drum118
Superstar
Waterfront Toronto has since 2004 manta "Transit First" even today, but the city and TTC are the killer of the QQE line since 2008. Back in 2008, TTC wanted $275 Million for Union expansion that Waterfront Toronto didn't have. Today its close to $450 million.That's exactly why Waterfront Toronto used to have the mandate "Transit First" and why they started transit planning for Queens Quay East about a decade ago. Then they and the City took their eyes off the ball and started approving developments based on vague promises to get the LRT built. Now we are looking at a choice of a rather experimental 'sideways cable-car', a moving sidewalk in a damp tunnel or simply a walk along the same tunnel. Sad!
The option proposed today were rejected in 2006-08 and not really supported by Waterfront Toronto even today. They want the QQE line yesterday and willing to give up on Union to get it now.
It been a given that the film industry will only last as long as there is a demand for it and that land will become more density over time as it down grade itself. There has always been a plan to have high employment in this whole area, but what will it be is unknown until time comes to build something based on current technology at that time. Big Box are not welcome in this area.
The whole Portland development was a 50 year plan with hope it could happen sooner if there was money for it. Unless some developers are prepare to do the soil upgrade on their dime, you wouldn't see new development until 2025 plus or when the mouth of the Don is built. The Cherry St Line is 2025-30 at this time.
Back to the Film industries, there is talk about building a city development that will be use as a film site and everyone living in the building must sign agreement that they will be subject to filming at all hours as well being in a shot.
The density for the whole waterfront including the Portland is 6 time higher than originally proposed back in 2004. Its also why the QQE will be 2 to 3 time higher for ridership over the QQW. It been stated that ridership could be 5,000 at peak time for Union, but I see it close to 10,000 once everything is built, if not more. Union will never handle those number under the 3 options.
Last edited: