There is a public criticism on social media as well as by a councillor and a retired engineering professional over the announced closure for two years of part of Simcoe Street in Oshawa.
“It has been a long time since I have seen a provincial agency spew such absolute lies and nonsense, but Metrolinx has set a new standard for arrogance, and outright disinformation,” said Oshawa Councillor Brian Nicholson.
The claim of disinformation has been levelled also by a retired engineer, who hoped the promised public meetings on the Simcoe closure “aren’t like the useless drop-ins in the past by Metrolinx where they simply refer the public to websites”.
“It took approximately 2.5 years to build the SkyDome [Rogers Centre] in Toronto. Perhaps someone can explain why a bridge over train tracks will take almost the same amount of time?” asked a resident.
Closure A Metrolinx Choice
Regional Councillor Nicholson said this closure is not a requirement but Metrolinx’s choice. “Full closure could be avoided by the installation of temporary bridges on both sides of the current bridge which would keep traffic moving and still allow for the permanent replacement of the current bridge.”
He pointed out that the excuse of public safety is both a “distortion and an excuse. The construction schedule and design choice was made by Metrolinx without any consultation with the community, local business and representatives of the Oshawa and Durham Councils.”
On the proposed two-year closure and its traffic impacts, the councillor said the City of Oshawa Council unanimously sent a letter to Metrolinx offering to work with them to reduce the community impacts of their choice for Simcoe Street South. “This letter was sent almost two months ago and we still have no response from them. Our city staff rejected their design proposal and construction schedule and were ignored.”
You Will Be Told Not Asked
Regarding the elements of the bridge replacement, Nicholson said residents will “be told and not asked. Your input is not requested nor required by Metrolinx. Alleged community participation is a fraud.”
He pointed out that with Simcoe Street closed north of Albany Street, it will send all the traffic from Simcoe onto Albany, a local two-lane residential road. “This so-called plan is just a prelude to chaos and severe intrusion into the neighbouring residential communities.”
Call And Demand Real Consultation
Regarding detours of DRT bus routes, Nicholson said this is trying to dump the responsibility for detours on to Durham Transit when in fact Durham Transit was told, not asked for their input.
The councillor urged residents to call and demand real community consultation. “Call every day until they agree…ask to be linked to the project manager.”
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