Torontonians Are Fighting Back Against The Ontario Line In Fear Of Noise & Air Pollution

Toronto’s newest subway plan, which includes both the Ontario Line and the Scarborough subway extension, is now facing widespread backlash a mere week after taking its first big leap forward. Mayor John Tory announced an agreement with Ford’s government that would free up $5 billion for the state of good repair work and keep the TTC in the city of Toronto's hands. It was initially estimated that lines could be built as early as 2027.

However, according to CBC, a group of Leslieville residents are now voicing their concerns about noise and air pollution, as well as the lines potentially devastating impact on green space in some areas.

In fact, hundreds of residents are concerned about these issues as CBC reports that hundreds of letters have been sent to the city expressing their concerns over the new line. 

“The decibels would decimate Leslieville. As a pediatrician, as a parent, I must oppose that level of noise pollution. The Ontario Line between Cherry Street and Gerrard Street East should be underground. This is the livable solution to these noise, and visual impacts,” one of the residents said, according to CityNews.

“An above-ground Ontario Line will bring an exponential increase in noise, vibration, train horns, bright lights. Once we factor in noise from overnight construction and maintenance — which is inevitable with Aria condo project, Ontario Line, six lanes of traffic — noise is going to be 24-7 in our neighbourhood,” another resident wrote.

In response to the outburst of public scrutiny, Metrolinx published a blog post explaining how above-ground stops would allow easier transfers to GO stations while saving the city countless of dollars.

"Making easier connections will be one of the important principles behind the design of Toronto's new Ontario Line subway, which will connect with GO trains and TTC routes," the post reads.

At the moment, the project, which still needs to be approved by the city council, remains in the early planning stages but has an estimated price tag of nearly $11 billion.

There are stories everywhere. If you spot a newsworthy event in your city, send us a message, photo, or video @NarcityCanada on Twitter and Instagram.