Ontario Line
A new 15.6-km subway line in Toronto that will run from Exhibition Place, through downtown, all the way to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Don Mills Road.- Projects & Programs
- Ontario Line
- Resources
- Lower Don Bridge and Don Yard Early Works Report
Lower Don Bridge and Don Yard Early Works Report
Published on Aug.25, 2021
The Lower Don Bridge and Don Yard early works will include:
- building a new bridge north of the existing rail bridge over the Lower Don River that will carry the Ontario Line tracks;
- shifting GO tracks in the Don Yard and nearby rail corridor to accommodate Ontario Line infrastructure;
- modifying the existing rail bridge to accommodate GO track shifts and Ontario Line infrastructure; and,
- relocating and protecting utilities and signal infrastructure in the area.
The Lower Don Bridge and Don Yard Early Works Report outlines the purpose of early works, a description of local environmental conditions, potential impacts, proposed mitigation measures and a record of consultation.
Read the full Lower Don Bridge and Don Yard Early Works Report
Read the Statement of Completion
Read the Notice of Final Publication
Read Appendix C1 - Project distribution list
Lower Don Bridge rendering
Conceptual rendering of Lower Don Bridge for illustrative purposes only.
Natural environment
Potential effects and mitigation measures
Potential effects:
- Removal of/damage to trees, terrestrial vegetation and wildlife habitat.
- Impacts to aquatic/riparian vegetation.
- Erosion and sedimentation to waterbodies from construction.
- Disturbance or displacement of wildlife species and reduced habitat connectivity.
- Potential for impacts to fish and fish habitat.
- Risk of contamination to waterbodies as a result of spills.
- Introduction or spread of invasive species.
Mitigation measures:
- Sensitive wildlife timing restrictions for early works activities (e.g., removal of vegetation outside of the breeding bird period).
- Tree/vegetation removals will be kept to a minimum and limited to within construction areas.
- Tree removal compensation will be provided in accordance with the Metrolinx Vegetation Guideline (2020).
- Temporarily disturbed areas will be restored/re-vegetated.
- Erosion and sediment control measures will be implemented.
- Ensure that all in-water activities do not interfere with fish passage, constrict the channel width or reduce flows.
- Prior to early works activities, species-specific surveys will be completed to avoid or reduce potential impacts and meet all Species at Risk regulatory requirements.
Air quality
Noise and vibration
Heritage
Traffic and transportation
Archaeological resources
Hydrology and surface water
Socio-economic and land use characteristics
Soil and groundwater
Related Projects
Land Acknowledgement
Metrolinx acknowledges that we connect communities by building and operating transit within the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples, for whom these lands continue to have great importance.
Treaties between First Nations and governments cover these lands, and the promises contained in these Treaties remain relevant to this day.
Metrolinx and its employees are committed to understanding the history of these lands and the continued impacts of colonization and take responsibility for actions to advance reconciliation.
Metrolinx will continue to seek the knowledge, expertise and experience of Indigenous partners and commits to doing business in a manner that is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and collaboration.