Woodbine Station Easier Access Project Public Open House January 27, :30 pm 8:30 pm Consultation Summary Report

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Woodbine Station Easier Access Project Public Open House January 27, 2014 6:30 pm 8:30 pm Consultation Summary Report Danforth

1 Woodbine Station Easier Access Project Public Open House January 27, :30 pm 8:30 pm Consultation Summary Report Danforth Mennonite Church 2174 Danforth Ave Prepared by Lito Romano February 18, 2014 i Woodbine Open House-Summary Report January 27, 2014 i

2 Table of Contents Contents 1 INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND CONSULTATION PROCESS EVENT DETAILS SUMMARY OF ALL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS CONSTRUCTION DESIGN SECOND EXITS COMMUNICATION ART MURALS OTHER CONSTRUCTION LIASION GROUP (CLG) COMMUNICATION PREFERENCES NEXT STEPS... 5 ii Woodbine Open House-Summary Report January 27, 2014

3 1 Introduction 1.1 Background Since March 1990, the TTC has set a goal of making all of its services and facilities accessible. To date 32 of 69 stations across the network have been made accessible. In 2017, Woodbine Station is scheduled to become accessible and by 2025 (subject to full project funding), TTC expects to have all station accessible under the Easier Access Program (subject to full project funding). TTC is also building a second exit at Woodbine Station. A Fire Life Safety Assessment Study completed in 2002 identified 14 high priority stations requiring an alternate exit from the station platform. The purpose of the second exit is to improve customer safety and convenience. In order to minimize disruption in the community, the Easier Access and Second Exit projects at Woodbine Station are being coordinated as one project. The TTC Board approved the conceptual design for Easier Access and Second Exit Programs at Woodbine Station at its meeting on July 14, Improvements at the station will include installation of two elevators, sliding doors, wayfinding signage, localized station repairs, upgraded lighting and enhanced landscaping and the construction of the second exit facility. Construction is expected to begin in early 2014 and completed in Consultation Process The first public open house was held on June 29, 2010 where TTC presented a preliminary design to the community. Additional open houses were held on February 26, 2013 and April 18, Comments and suggestions have been channeled through the Community Liaison Officer to the project team for review and action. A single point of contact for the community ensures a timely response to quieries related to this project. On January 27, 2014, the community was invited to attend a pre-construction open house to learn more about the construction staging and schedule. TTC presented the final design and additional details, including construction impacts and mitigation measures. (See Appendix- Presentation Panels). The design is now complete and the construction contract has been awarded to AECON Construction. 1.3 Event Details Venue: Danforth Mennonite Church 2174 Danforth Avenue Time: 6:30pm 8:30pm Attendees: 50 The event was advertised as follows: 1 Woodbine PIC-Summary Report April 18, 2013

4 14,000 notices distributed via Canada Post to an area bound by Cosburn Ave., Main St., CNR and Coxwell Ave. Flyer posted on the TTC project website - Ads in the local papers (Beach Mirror and East York Mirror January 23, 2014) Ad in the TO-MOVES- January 4, 2014 Event details posted on Councillor Davis web site Direct mail to the project mailing list (attendees who signed in at the first open house) Large signs posted at Woodbine Station Properties within 200 metres were visited by the Sr. Community Liaison. Invitations were placed in mailboxes where no one was home 2 Summary of all Questions and Comments The following is a summary of the feedback received at the meeting. Attendees were informed that presentations on Design, Construction and Consultation would take place through the evening. They were encouraged to attend and ask questions of staff who were available throughout the evening. Although the majority of comments were provided through discussions with staff, 13 individuals completed comment cards and an additional 12 provided comments or requested details online. Presentation panels were posted on the project Website at prior to the Open House. 2.1 Construction Schedule Residents immediately adjacent to the site requested a more detailed construction schedule showing when excavations would start. How often would contractors be working on weekends? Contractor is bound by City of Toronto by-laws Work is permitted between 7am and 7pm during the week and from 9am to 7pm on Saturdays. What will happen with 996 Strathmore during and after construction? The house is planned for use as a Project Site Office during construction. TTC will reassess the need for the house following construction. Impacts There is concern about congestion on Strathmore and bus delays caused by taxis waiting to pick up and drop off passengers at the taxi stand. TTC is working with City of Toronto Trannsporation to relocate the taxi stand further easet on Strathmore. The traffic conditions will be reviewed further if problems arise. Bus Area Repaving 2 Woodbine Open House-Summary Report January 27, 2014

