The document outlines the terms of reference for studying the Scarborough Subway Extension project in Toronto. It discusses replacing the aging Scarborough Rapid Transit line with an extension of the Bloor-Danforth subway. The study will identify a preferred alignment and station locations through a multi-phase process including setting objectives, analyzing alternatives, and seeking public input. The recommended plan will be documented in an Environmental Project Report and submitted for approval.

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Scarborough Subway Extension
Draft Terms of Reference

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1.0 Introduction and Background
1.1 Introduction
Toronto City Council recently confirmed support for an extension of the Bloor-Danforth Subway from
Kennedy Station to Scarborough Centre and Sheppard Avenue. This subway extension will replace the
aging Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT) line. The City of Toronto with support from the Toronto Transit
Commission (TTC) is undertaking the Scarborough Subway Extension Project Assessment (SSEPA) to
determine key aspects of this rapid transit project such as route alignment, station locations, construction
methods, maximizing benefits to local communities and strategies for mitigating adverse impacts. A
recommended alignment and station locations will be presented to the TTC Board and Council for approval
at the conclusion of this study.
A Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) is required before the City and TTC may proceed with
implementation and construction. The TPAP is a streamlined self-assessment process for transit projects
to satisfy the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act; which is administered by the Ministry of
the Environment and Climate Change. The TPAP is a final project review which will assess potential
environmental impacts and identify proposed mitigation strategies to be employed during the design,
construction and operation of the project.
1.2 Project Background
The SRT line opened for service in 1985 and it operates between Kennedy Station on the Bloor-
Danforth Subway and McCowan Station. After almost 30 years of continuous operation, the SRT’s
vehicles are reaching the end of their normal lifespan. The SRT would need significant rehabilitation,
new vehicles, and updated technology in order to support existing and future transit service needs and
address the problems associated with the aging SRT Line.
There has been considerable study and discussion in recent years about the preferred manner in which to
address the problems on the aging SRT line. In 2006, the TTC evaluated options to upgrade or
replace the SRT; completing the SRT Strategic Plan – a comprehensive study of options for replacing
the aging and decreasingly-reliable vehicles, upgrading the system’s infrastructure as necessary, and
potentially expanding the line. The initial recommendation was to purchase larger, new generation SRT
vehicles, and make the physical modifications at SRT stations that were necessary to accommodate the
new, longer vehicles.
In 2007, one year after the SRT Strategic Plan – the Transit City Light Rail Plan was introduced, which
called for the implementation of seven light rail lines throughout the City of Toronto. In that context, it was
recommended that the SRT rehabilitation adopt light-rail technology in order to take advantage of the
economies-of-scale cost savings which would result from the acquisition of a large fleet of light-rail
vehicles to operate on the proposed City-wide network.
An Environmental Assessment (EA) for the replacement of the SRT with light rail vehicles, including a
complete rehabilitation / reconstruction of the existing elevated structure, was completed in 2010. The
proposal was to extend the new line beyond its current terminus – at McCowan Station – to Centennial
College and then north to Sheppard Avenue. The EA also addressed a second, future extension north of
Sheppard Avenue, to the Malvern Town Centre.

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Most recently, in 2013, the TTC Board, and subsequently, City Council, confirmed support for replacing
the SRT with an extension of the Bloor-Danforth Subway, with stations at Lawrence Avenue,
Scarborough Centre and at Sheppard Avenue – where the subway would interconnect with the future
Sheppard East LRT line. Council’s decision to extend the Bloor-Danforth subway north and east into
Scarborough is based on the following benefits:
• Higher speed;
• Most-reliable, highest-quality rapid transit service;
• Elimination of the transfer at Kennedy Station; Higher ridership; and
• Consideration of alignments other than the existing SRT routing, which would then not
require shutting down the SRT during construction of a subway extension.
All decisions relating to the alignment and station locations are subject to a further EA.
The SRT service has been very successful in attracting ridership and has been operating over-
capacity for a decade. For many years its peak-period passenger volumes have been maxed-out at 4,000
passengers per hour, with no ability to improve the capacity because of the limited number of vehicles in
the fleet and limited station size. Analysis to date has shown if the SRT were replaced by a continuation
and extension of the Bloor-Danforth Subway north to Sheppard Avenue, it would carry passengers
volumes of upwards of 9,500 passengers per hour per direction (pphpd) in the busiest hour of travel. The
additional ridership results from the higher operating speeds between the key points of Sheppard Avenue,
the Scarborough Centre and Kennedy Road. The elimination of the existing SRT / subway transfer at
Kennedy Road and also contributes to increased passenger convenience which in turns increases trip
attractiveness and ridership.
Planning Context
The planning framework for the Study Area is established under the Province’s Growth Plan for the
Greater Golden Horseshoe, The Big Move regional transportation plan by Metrolinx and the Toronto
Official Plan. Key growth areas within the Study Area include Scarborough Centre, sections of Lawrence
Avenue and Sheppard Avenue, and existing and planned transit stations.
• Locally and provincially, Scarborough Centre is identified as a major focal point for growth. It
is a locally-designated Centre under the Toronto Official Plan, and a provincially-
designated urban growth centre under the Growth Plan. Scarborough Centre is targeted to
achieve a minimum density of 400 residents and jobs per hectare by 2031, and is subject
to a Secondary Plan and complementary precinct-level plans that provide direction for
future development.
• Major transit station areas are also identified under the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden
Horseshoe as important nodes where transit supportive development will be encouraged.
The most important station areas are identified as Mobility Hubs under The Big Move.
Within the study area, the area around Kennedy Station is identified as Gateway Mobility
Hub and Scarborough Centre as an Anchor Mobility Hub.
• Under the Toronto Official Plan, the designated Avenues in the Study Area are also
intended to accommodate significant growth. These areas include sections of
Lawrence Avenue and Sheppard Avenue East.

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1.3 Purpose of This Document
This Terms of Reference document has been prepared to publicly outline the framework for completing
this study. The Terms of Reference outlines the study purpose, objectives, and approach to the technical
analysis and public involvement, as well as the work that the City of Toronto and TTC will undertake
the pre-planning work, leading to the preparation of the environmental assessment under the TPAP. This
document outlines the Study Team’s approach to determine the recommended alignment and station
locations for the Scarborough Subway Extension.
Enhancements and modifications to the process and work tasks will be confirmed as the study
progresses to reflect new information, study findings and the consultation input received throughout the
study.
1.4 Study Team Organization
A Study Team has been formed to direct and lead the project. The Study Team will be led by the City of
Toronto's City Planning Division and the TTC, and will include key staff from both organizations. The
SSEPA is guided by the Transit Executive Committee, which is co-chaired by the City Manager and the
TTC CEO. A team of external technical experts has been selected to provide advice and expertise to the
City and the TTC.
A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) comprised of staff from relevant City Divisions and TTC groups
will advise the Study Team and ensure cross-Division cooperation leading to the successful completion of
the planning phase of the project. The City will also work closely with Metrolinx and other agencies to
ensure the SSEPA achieves its objectives in a timely manner.
2.0 Project Description
2.1 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the SSEPA is to identify the preliminary design of the preferred alignment and station
locations for the extension of the Bloor-Danforth Subway from Kennedy Station through Scarborough
Centre to Sheppard Avenue. The recommended subway extension will be documented in an
Environmental Project Report, in accordance with the Province’s TPAP (Ontario Regulation 231/08).
2.2 Project Objectives
Specific objectives to guide the planning process in determining a recommended plan for the subway
extension are:
1. Support the City-building principles outlined in the City’s Official Plan and
Provincial Policy Statement:
A. Design and integrate subway stations to complement the existing and planned land
uses.
B. Use high quality transit as a catalyst for intensification and new transit-supportive
development in designated growth areas.
C. Encourage transit oriented development in the vicinity of all station sites.

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D. Improve the public realm at access points and within subway station areas.
2. Make transit as attractive a travel option as practically possible in this area of
Scarborough:
A. Provide fast, efficient, reliable, safe and enjoyable subway service to address
existing and future travel demands and enhance transit service.
B. Locate and design subway stations in a manner that improves access and
integration with the existing and planned transportation network including local and
regional bus services, and other rapid transit planned for the area.
C. Locate and design subway stations in a manner that promote seamless pedestrian
connections (including below-ground, at surface, and/or above ground pedestrian
connections).
D. Locate and design subway stations in a matter that promotes seamless connections
for customers cycling to the stations.
3. Minimize Adverse Environmental Impacts:
A. Identify positive effects on or opportunities for the natural, socio-economic and
cultural environments associated with the construction and operation of the project.
B. Identify and to the extent possible, mitigate, any adverse effects on the natural,
socio-economic and cultural environments associated with the construction and
operations of the project.
4. Achieve Cost-Effectiveness
A. Optimize cost effectiveness in terms of both capital and operating costs.
2.3 Study Area
The Study Area is illustrated in Figure 2-1. A wide range of reasonable alternatives to be considered will
fall within this area.
The SSEPA will consider all effects on the entire transit network. Potential impacts outside of the primary
Study Area are also very important and will be examined as part of this study (where appropriate). The
full suite of potential impacts that will be carefully considered by the SSPA, which include but are not
limited to: effects on the natural environment, existing and planned infrastructure, and built form and
neighbourhoods within the Study Area.

