Opposition to GO Train expansion in Small’s Creek and Williamson Park ravines continues

GO train on tracks through forested area
A yellow ribbon marks one of 268 trees likely to be removed by Metrolinx in the coming weeks as the transit giant prepares to install a fourth track to the Lakeshore East rail line. Erin Horrocks-Pope/Toronto Observer

Some of Toronto’s Woodbine-Danforth community members are frustrated by a lack of consultation and transparency from Metrolinx regarding Small’s Creek and Williamson Park ravines.

The transit agency is planning to proceed with clear-cutting up to 268 trees to make way for construction along the GO Lakeshore East (LSE) rail line.

Residents are concerned that this project is putting a sensitive ecosystem in danger.

Metrolinx currently has a restoration plan outlined which includes the planting of 260 trees, 932 shrubs, and ground covering as part of re-naturalization when work on the LSE is completed.

According to a Feb. 24 emailed statement, Metrolinx is also committed to further enhancing restoration efforts.

But, as Toronto Observer reporter Erin Horrocks-Pope discovered, neighbours and friends of Small’s Creek and Williamson Park ravines hope to find a more sustainable solution that preserves the current environment.

Watch the video here:

Neighbours of Small’s Creek and Williamson Park ravines hope to work with Metrolinx to find a sustainable solution that both improves transit and and protects the sensitive ravine ecosystem.

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Posted: Feb 24 2021 11:37 am
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