Metrolinx will undertake a “thorough and comprehensive” review of two proposed new GO Transit stations, after a Star investigation revealed that the provincial transportation ministry pressured the arm’s-length agency into approving the stops. One of the proposed stations, Kirby, is in the Vaughan riding represented by Ontario Liberal Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca. The other, Lawrence East, is part of Mayor John Tory’s “SmartTrack” plan. Documents obtained through a freedom of information request show that in June 2016 the Metrolinx board approved both stations despite internal reports that recommended against their construction, following intervention from Del Duca’s ministry. According to a letter posted online by Metrolinx Tuesday afternoon, Rob Prichard, the chair of the agency’s board, has directed staff to examine “all the relevant analyses and information” for both stations, and report back to the board on whether to proceed with the stops. The review will include updated submissions from the cities of Vaughan and Toronto on proposed land-use changes around the station sites, population and jobs projections, local transit plans, “and any other relevant information.” However, Prichard’s letter, which was addressed to Del Duca and dated Friday, Sept. 8, did not say whether the scope of the review would include examining how the stations came to be approved in the first place.Hours before Metrolinx released the letter, Del Duca, appearing at an unrelated news conference in Burlington, Ont., refused to elaborate on what role if any he played in pressuring Metrolinx into approving the stations last year, saying he wouldn’t comment on “historical details” of the transit planning process.The minister said the important thing is that Metrolinx won’t move forward with the stops unless further analysis determines they’re warranted. ...
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