Access to Vaughan’s Maple GO station – especially for customers on foot or using bikes – may become a whole lot easier.

Metrolinx is proposing to build a pedestrian and cycling access point from nearby Lindenshire Avenue to the transit station.

The new route would help customers in the McNaughton Heights community get to and from the stop, without having to worry about finding a coveted parking spot at the station.

The walk could be 50 metres or less, depending on where the access point is built.

Pinning down those details will be part of ongoing discussions between community members and Metrolinx. The transit agency is hosting a public information session tonight (Dec. 3) from 6-9pm at Vaughan City Hall, located at 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., to get feedback on the new Lindenshire Avenue access point.

“We want to hear from the residents and commuters living near Maple GO because ultimately they’re the ones that have to live near it,” said Aslam Shaikh, Metrolinx senior advisor, Station Planning, Planning and Design.

Metrolinx is working in partnership with the City of Vaughan and the project is in the design phase – when engagement with the community is critical.

The feedback will be considered before issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) tender to potential bidders. Once a successful bidder is contracted to work on the station, construction is anticipated to start in the fall of 2020.

“It’s all about making more community connections in and around Maple GO Station,” said Natalie Battistella, Metrolinx project coordinator for Non-AFP Early Works.

“The pedestrian access point will allow local community members to access Eagle Rock Way and all the retail shops in that area.”

Officials will be looking to provide a safe and convenient option that’s fully accessible, well-lit at night, and with a façade that blends into the neighbourhood.

Metrolinx is prioritizing walking and cycling to get to all stations – increasing mobility to and from GO stops.

The access point is among a number of improvements being made to Maple GO station. A new platform to accommodate two-way train service is being built, along with the Barrie corridor double-track project. The bus loop is being upgraded for better integration with local transit.

As well, there are mitigation walls to insulate residents from train noise, and more cycling and walking connections.

“Upgrading Maple GO is an important part of improving service on the Barrie line, allowing for future all-day, two-way travel on the GO train,” said Scott McLaren, Metrolinx project manager, Non-AFP Early Works.

Improvements to Maple GO are a major undertaking, and construction is expected to finish in 2023.

For more information on what we’re building in York Region, find us at metrolinx.com/york.