HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO 11-22
Pl(KERJNG
Report to Council
Report Number: CAO 11-22
Date: June 27, 2022
From: Fiaz Jadoon
Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects
Subject: High Frequency Rail
-Business Analysis for an HFR Station in Pickering
-File: A1440
Recommendation:
1. That Report CAO 11-22 from the Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects
regarding the High Frequency Rail Station Business Analysis completed by WSP be
received;
2. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary
actions as indicated in this report; and
3. That the City Clerk forward a copy of Report CAO 11-22 to the Region of Durham’s Office
of the CAO and Planning & Economic Development Department.
Executive Summary: In 2021, The Joint Project Office (JPO), a team assembled by VIA
Rail Canada (VIA) and the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), announced that it is exploring
the opportunity for High Frequency Rail (HFR) service between Toronto and Quebec City. A
Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) was released by the Government of Canada for
industry experts which outlined some expected HFR project outcomes. Pickering Council
approved the hiring of WSP for the development of a strategic business case and concept plan
for a High Frequency Rail station in Pickering (Resolution #873/22).
In partnership with the Region of Durham, City staff provided the necessary data required by
WSP as part of their research phase. Upon further evaluation of the scope of work, WSP
recommended a high-level phased approach for the final deliverable to enhance the study. The
first phase of the study consists of a high-level business analysis and the second phase is a
high-level site assessment that is part of a more detailed concept plan for an HFR station.
During the study, City and Regional staff had discussions with City of Markham and Region of
York staff regarding a collective submission to the JPO. However, following the joint meeting,
City of Markham staff informed City of Pickering staff that they will be conducting their own
analysis for a potential station.
To conduct the study, WSP recommended the selection of a single candidate site to perform
scenario-based analyses. Five scenarios were designed to be modeled on this candidate site.
Each scenario represents a future development state by 2051, and determines the catchment
zone for ridership analysis.
CAO 11-22 June 27, 2022
Subject: High Frequency Rail – Business Analysis for an HFR
Station in Pickering Page 2
City and Regional staff strongly believe presenting the opportunity for an HFR station in
Pickering will generate a positive response. Upon receiving feedback from the JPO, the
Regional and City staff working group will begin the next phase of the study with WSP to
conduct a more detailed analysis of potential sites and develop a concept plan for the HFR
station.
Financial Implications: This report contains no financial implications to the City of
Pickering.
Discussion: At the Council meeting of April 25, 2022, Council approved Report CAO 05-22
directing staff to retain WSP for the development of a strategic business case and concept
plan for a High Frequency Rail (HFR) station in Pickering (Resolution #873/22). City of
Pickering and Region of Durham staff worked in collaboration to execute the study.
The initial scope of work developed by City and Regional staff included a strategic business
case and concept plan for an HFR station in Pickering. After further discussion with WSP staff
and industry leaders, it was determined that the established timeframe would not allow for a
quality concept plan to be completed. The revised scope of work breaks the study into two
separate phases. The first phase includes a high-level business analysis for the HFR station,
and the second phase includes high-level site assessments for a concept plan. This would
help the City submit a more refined concept for the JPO.
On May 20, 2022, City and Regional staff met with City of Markham and York Region staff to
propose a joint effort on the project. Markham and York Regional staff supported the initiative
and determined a collaborative approach may be more attractive to the Federal government.
However, following the meeting, City of Markham staff confirmed they will also be undertaking
a business analysis for an HFR station in Markham.
Based on future development in Pickering and existing transportation networks, City and
Regional staff provided WSP with potential sites for an HFR station in Pickering. Each site
provides access to major roads and highways, and connectivity to current and future
transportation systems.
As part of the study, WSP created five future scenarios to apply on one of the proposed sites.
Each development scenario assumes the full implementation of the GO Rail Expansion
Program, and all higher order transit lines as noted by MTO’s Greater Golden Horseshoe
Transportation Plan. The scenarios help define the catchment zone surrounding the HFR
station and support ridership analysis.
WSP’s business analysis explores broad network and land use opportunities made possible by
an HFR station. An HFR station in Pickering will connect to local and regional transit networks,
creating an accessible and connected transportation system that enhances mobility. A
Pickering station stop has the ability to transform the HFR from an exclusive intercity service to
a core component of the Greater Toronto Area’s (GTA) rapid transit network.
CAO 11-22 June 27, 2022
Subject: High Frequency Rail – Business Analysis for an HFR
Station in Pickering Page 3
The HFR station has the potential to connect Pickering directly to Downtown Toronto, which
will further connect other transit points throughout the GTA, including Pearson Airport. These
intercity trains would directly connect development along the Highway 407 corridor in Pickering
to Ottawa, the Montreal Airport, and Downtown Montreal, in less than four hours.
As Pickering’s population grows in the coming years, so will the employment base. The
Prestige Employment Lands located along the south side of Highway 7 offer another
opportunity for a potential HFR station. The station would directly serve the employment lands
and nearby medium and high-density residential areas located south of Highway 407 to
accommodate a broader transit community.
The Province’s recent push towards Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) is another reason an
HFR station in Pickering would further benefit the Province’s growth plans. The TOC program
aims to build vibrant, sustainable, mixed-use communities that bring more housing, jobs, retail,
public amenities, and entertainment within walking distance of transit stations.
WSP used Innisfil, Ontario’s “The Orbit” example to highlight what an HFR station in Pickering
could bring to the City. The Orbit is a planned TOC situated around a new GO Rail station on
greenfield lands in Innisfil. This plan is meant to create amenities that are within walking
distance, including public transportation, diverse housing options with outdoor components,
and a more sustainable community. The candidate site for an HFR station in Pickering profiles
a similar scope as The Orbit. A TOC in Pickering could focus growth near transit while
providing substantial new employment and amenity opportunities for both Durham and York
Region residents and businesses.
The potential benefits to an HFR station in Pickering are also in strategic alignment with
provincial growth plans. The plans aim to: support intensification, the efficient use of land and
infrastructure, and the achievement of complete communities; provide more transportation
choices; improve transit connectivity, including connections to rapid transit; and, reduce traffic
congestion. A Pickering HFR station provides a unique opportunity for the Provincial and
Federal government to enhance its transportation connectivity.
According to Government of Canada’s project outcomes outlined in the Request for
Expression of Interest (RFEOI) for industry experts, an HFR station in Pickering would fulfill the
goals of the project. Additionally, through WSP’s high-level business analysis and site
assessments, Pickering holds strong potential for an HFR station as it aligns with broad
planning principles and land use opportunities.
Staff from Pickering, Durham and WSP plan, with confidence, to present a high-level business
analysis for an HFR station in Pickering to the JPO in July 2022. This will showcase Pickering
as a potential location for a station stop along the new HFR. Subject to the upcoming feedback
from the JPO, City and Regional staff will work with WSP to conduct a fulsome evaluation of
potential sites, and develop a concept plan for an HFR station in Pickering. The opportunities
identified for a station stop in Pickering, through WSP’s report, provide significant reasoning to
develop a station and create a transit-oriented, and sustainable community, not just for
Pickering and its surrounding regions, but the GTA and Canada as a whole.
CAO 11-22 June 27, 2022
Subject: High Frequency Rail – Business Analysis for an HFR
Station in Pickering Page 4
Attachments:
None
Prepared By:
Original Signed By:
Taaha Javed
Economic Development & Strategic Projects Associate
Original Signed By:
Laraib Arshad
Senior Economic Development Officer
Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By:
Fiaz Jadoon, MPM, Ec.D.. CEcD
Director, Economic Development &
Strategic Projects
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Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer