Introduction

Proponent

Ministry of Transportation

Location

The Region of Durham

Type

Transportation

Reference Number

02113

Contact

Environmental Approvals Branch, 416-314-8001
Toll free 1-800-461-6290

Current Status

Environmental assessment: approved, June 3, 2010

Project Summary

The purpose of the EA study is to assess existing and future anticipated transportation capacity deficiencies within and surrounding Durham Region and to determine transportation needs from a provincial perspective.

Project History

  • Environmental assessment: approved
    • Date submitted: August 28, 2009
    • Expiry of public comment period: October 16, 2009
    • Expiry of public comment period for Ministry Review: January 29, 2010
    • Decision date: June 3, 2010
  • Terms of reference: approved
    • Date submitted: September 24, 2004
    • Expiry of public comment period: October 26, 2004
    • Decision date: January 17, 2005

Environmental Assessment

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) sought approval under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) for the easterly extension of the 407 East transportation corridor. The transportation corridor includes:

  • mainline section from Brock Road to Highway 35/115, a length of approximately 50 kilometres (km);
  • two north-south freeway links connecting the proposed 407 extension to Highway 401, one in Whitby (West Durham Link) and the other in Clarington (East Durham Link), each approximately 10 km in length;
  • protection for a dedicated transitway corridor; and
  • support facilities, including two highway maintenance facilities, two transitway maintenance facilities, two commercial vehicle inspection facilities, three truck lay-bys, and 17 transitway stations.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) process was summarized in a report, which was submitted to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on August 28, 2009 for formal review and approval, in accordance with section 6.2(1) of the EAA, and the approved Terms of Reference. The first comment period, which lasted for seven weeks, was from August 28, 2009 to October 16, 2009. Comments about the EA and the proposed undertaking were accepted during this period.

Following the end of the first comment period, MOE staff prepared the ministry Review. A Notice of Completion of the ministry Review was published on December 18, 2009. The five-week public comment period on the ministry Review expired on January 29, 2010, during which time any comments about the proposed undertaking, the EA, and the ministry Review could be made. Also during that time, requests for the Minister to refer the application to a hearing were allowed.

The Minister of the Environment with the approval of Cabinet made a decision to allow the proposed undertaking to proceed subject to strict conditions on June 3, 2010.

Terms of Reference

Purpose of the study

The purpose of the EA study is to assess existing and future anticipated transportation capacity deficiencies within and surrounding Durham Region and to determine transportation needs from a provincial perspective. The EA study will assess environmental effects, outline mitigation measures and provide for government agency review and public consultation.

The work associated with the EA study will build upon and include a review of recent transportation planning work undertaken in the Region of Durham, including, work associated with the Region’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP) approved by Regional Council in 2003.

Study area

The study area is within and surrounding Durham Region. The ToR identifies that during the EA study, the study area will be further defined.