Bradford Bypass public input process kicks off April 22

The virtual public information centre will run from April 22 to May 6

Yorkregion.com
April 20, 2021
Simon Martin

The first Bradford Bypass public information centre is set to begin April 22 and will run through May 6.

Residents can participate by visiting bradfordbypass.ca.

A second public information centre is scheduled for the fall of 2022.

According to a staff report at East Gwillimbury council earlier this month, the province announced funding for the project to complete the environmental assessment (EA) and preliminary design as well as advance some property acquisitions and localized construction. 

The staff report reiterated that the preferred route approved in 2002 is being used as a base for the current EA.

East Gwillimbury has requested additional public information centres beyond the two that are currently proposed. They have also requested the province consider an interchange on 2nd Concession. Currently, interchanges are planned for Leslie Street and Bathurst Street.

According to the staff report, the preliminary design on the Bradford Bypass isn't expected to be completed until 2023.

The proposed highway isn't without controversy. Some residents and environmental groups in the area don't believe the EA completed in 2002 should be used for the project and are asking for a new federal environmental assessment.

Ecojustice lawyer Laura Bowman said the EA finished in 2002 predates the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, Greenbelt Plan, or any climate targets and commitments. She said the EA concluded there would be severe impacts to stormwater and groundwater and required upgrades to important studies on groundwater protection, archeological resources, and stormwater management if the project was pursued.

The highway has support from Simcoe County and York Region as well as the municipalities the highway goes through.

Ministry of Transportation Manager of Engineering Jason White told York Region council last month the province is undertaking an update study to advance the 16.2-kilometre project, which would connect Highway 400 to Highway 404.

He said that study will include field investigations, impact assessment, mitigation, as well as environmental commitments, including those identified in the 2002 Route Planning EA Approval.

The proposed freeway will extend from Highway 400, between Lines 8 and 9 in Bradford, cross a small portion of King Township, and connect to Highway 404, between Queensville Sideroad and Holborn Road in East Gwillimbury.