Approval of the Terms of Reference for the Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard Reconfiguration Environmental Assessment
The ministry’s approval of environmental assessment terms of reference for a plan to address the Gardiner Expressway’s deterioration and Toronto’s disconnected waterfront.
Notice of approval – terms of reference
Proponent: Waterfront Toronto and the City of Toronto
Environmental assessment (EA) file number: EA-02-07
As provided for by subsection 6(4) of the Environmental Assessment Act, the Terms of Reference, as submitted for approval to the Ministry of the Environment on September 4, 2009 to govern the preparation of an environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, is hereby approved.
Pursuant to subsection 6.1(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, any environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, submitted to the Ministry of the Environment pursuant to subsection 6.2(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, must be prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference as hereby approved.
Reasons
I am satisfied that an environmental assessment prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act and the public interest for the following reasons:
- The Terms of Reference ensures that the environmental assessment will be completed using a comprehensive public, Aboriginal and government agency consultation process that is open and transparent;
- The Terms of Reference ensures that the completed environmental assessment will contain a sufficient level of detail to accurately assess the environmental effects of all alternatives and the proposed undertaking; and,
- The Terms of Reference sets out a planning process that will ensure the completed environmental assessment will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act and the public interest.
Dated the 30th day of November 2009 at Toronto.
Original signed by
Minister of the Environment
135 St. Clair Avenue West, 12th floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1P5