Ashbridges Bay Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) Maintenance and Storage Facility

What?

In June 2009, the TTC awarded a contract to Bombardier for the purchase of 204 modern and accessible light rail vehicles to replace its existing streetcar fleet. A new maintenance and storage facility (MSF) is required to maintain and store the new vehicles. 

• The new LRVs will be accessible, so parents pushing strollers and people using wheelchairs will have step-free access into the vehicle
• They will hold almost double the number of passengers as the current streetcars and have more doors to enter and exit the vehicle
• The vehicles will use a proof-of-payment system so that more people can move quickly during rush hour
• The new LRVs will provide air conditioned comfort during the summer months

Why?

Why do we need a new facility? The TTC strives to maintain clean, reliable vehicles for the safety convenience and comfort of our customers. Two existing facilities will be modified to store 52 LRVs at each location. In addition to routine maintenance activities, the new Ashbridges facility will store 100 LRVs and provide fleet repair services to up to 20 vehicles at a time.

Features & Benefits

The new Maintenance and Storage Facility will be a state-of-the-art complex designed to Toronto Green Building Standards which will result in measurable improvements to air and water quality; increase energy and water efficiency, and solid waste diversion rates; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and enhance ecology and the natural environment. The facility will be located behind a green berm to preserve natural views and the surrounding area will include green space and a parkette located at the North West corner of the site

How was the Ashbridges site selected?

A city-wide property search for sites for the proposed Maintenance and Storage Facility was initiated in February 2009 and was based on the following criteria:

• Property requirement approximately 22 acres
• Close proximity to existing streetcar network
• Minimal relocation of existing business and facilities
• Minimize crossing of existing railroad tracks

In total, 14 sites were evaluated and six sites that met the criteria were identified. In June 2009, public consultations were held to inform the public of a shortlisted group of the three sites which met TTC operational needs; Eastern Avenue site, TEDCO Unwin Avenue site and the Ashbridges site. 200 members of the public provided feedback on the sites and the majority supported the Ashbridges location. In December 2009 Toronto City Council approved a settlement with the Toronto Port Authority to transfer ownership of the selected property to the City for TTC use and the TTC approved the use of this property for a streetcar maintenance and storage facility.

When?

The facility is required in 2013, when the first 36 LRVs will be delivered. Each year another 36 vehicles will be delivered until the entire fleet of 204 is in
service.
 
More information is available at: www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/lrv/index.htm 

The Six Shortlisted Properties for the Streetcar Maintenance and Storage Facility

Ashbridges Bay is the selected location of the streetcar maintenance and storage facility.