The St. Clair Avenue right-of-way is set to undergo more costly construction. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is expected to spend as much as $7 million on the streetcar line’s platforms in order to accommodate mobility ramps for the new vehicles. TTC spokesperson Brad Ross says that construction is not scheduled to begin until 2018, although the new streetcars are scheduled to be on the roads by 2015–2016.
“There are some issues with some platforms around the city,” he said. “We have to lower the height of the platforms to accommodate the ramp for mobility devices.”
Although this could mean more delays along St. Clair Avenue, Ross says the TTC is “working with BIAs to make sure it does not interfere with traffic or business.”
But traffic or no, Ward 22 councillor Josh Matlow said the any more construction on the St. Clair right-of-way is a waste of taxpayer dollars.
“The TTC is the same entity that sources the new streetcar and built the right-of-way. They should have been totally compatible,” said Matlow.
The raised subway tracks have been a contentious issue for many residents along St. Clair who believe poor planning led to high costs and long bouts of construction. Planning for the new streetcars (which were bought before some platforms were complete) has cost the city more than $100 million.