Background Info and What You Can Do?
Announced on March 18th, 2021 the Yonge North Subway extension (“Option 3”) proposes to tunnel under several dozen homes in the Royal Orchard neighbourhood of Thornhill, Ontario. This plan will have negative effects, both during the construction phase and upon completion. Many established streets full of homes including Donalbain Crescent, Thorny Brae Drive, Banquo Road and Kirk Drive will have subways running underneath them. Emergency exit structures and grates to vent the subway air and gasses will be required in the neighbourhood.
Our Message to Decision Makers:
The lasting legacy of the “Option 3” subway extension will NOT prove something to be proud of. Please change this plan before it is too late!
Our community is not against expansion of the transit system. We do however object to a plan that adversely affects the health and well-being of thousands of residents. There will be a negative environmental impact. It is also a well-known fact that homes will be “blighted” financially if a subway runs under them.
Our “Stop Subway Option 3 in its tracks” advocacy efforts are focused on convincing decision makers to review and reject this plan. We are confident there is a better solution to suit all stakeholders.
We believe:
- There is NO rationale to build a subway line through the heart of a single-family neighbourhood, tunnelling under dozens of homes.
- NO GUARANTEE the ongoing mitigation suggested by Metrolinx to keep homes safe and residents comfortable will be delivered (too expensive or impossible to achieve?).
- Option 3 is “all pain, no gain” for Royal Orchard.
- Years of noise / vibration / tremors / possible property damage.
- Hundreds of homes – thousands of residents affected.
- Possible negative environmental impacts.
The current plan will devastate our Thornhill neighbourhood.
The current plan may be a very costly mistake.
Recent RORA Letters to Decision Makers
Map of Proposed Route
Please note, actual route may change from indicated
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- To Volunteer to Stop Subway Option 3 in its Tracks – CLICK HERE to fill out the form
- Say “NO” to Subway Option 3 – CLICK HERE to Sign the Petition
- To order a Lawn Sign – please email: rozfitzpatrick@yahoo.ca
- Write a Letter or Make a Call.
Feel free to use the points above in a letter or telephone call. We have also included below, a sample communication (you can edit accordingly) along with contact information of some key political figures and influencers.
Sample Communication Letter/Email:
Dear [Decision Maker],
I am aware of the Metrolinx plan to tunnel under dozens of homes in the Royal Orchard neighbourhood to build the Yonge North subway extension. I am very concerned about all of the short and long term impacts resulting from this plan, including noise, vibration, environmental impacts and long-term costs. Also, the homes being affected will certainly be negatively affected. Please reject this plan before it is too late!
The lasting legacy of the “Option 3” subway extension will not prove something to be proud of. Please select a better option.
Thank you,
[Your name]
| Office of the Premier of Ontario Email: premier@ontario.ca Telephone: (416) 325-1941 | His Worship, Mr. Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of the City of Markham Email: mayorscarpitti@markham.ca Telephone: (905) 475-4872 |
| The Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation Email: caroline.mulroney@pc.ola.org Telephone: (416) 327-9200 | Mr. Don Hamilton, Markham Deputy Mayor Email: dhamilton@markham.ca Telephone: (905) 415-7549 |
| Ms. Gila Martow, Member of Provincial Parliament Email: gila.martow@pc.ola.org Telephone: (416) 325-0100 | Mr. Jack Heath, Regional Councillor Email: jheath@markham.ca Telephone: (905) 415-7506 |
| The Honourable Peter Kent, Member of Parliament Email: peter.kent@parl.gc.ca Telephone: (905) 886-9911 | Mr. Joe Li, Regional Councillor Email: joeli@markham.ca Telephone: (905) 479-7749 |
| Mr. Stephen Blais, Ontario Liberal Caucus Critic (Transportation) Email: sblais.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Telephone: (613) 834-8679 | Mr. Jim Jones, Regional Councillor Email: jjones@markham.ca Telephone: (905) 479-7757 |
| Mr. Tom Rakocevic Ontario NDP Caucus Critic (Transit) Email: trakocevic-qp@ndp.on.ca Telephone: (416) 326-7585 | Mr. Keith Irish, Councillor Ward 1 Thornhill, City of Markham Link to Councillor’s Petition: CLICK HERE |
Interested in becoming a RORA Member?
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Disclaimer:
Please note, the information contained on our website and in our communications has been taken from sources which we believe to be reliable, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. The Royal Orchard Ratepayers’ Association is a neighbourhood volunteer organization. We are not experts or professionals. None of the information herein should be taken as financial advice, legal advice nor used for any investment purpose. The information contained herein is for discussion purposes only. Please seek the advice of an expert if you require advice or professional services.
ROYAL ORCHARD RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION 