this report be received for information. As the Bowmanville Extension EA Project proceeds, staff will report back with additional updates, as necessary. Staff Contact: Sarah Allin, Principal Planner, 905-623-3379 ext. 2419 or sallin@clarington.net.