200-year-old elm tree at root of name change of new Lincolnville GO Station

Construction of Old Elm GO Station expected to be completed in 2022

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 30, 2021
Heidi Riedner

The Ontario government is giving Lincolnville GO Station a new name -- Old Elm GO Station -- in an effort to honour the historic 200-year-old elm tree being preserved during the construction of a new and improved station on Tenth Line.

The new GO station will feature modern amenities and ensure passengers no longer have to cross railroad tracks to get to the station.

"For two centuries, this elm tree has proudly stood in Whitchurch-Stouffville," Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney said.

"That is why we’ve taken the necessary steps to protect it, while making improvements to the new GO station that will create a safer environment for all customers."

The province will reroute the bus loop around the 40-metre-tall elm tree to ensure its conservation.

"Our government knows that when it comes to building transit, there is no one-size-fits-all approach -- every community has its own unique needs," Paul Calandra, MPP for Markham-Stouffville, said.

"Rerouting the bus loop around the elm tree celebrates this piece of local history and acknowledges the efforts of students from Oscar Peterson Public School and St. Brigid CES, who advocated to save this important natural landmark."

Whitchurch-Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt said he was proud to have worked with area MPPs to protect the local landmark and looked forward to continued collaboration as the town proceeds with building Old Elm Station’s new, relocated site.

Improvements to the new Old Elm GO Station will include 672 parking spaces, an accessible platform, bike lane, and bus loop connecting GO Transit customers to local transit options.

"We are excited to deliver the new and improved future Old Elm GO Station to our customers in York region," Metrolinx president and CEO Phil Verster said.

"The new station will not only provide an enhanced experience for our customers, but will also honour the importance of the living piece of history on its grounds through a new name."

Construction of the Old Elm GO Station is expected to be completed in 2022.