Mayor's Report
Major corridor could cut through Caledon
By Marolyn Morrison

In 2005, the provincial government identified a potential GTA West Corridor as a transportation and economic link between the GTA and other urban growth centres within the Greater Golden Horseshoe as part of its Places to Grow initiative. In early 2006, the Town of Caledon, together with other area municipalities, was consulted by Ministry of Transportation (MTO) in preparation for a GTA West Corridor Planning and Environmental Assessment

EA) Study (Caledon Planning Policy Section Report 2006-10). The study was formally initiated by MTO Jan. 24, 2007.

According to Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, a terms of reference must be approved by Minister of the Environment before the actual EA Study can start. The ongoing effort by MTO is to develop and finalize the terms of reference. If approved, the terms of reference will direct the entire EA Study process. March 15, MTO released a draft terms of reference for public review and comment, which is available at Caledon East Public Library.

Starting this week, MTO is hosting a public information centre in different locations to seek public input on the terms of Reference. May 8 from 4-8 p.m. the province will be holding a public information centre at the Brampton Fairgrounds regarding this study.

The draft terms of reference has provided an outline of technical and consultation process that MTO will follow throughout the EA study. It has developed a preliminary problem and opportunity statement based on an overview of existing conditions, growth forecasts and the potential to improve linkages between economic and urban growth centres as proposed in the Growth Plan. It has also identified a preliminary study area bounded by Highway 6 to the west in Guelph, Highway 401/407 to the south, Highway 400 to the east, and roughly Old Base Line Road and King Street to the north in Caledon.

I have requested MTO to expand the preliminary study area to Highway 9 to the north to properly address the east-west transportation needs in this area.

According to the draft terms of reference, the study will complete the first two stages of the EA process. Stage one will conduct a c o m p r e h e n s i v e transportation system planning review to examine transportation needs and to evaluate and select transportation planning alternatives subject to the Minister of Environment's approval of the terms of reference. If a new highway is part of the recommendation in stage one, stage two will include a possible refinement of the study area; identification and evaluation of alternative; selection of the preferred alternative route; a conceptual design for the route; and preparation and submission of an Environmental Study Report.

The Town of Caledon supports MTO's "multimodal transportation strategy" approach to address transportation problems and opportunities.

Caledon

The study is expected to examine potential improvements in the existing roadway system, public transit, and intermodal facilities before the need for a provincial highway facility can be justified. In order to facilitate a thorough examination of the transportation network, the study has to have good area coverage.

As mentioned earlier, I have requested MTO to expand the preliminary study area to Highway 9 to the north to properly address the east-west transportation needs in this area. The location of this highway should be expanded beyond the boundaries of the White Belt, and be looked at in the overall global picture of provincial transportation networks and how we need to move the goods and services throughout this province in order to maintain our economic viability within the province.

I have also asked MTO to make sure that all concerned residents and stakeholders in Caledon are fully consulted before any decision regarding the GTA West Corridor is made.