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Home My WebLink AboutCAO 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 TJ:tj LA:la Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council Original Signed By: Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer