Preliminary Design
In 2019, modernization of the MTO Class EA (2000) was initiated to optimize the Class EA process by removing redundancies and expediting planning to facilitate a more streamlined implementation process. Amendments to the Class EA were approved in December 2023 and February 2024, and the Class EA was renamed the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities and Municipal Expressways (2024). As part of the amendments, the EA process is now complete at the end of Preliminary Design, following the 30-day comment period for the Notice of Completion.
Study #1 and Study #2 are following the approved planning process for a Group ‘B’ project in accordance with the MTO Class EA for Provincial Transportation Facilities and Municipal Expressways (2024).
Two Public Information Centres (PIC) are planned for each study (four in total) to gather feedback on the alternatives under consideration and the Technically Preferred Alternative before making any decisions. Advanced notification will be provided to allow all interested parties the opportunity to stay informed and to participate.
A Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) will be prepared for each study to document the process completed including the evaluation of alternatives, selection of the Recommended Plan, environmental effects and proposed mitigation as well as consultation undertaken throughout the process. Upon completion, each TESR will be made available to the public for a 30-day comment period, with advance notification provided.
As part of the new MTO Class EA (2024), Preliminary Design is the primary opportunity to provide feedback on the project. Opportunities for meaningful consultation in future stages of the project will be minimal.
There is an opportunity at any time during the current process for interested persons to provide input to the Project Team including comments and information regarding the Studies. If you have any accessibility requirements in order to participate in this project, please contact a member of the Project Team through the “Contact Us” section of the website.
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