Loss of subway parking lot concerns commuters

Kennedy station may lose space during subway renovations

A proposal to close the Kennedy station parking lot for subway renovations in 2016 could create problems for local commuters.

“I would have to leave the car at home and (take the) bus which takes a bit longer,” says Kathy Le, physical activity instructor at University of Toronto, who frequently parks her car in the lot at Kennedy and boards the subway there.

If she had to, Le said she’d walk to Kennedy station.

“It’s not too bad for me because I’m also just a 20-minute walk from Kennedy,” Le said. “But it’s an annoying walk in the cold.”

It’s an example of potential inconveniences that have Ward 35 councillor Michelle Berardinetti worried.

“I am very concerned about the impact of any proposed closing of the commuter parking lot at Kennedy Station in Scarborough,” Berardinetti said. “The majority of these parking spaces are used by Scarborough residents to commute to the Kennedy lot to allow them to board the subway system.”

Berardinetti said without those spots, people may have to use Warden’s and Victoria Park’s parking lots. She said she does not want to see the other two subway stations lose their lots as they will be needed for more commuters if Kennedy’s does indeed close.

“These lots will be needed to absorb commuters who are displaced at Kennedy Station,” Berardinetti said.

Le said closures would have a great affect.

“The parking lots are often very busy, nearly full, so I think a lot of people will be impacted by this,” Le said.

The issue will be dealt with at the TTC board meeting in December, said TTC media spokesperson Danny Nicholson.

But on Nov. 19, Scarborough Community Council is planning to discuss this situation, according to Berardinetti.

About this article

By: Erin Cassidy
Copy editor: Nicolette Mendoza
Posted: Nov 20 2013 12:32 pm
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Filed under: Community News
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