Tree

Lincolnville GO Station renamed to honour 200 year old elm tree

Lincolnville GO will be re-named Old Elm GO Station to acknowledge historic 200-year-old elm tree.

Sep 29, 2021

Lincolnville’s oldest resident is being honoured in a big way.

Effective Oct. 16, Lincolnville GO Station will be re-named Old Elm GO Station to acknowledge a historic 200-year-old elm tree.

In preliminary plans for the new station, the tree was slated for removal to clear a path for the new bus loop.  

However, after consultation with the community and stakeholders in 2019, the importance of the tree to the surrounding community was clear and its preservation quickly emerged as a top priority for the project.

The new and improved future Old Elm GO Station will not only provide a better experience for GO customers, it will now further honour the importance of the living piece of history to the local community.

The work to relocate the existing GO station is underway and is expected to be completed in 2022.

Metrolinx is working with the province to change the name of the existing station in the most cost-effective manner as possible.

The new Old Elm GO Station is part of improvements on the Stouffville GO Line that will bring more frequent and reliable transit service to York Region.

the old elm tree

The elm tree standing tall during construction. Elm trees can grow to more than 25 metres in height. (Metrolinx photo)

The future relocated Old Elm GO station will be easier to navigate and provide customers a safer and more reliable transit experience. It is also designed to accommodate increased GO service along the Stouffville line.

One of the major safety improvements at the new station means customers no longer have to cross tracks to catch their bus or train.

Old Elm GO will also include:

  • 672 parking spaces
  • Enhanced access for pedestrian and cyclists
  • A bus loop to connect GO Transit customers with local transit options
  • An accessible platform, and barrier-free access to the parking and passenger pick-up and drop-off area. 

The existing Lincolnville GO Station will become a train layover facility where Metrolinx will be able to store and maintain more trains.

Delivering an infrastructure construction project in a community can be challenging.

That’s why Metrolinx has worked to keep local communities and stakeholders informed about the project status every step of the way and the transit agency will continue to do so while delivering the future relocated GO Station.

Putting down roots at Old Elm GO Station is a step in the right direction.


by Aman Gill Metrolinx communications planning senior advisor