These Hamilton properties will be demolished soon as Metrolinx prepares for LRT construction
Published October 12, 2021 at 11:07 am
Before construction can begin on Hamilton’s provincially and federally funded $3.4 billion light rail transit (LRT) project, more space will have to be created along the corridor. In order to facilitate, Metrolinx (which is in charge of the project) purchased dozens of properties that are scheduled to be demolished over the next few months.
“This will ensure community safety and prepare for future construction, as the demolition will reduce the risk of fire, vandalism and illegal activities in these properties,” said Jessica Scott, a Metrolinx spokesperson.
The Ontario transit agency says it’s working with demolition subcontractors and the City of Hamilton to make sure “pedestrian, transit and vehicle access or detours are visible and easy to follow”. Residents and businesses near the work will receive advance notice of demolition activities, according to Metrolinx.
In the coming years, these properties will be required for station stops, infrastructure, and widening to accommodate the future LRT right of way. In the short term, demolition sites will be restored, secured with fencing and monitored by security contractors.
924 King St East is scheduled to be demolished as Metrolinx prepares for Hamilton LRT construction.
Demolition of 21 corridor properties was completed earlier this year, and two additional buildings at Main and Kenilworth were also recently demolished, with site restoration expected to wrap up this week.
Metrolinx isn’t done purchasing property, either. More acquisitions are expected later this year and into 2022.
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The following properties are scheduled to be demolished as of Tuesday (Oct. 12):
- 85 Paisley Ave South
- 918 Main St West
- 930 Main St West
- 160 Bond St South
- 940 Main St West
- 670-674 King St East
- 676-680 King St East
- 692 King St East
- 696 King St East
- 787-789 King St East
- 924 King St East
- 1030 King St East
- 1407 Main St East
Demolition work will begin across the corridor as early as November, pending permit approvals, with utility disconnections beginning this week.
Hamilton’s LRT line will go from McMaster University, through downtown, to Eastgate Centennial Park in Stoney Creek. It will cover 14-kilometres with 17 stops.
Approximately 7,000 jobs are expected to be created for the construction of the project.
The overall construction of the project is expected to begin in spring 2022 with procurement of bidders beginning as early as December.
The City of Hamilton will have to work out the details on operating costs, projected to be between $6.4 and $16.5-million per year. All revenue generated through fares will go to the city, meaning it can set its own prices.
City councillors voted 11-3 as the general issues committee on Sept. 8 to sign a binding memorandum of understanding with Metrolinx and the province.
“On behalf of the Hamilton business community, I would like to extend tremendous gratitude to Minister Mulroney and the Ford government for collaborating with their federal counterparts to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime transit investment in our city and across our region,” said Keanin Loomis, President & CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce after the joint funding announcement in May.
“The job creation, economic development, infrastructure, intensification and environmental impacts of this LRT project will greatly accelerate Hamilton’s transformation as we emerge out of the pandemic.”
Hamilton’s LRT project is part of the long-term BLAST Network project, which would include:
- B-Line (LRT) from McMaster University to Eastgate Square, with future
extension to University Plaza to the west and Fifty Road to the east. - A-Line: Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) from Waterfront/West Harbour GO to Rymal and Priority Bus from Rymal to
Hamilton Munro International Airport - L-Line: Priority Bus from Downtown Hamilton to Waterdown.
- S-Line: Priority Bus from Ancaster Business Park to Confederation GO Station.
- T-Line: Priority Bus from Centre Mall to Meadowlands Terminal.
The Hamilton LRT project is Ontario’s fifth priority transit project, joining the Ontario Line Subway, Scarborough Subway Extension, Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and Yonge North Subway Extension projects.
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