However, despite the outcome of Council’s 25 to 28 vote, the final decision is still not concrete.

A Toronto Star article has summed up where the delay lies and what to expect in the near future. One question raised by Toronto Star Reporter, Tess Kalinowski gets to the heart of the issue:

Premier Dalton McGuinty said he’s growing impatient with Toronto’s transit battles. But council has already approved surface light rail on Finch and the east end of the Eglinton LRT. So what’s he waiting for?

The province needs the city to decide what kind of transit it wants to build on Sheppard Ave. E., says Metrolinx CEO Bruce McCuaig. City council deferred that decision to an outside panel, which will recommend a Sheppard plan by March 21.

Once council approves it, the city and province must sign a master agreement on all the projects, laying out exactly how they will be built and the money will flow. That agreement could go to council for approval or could be delegated to city and TTC staff.

Kalinowski goes on to answer the question of the current status of the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown LRT

Tunneling work is expected to begin in the summer. The launch shaft for the giant boring machines is already being built near Black Creek Dr. That’s because the city and the province have a clear consensus that the LRT will run underground from there to Laird Dr., said McCuaig.

This article has come at a time when confidence is high but solid plans are still being determined. This is a time when the citizens of Toronto must continue to voice their opinions and support the plan to put the LRT line above ground east of Laird.

We ask that you show your support for this project by signing this Letter of Support and sending it to your councillor. This is your opportunity to improve Toronto for everyone.

Thank you to Tess Kalinowski and the Toronto Star for publishing this article. The full article is titled Q&A: How bumpy is the road ahead for Toronto’s transit plan? and was published today: February 23, 2012.

As outlined in an article by the National Post:

By a margin of 25 to 18, council rejected the Mayor’s tunnel-only edict and backed parts of a plan, once known as Transit City, to construct a light rail line on Finch Avenue and one along Eglinton Avenue that is both underground and at street level and to revamp the Scarborough RT. Councillors put off making a decision on Sheppard Avenue, leaving the door open to the subway that Mayor Ford so fervently wants to build.

This is a major step forward for the City, but we must be cautious and ensure the Eglinton-Scarborough line receives all its funding as promised. There are still a number of stations that are “up in the air” in terms of consultation dates. With the Council-estimated $2 billion savings expected these stations need to be confirmed before other lines are begun.

Congratulations to Councillor Stintz and her 24 colleagues who supported a new plan for Eglinton and Toronto.

Wed, February 8 2012 – Special Toronto City Council

This link will be live while the meeting is taking place.

An invitation to community leaders and stakeholders interested in participating in planning and shaping Eglinton Avenue above ground as under ground work begins on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. City councillors, MPPs and residents are invited to a discussion about shaping Eglinton Avenue in a sustainable, neighbourhood and business friendly way for pedestrians, motorists, cyclists and people of all ages.

Date: Thursday, December 15, 2011
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Forest Hill United Church, 2 Wembley Road.
(Off Bathurst, 1 Block North of Eglinton  Avenue West)

*Seating is Limited – RSVP Required*
To RSVP: please contact the Office of MPP Mike Colle at 416-781-2395 or mcolle.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

Eglinton 2020 is a coalition of diverse citizens, groups and organisations dedicated to making the Eglinton Crosstown LRT sustainable, community oriented and safe. Our goal is to be a strong voice that participates in the design, development and construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.

All residents, community organizations and elected officials are invited to walk with Eglinton 2020 and be part of the future planning and shaping of Eglinton Avenue above-ground as under-ground work begins on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.

This is a once in a lifetime chance to shape the middle of the city in a sustainable, neighbourhood and business friendly way where pedestrians, motorists, cyclists and people of all ages can live and move on Eglinton. Help ensure the future of Eglinton is properly planned and sustainable for decades to come.

Walk starts at NOON outside Kennedy TTC Station (Eglinton & Kennedy) and ends at Mt. Dennis Library (Eglinton & Weston Road)

~~Approximate Times~~
-Leave Kennedy Station 12:00pm
-Victoria Park 1:00pm
-Don Mills Rd 1:40pm
-Bayview Ave 2:00pm
-Yonge St 3:30pm
-Oakwood 4:00pm
-Dufferin St 4:30pm
-Caledonia 5:30pm

* Call 416-781-2395 to find out exact times and how you can join the walk along the way! We will start at Kennedy TTC Station at 12pm, Noon, and head West along Eglinton.

Info/RSVP at www.Eglinton2020.ca or call the community office of MPP Mike Colle at 416-781-2395

Facebook Event Page

City councilors, MPPs and residents are all invited to participate in a discussion about shaping of the middle of the city – Eglinton Avenue – in a sustainable, neighbourhood and business friendly way where pedestrians, motorists, cyclists and people of all ages can live and move on the street.

Agenda

• Introductions by MPP Mike Colle and Michael Wheeler
• Presentation by 8-80 Cities (an organization dedicated to creating vibrant cities and healthy communities)
• Input and comments by local city councilors and MPPs
• Questions, comments and sharing of ideas
• Next Steps…

Date:           Tuesday, July 5^th, 2011

Time:           7:00 p.m.

Location:   Forest Hill United Church. 2 Wembley Road. (Off Bathurst, 1 block North of Eglinton Avenue West)

To RSVP for the 1st Eglinton 2020 Forum, please call 416-781-2395