5 Would customers arriving at the station by bus require transfers to enter Woodbine Station? This is very likely however this decision will be finalized by TTC s Operations Division. Station Closing A resident suggested closing the station briefly, similar to Pape Station, if it would expedite construction. Staff advised that a station closure was not planned because the area under construction would not benefit from a closure. Also, the second exit construction is staged to open prior to completing the work in the existing station areas. 2.2 Design Station Resident advised that water accumulates at the entrance, by the collector booth and whether this can be remedied during constrtuction? The existing floor drains and drainage piping will be inspected during construction and new drains will be provided in the new construction adjacent to the stairs. A portion of the floor will be replaced at the turnstiles and will slope towards the drains. High wind velocity makes it difficult to climb stairs. Will the new construction address this? The high wind velocities result from the train movements in the subway and are intended to be relieved in ventilation shafts at track level prior to the trains entering the station. Sometimes the ventilation shafts are closed to alleviate cold temperatures in the station or for maintenance. Earlier this year the ventilation shafts were closed for maintenance. Could the payphone be moved to the opposite wall, as there is a natural indent there? The installation of the easier access fare gate requires the pay phones at street level to be removed. The indent on the opposite wall near the collector booth is being infilled to provide a consistent wall finish to match the existing wall. The pay phones on the concourse level will remain in the current location. Will TTC consider installing a large compass rose (N/E/S/W indicator) on the ground outside the exits to aid those leaving the station? This project is specific to easier access, second exit and state of good repair; items such as those suggested are not within the scope of work not funded for Woodbine Station. Elevators While all attendees were supportive of the elevators being installed, there was a general concern about there being only two elevators, both of which are needed for westbound travel. Residents were concerned about what would happen if there was a power-outage or breakdown of an elevator. In the event of power failure, the elevators are equipped with the following safety mechanisms: Battery powered cab lighting will illuminate The traction-powered street-to-platform elevator (E1) will go up or down to the landing closest to the location of the car at the time of the power failure. 3 Woodbine PIC-Summary Report April 18, 2013

6 The hydraulic-concourse-to-platform elevator will travel to the bottom floor and open its doors on arrival. Pressing the door open button will re-open the doors/ if required. Battery will operate the car alarm bell when activated TTC provides real time information on elevators status through its website as well as its LIFT line. Anyone requiring the use of an accessible feature is encouraged to call the TTC Lift-Line before travelling LIFT (5438). A recorded TTC elevator status is updated daily. 2.3 Second Exits Many residents, concerned about people jaywalking, commented that the new exit should also be an automatic entrance. TTC is reviewing design standards for second exits fare line equipment and will report back on possible changes that could allow the second exits to also serve as an entrance including possible impacts on cost, schedule, property acquisition and maintenance. Bike Racks Some residents were concerned about the bike parking at the station, particularly whether the racks would be sufficiently sturdy and secure. Will there be security cameras? Bike racks are selected and installed by City Transportation. There are no plans to install security cameras over the bike racks.. Project Scope Some residents felt that while the project was important, they did not want the TTC to go far beyond the scope of accessibility and a second exit. Some commented that Pape station was nice, but that the complete renovation, including replacing all the tiling, was excessive and an unnecessary expense for a cash-strapped transit authority. Residents were informed that the construction budget for Woodbine is $20 million, and that the station would not include the same degree of upgrades as Pape Safety Some residents asked why we required a second exit. Was the station not safe? Staff advised that the station was safe, and the new exit would enhance safety and customer convenience. 2.4 Communication Display Boards Residents liked the clarity of the display boards and the explanations provided by staff. Some noted the format worked well to allow for both for 1 on 1 and group discussions. 4 Woodbine Open House-Summary Report January 27, 2014

7 One person asked that there be more location labels for photos in order to get a better sense of the angle they were being viewed from. 2.5 Art Murals Many residents liked the planned art murals which will be fastened to the construction hoarding. They asked if it s possible to retain the murals after construction and display inside the station. The murals are owned by the City of Toronto Cultural Servicesand the Artistic Partners involved in creating them. They are reviewing options on displaying them following construction. 2.6 Other Coxwell Many residents expressed support for the Coxwell Station Easier Access Project and wanted to be kept informed. TTC collected information and added them to the project mailing list Pape Station There was a concern that the hologram art at Pape station does not show well. As well, a comment was left asking if fire hoses are at platform level in any other station, and if it is wise having them at Pape, due to the danger of spraying electrical equipment. There arefire fighting provisions, including fire hose cabinets, at all subway stations as required by the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code. Fire hose cabinets provided at Woodbine and Pape extend coverage to the second exits. 3 Construction Liasion Group (CLG) Residents were informed about a volunteer CLG which would meet regularly to address construction related concerns. Anyone interested was asked to provide their contract information at the registration table. 4 Communication Preferences Attendees signed in and provided contact information and how they would like to receive future correspondence ( or regular mail). Participants were also asked for permission to share their contact information with the local councillor. 5 Next Steps Construction on-site is scheduled to begin in February TTC will continue to meet with residents and stakeholders to keep them informed of developments on the project. 5 Woodbine PIC-Summary Report April 18, 2013

8 Appendix Event Flyer 6 Woodbine Open House-Summary Report January 27, 2014

9 Newspaper Ad 7 Woodbine PIC-Summary Report April 18, 2013

10 Presentation Panels 8 Woodbine Open House-Summary Report January 27, 2014

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