Region urges province to move proposed route for GTA West highway

The new freeway and adjacent transitway will support population and employment growth, improve goods movement, and reduce traffic on local roads such as King and Major Mackenzie, the Region of York says

Newmarkettoday.ca
Jan. 31, 2020

York Regional Council welcomes the Province of Ontario’s decision to resume the Greater Toronto West Highway Environmental Assessment and is requesting additional considerations in the Environmental Assessment.

Considerations include moving the preferred route to ensure the approved new communities are not divided and adding interchange locations to improve connectivity to the local and Regional road network.

“Expanding the highway can improve mobility for people and goods throughout Greater Toronto,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “As work continues, there are many discussions needed to ensure this highway offers positive opportunities for our growing communities.”

The GTA West Highway environmental study proposes a new freeway as well as an adjacent transitway, providing more east-west travel options and reducing traffic on roads such as Major Mackenzie Drive and King Road.

“Great care is taking place to ensure we are providing improved travel opportunities and protecting the sensitive environment in the area,” said Township of King Mayor Steve Pellegrini, Chair of the Region’s Transportation Services. “This highway has the potential to provide strong connections to our communities and businesses.”

The Province of Ontario is currently in the planning phase of the Environmental Assessment and completion is scheduled for the end of 2022. The final report will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for approval. Preliminary design will begin following Ministry approval.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 52,000 businesses with 636,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices