The fate of the eastern section of Toronto's aging Gardiner Expressway is set to be narrowed down to three options pending a report from the City on Wednesday.
The report, which is concerned with a 2.4 kilometre stretch between Lower Jarvis Street and Logan Avenue, will be released by the city at 2 p.m.
It is expected that the city will explore three options: tearing down the highway altogether and expanding Lake Shore Boulevard to handle increased traffic; maintaining the stretch; or employing a "hybrid option" that would reroute an elevated section from Cherry Street to the Don Valley Parkway.
CP24 has confirmed that maintaining the highway carries a price tag of roughly $870 million, while removing it would cost $470 million.
The cost of the hybrid option, which is favoured by many at city, is the most costly option at approximately $920 million.
A report from city staff came out last February in support a total tear down, but a final decision on the project was deferred by Toronto's public works committee.
"It's a big decision, it's a 100-year decision … but the decision has to be made once and for all," said Coun. Jaye Robinson, chair of Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, told reports on Tuesday.
The hybrid option gained traction during the 2014 mayoral campaign, but at the time, the costs were not known.
The plan would allow for future developments at the foot of the Don Valley, including a possible SmartTrack surface-rail station.
Despite the reduced costs of a complete tear-down, that option could slow travel times by roughly 10 minutes.
Coun. Paula Fletcher said that the decision ultimately rests on the final price tag associated with each proposal.
"If it's a lot of money and council isn't willing to spend that money, then I can't see any other option for the futre than to have an honest discussion about removing it," Fletcher said.
Commuters will also get a chance to chime in at public consultations beginning on Wednesday.
City council is expected to make a final decision on the project in June.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Natalie Johnson