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Figure 2-1: Scarborough Subway Extension Study Area [TO BE UPDATED]
Legend: Scarborough City Centre
South Study Area
North Study Area
2.4 Overall Study Approach
The SSEPA will be completed through the following four key study phases:
Phase 1 – Setting the Stage
Work to be completed in Phase 1 will include the following:
• Finalize the study purpose and objectives;
• Identify the study area;
• Finalize the study process including approach to consultation;
• Establish the existing conditions and assumptions;
Figure 2-1: Scarborough Subway Extension Study Area

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• Determine the long list of reasonable alternatives; and
• Identify the evaluation criteria.
Key elements for the public to provide comment and input on will include:
• Project objectives;
• Study process including approach to consultation;
• Existing conditions and assumptions;
• Long list of reasonable alternatives; and
• Evaluation criteria.
Following consultation on Phase 1, this document will be finalized and will guide the subsequent study
phases.
Phase 2 – Choosing the Corridor
Work to be completed in Phase 2 will include the following:
• Finalize evaluation criteria;
• Apply the evaluation criteria to reasonable options to select a preferred corridor; and
• Within the preferred corridor:
− Develop alternative station location options
− Develop a list of possible alignments
Key elements for the public to provide comment and input on will include:
• Application of the evaluation criteria; and
• Station location options and alternative alignments within the preferred corridor.
Phase 3 – Recommending the Alignment and Station Locations
Work to be completed in Phase 3 will include the following:
• Apply evaluation criteria to select preferred station locations and alignment;
• Create a functional design for the recommended alternative; and
• Identify potential impacts and appropriate mitigation strategies associated with the
recommended design.
Key elements for the public to provide comment and input on will include:
• Recommended station locations and alignment;
• Functional design of stations; and
• Potential impacts and proposed mitigation strategies.
At the end of Phase 3, a draft Environmental Project Report identifying the recommended station locations
and route will be prepared. Authority will be sought to commence the TPAP for final project review from
the TTC Board and Toronto City Council at the end of Phase 3.

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Figure 2-2 below highlights the multi-phase approach that is being proposed by the study team to
determine the alignment and station locations for the Scarborough Subway Extension.
FIGURE 2-2: Identification of Alignment and Station Locations Through Phases 1-3
Phase 4 – Final Project Review - Transit Project Assessment Process
Phase 4 of the project assessment will satisfy the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act and
TPAP:
• Summarize and review the analysis and decision-making of the project assessment;
• Finalize the Environmental Project Report; and,
• Seek authority to proceed with construction of the Scarborough Subway Extension from
Toronto City Council and the Province of Ontario.
It is anticipated that the TPAP will take place in early 2016. The process will provide opportunity for the
public to review the work of the project assessment and provide any additional input. Based on this
further input, the Environmental Project Report will be finalized and a Statement of Completion will be
published and submitted to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. After a review period of
approximately three months, the City will be able to proceed with implementation of the subway extension
as per direction of the Minister.
More information about Ontario's TPAP can be found by accessing the following links:
• Ontario Regulation 231/08
• Guide to Environmental Assessment Requirements for Transit Projects

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2.5 Appropriate Timelines
The SSEPA is scheduled to be completed by mid-2016. Key consultation events will occur as part of each
project phase (refer to Figure 2-3).
FIGURE 2-3: Key Consultation Events [ TO BE UPDATED]
2.6 Evaluation Approach and Criteria
The development of the Evaluation Criteria is based on the City’s list of 8 decision-making criteria that
have been identified through the Official Plan review of transportation policies to guide Toronto’s
decisions on transportation investments. The intent of adopting these factors for the evaluation of the
Scarborough Subway Extension's alignment and station location options is to have an aligned vision and
to employ similar criteria in making investment decisions about transportation projects.
The evaluation of alternatives will be comprehensive (relative to the City's 8 decision-making criteria,
study objectives and Study Area), understandable, replicable, traceable and participatory (involving input
from interested and potentially affected stakeholders). The process of selecting the recommended
alignment will be based on the identification of the alternative that best serves the City's list of 8 decision-
making criteria, project objectives and sub-objectives. In order to focus the analysis, specific measurable
criteria have been created to correspond to each objective.
STUDY PROCESS
CHOOSING THE
CORRIDOR
PREPARE
DOCUMENTATION
Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2
2014 2015 2016
Q3 Q4 Q1
PIC
#1
Q2
PHASE 4
SETTING THE STAGE
PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3
PIC
#4
PIC
#2
PIC
#3
TRANSIT PROJECT ASSESSMENT
PROCESS
RECOMMENDING
THE ALIGNMENT
AND STATION
LOCATIONS
9
2.5 Appropriate Timelines
The SSEPA is scheduled to be completed by mid-2016. Key consultation events will occur as part of each
project phase (refer to Figure 2-3).
FIGURE 2-3: Key Consultation Events [ TO BE UPDATED]
2.6 Evaluation Approach and Criteria
The development of the Evaluation Criteria is based on the City’s list of 8 decision-making criteria that
have been identified through the Official Plan review of transportation policies to guide Toronto’s
decisions on transportation investments. The intent of adopting these factors for the evaluation of the
Scarborough Subway Extension's alignment and station location options is to have an aligned vision and
to employ similar criteria in making investment decisions about transportation projects.
The evaluation of alternatives will be comprehensive (relative to the City's 8 decision-making criteria,
study objectives and Study Area), understandable, replicable, traceable and participatory (involving input
from interested and potentially affected stakeholders). The process of selecting the recommended
alignment will be based on the identification of the alternative that best serves the City's list of 8 decision-
making criteria, project objectives and sub-objectives. In order to focus the analysis, specific measurable
criteria have been created to correspond to each objective.
STUDY PROCESS
CHOOSING THE
CORRIDOR
PREPARE
DOCUMENTATION
Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2
2014 2015 2016
Q3 Q4 Q1
PIC
#1
Q2
PHASE 4
SETTING THE STAGE
PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3
PIC
#4
PIC
#2
PIC
#3
TRANSIT PROJECT ASSESSMENT
PROCESS
RECOMMENDING
THE ALIGNMENT
AND STATION
LOCATIONS
FIGURE 2-3: Key Consultation Events

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3.0 Public Consultation
3.1 Public Consultation Guiding Principles
The goal of the project’s proposed public consultation program is to generate broad participation and
solicit input from community leaders, stakeholders and the public. Participation by those with local, city-
wide and regional interests will strengthen the project and lead to the successful implementation of the
subway extension.
The public consultation will be guided by the following principles:
Inclusiveness.......engage the widest possible audience through multiple
consultation opportunities;
Timeliness............offer early and ongoing opportunities for participation well before
decisions are made;
Transparency.......participation will be widely communicated through multiple
communications channels;
Balance ................provide opportunities for a diversity of perspectives and opinions to
be raised and considered;
Flexibility..............adapt as required to meet the needs of participants; and
Traceability ..........demonstrate the impact of participant input on decision making.
3.2 Public Consultation Plan
A draft Public Consultation Plan will be developed to outline the engagement methods and approach that
will be used in all phases of the SSEPA. The plan will be finalized after receiving input from the public
during Phase 1.
The City will design a community engagement program that will work collaboratively with the
community, local businesses, agencies and other affected stakeholders to seek input throughout the
project assessment and the TPAP. While the proposed public consultation process follows a structured
approach, it will also allow for flexibility in engaging stakeholders and encouraging dialogue with the
public around key issues related to the project.
In each phase of the project, engagement will consist of four main communication approaches:
• information sharing;
• online consultation;
• live events; and
• community outreach.
1. Information Sharing
The City will share information about the project throughout the study process. Regular updates
will be shared through the project email list, City social media accounts and print material such as
project briefs. The project website will be regularly updated and will act as the hub for information

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about the project. Key documents produced will also be made available through the project website.
The Study Team will look to translate key documents when appropriate throughout the study.
2. Online Consultation
The City will solicit comments and feedback on key decisions during each phase of the project
through the website. Online consultation will be one of the primary foci of consultation because it has
the ability to engage a large number of people from many different areas in a short period of time.
3. Live Events
Open houses, public meetings, Stakeholder Advisory Group meetings and workshops will be held
at various key points in the study for interested stakeholders and residents throughout the City to
learn and provide their input into key decisions of the project.
4. Community Outreach
The City will host community group meetings to proactively educate and solicit feedback from
the community. Community outreach will focus on the local areas where the Scarborough Subway
Extension will be located.