The bad news is that the most expensive subway order in the history of the world just got more expensive, $2.3 billion has now turned into $2.7 billion for 55 trains.
news.ontario.ca/en/release/1... 2/2

Every signal shall bow to the tram

It’s an actually urban location at least. This was a process heavily controlled AFAIK by the province, and at this point is pretty well full steam ahead. I don’t know what the point of advocating for a different site — which may not be available or meet their criteria — is at this point in time.

These vehicles have 7 sets of double doors low dwell times are something that should be taken advantage of

Yes! Here are images of the St Clair streetcar with the current # of stops, and then with proposed stop reductions (which are still fairly close - see line 2 stations for reference), configured as you suggest, with tips 400 metres from stops but in a diamond shape to better model walk time in a grid