Clarification of the March 2011 Community Update Mailer
In a recent decision, Advertising Standards Canada determined that Metrolinx had provided information that gave a mistaken impression in our March 2011 quarterly mailer about electrification.
While our item noted that the Metrolinx Board had approved the staff recommendation to electrify the Georgetown and Lakeshore lines, with the Air Rail Link (ARL) as the first phase, the item did not go on to specify timelines and that the engines used by the ARL service would not be electric when the service commences in 2015, but instead provided a link to our website with the information.
To clarify, Metrolinx is currently in the procurement stage to retain a consultant to undertake the preliminary design for the electrification of the ARL service, and to complete the Environmental Assessment for the electrification of the ARL. The Environmental Assessment is anticipated to take 3-4 years. Subject to the acceptance of the results of the Environmental Assessment by the Minister of the Environment, electrification of the ARL could then proceed based on funding availability and approval of the Metrolinx Board of Directors. The ARL service will begin in 2015, using Tier 4 Diesel Multiple Units, which are convertible to electric propulsion. We regret any confusion that may have been caused.
Please note this clarification will be reprinted in our next quarterly mailer.
