FAQ
ABOUT THE STUDY
1. What Is The N-GTA Study?
The N-GTA is a planning project that is examining options to expand the capacity of the transportation system between Niagara Region (N) and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It is part of the province’s interest in proactively and responsibly planning for the growth projected to occur in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH).
The Ministry of Transportation initiated Phase 1 of the N-GTA Corridor Planning and Environmental Assessment (EA) Study in December 2006, following approval of the EA Terms of Reference by the Minister of the Environment. Phase 1 of the study will look at all options to add capacity to the transportation corridor that links Niagara to the GTA. This includes examining the role that each mode can play in the future transportation strategy for the area (e.g., rail, road, transit and marine).
2. Why Was It Initiated?
In June 2001, the Premier of Ontario and the Ontario Minister of Transportation announced the completion of the draft Niagara Peninsula Transportation Needs Assessment Study. The Needs Assessment Study summarized the technical, forecasting and strategic planning work done in the Niagara, Hamilton and Halton areas for a 30-year planning period, and concluded that significant additional transportation capacity would be required through the Niagara Peninsula into the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to accommodate future growth in the movement of people and goods.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Renewal (MPIR) released the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) in June 2006. It reports that the GGH is estimated to grow by 3.7 million people by 2031. It also identifies the NGTA Corridor as an important transportation/economic link between the GTA and other urban growth centres within the GGH.
In response to the anticipated transportation pressures due to the increased population and economic growth in the GGH, MTO initiated the N-GTA Corridor Planning and EA Study. To meet the objectives of the province’s Growth Plan, MTO is working to provide for the efficient movement of people and goods by adding capacity to the transportation corridor that links Niagara to the GTA.
ABOUT THE STUDY AREA
3. What Is The Study Area For Phase 1?
As Exhibit 1.1 in the EA ToR shows, the area under consideration for Phase 1 of the study broadly encompasses the Region of Niagara, the City of Hamilton, and the Region of Halton. It also includes the west end of the GTA and the four Niagara Frontier international border crossings (i.e., Peace, Whirlpool Rapids Rainbow and Queenston-Lewiston).
4. Why Are Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener/Waterloo and Brantford Not Included In The Study Area?
The focus of this study is to specifically define and address the transportation needs in the corridor that links Niagara to the GTA. It is not the development of a transportation master plan covering Niagara, Hamilton, Brantford, Wellington, and the GTA. As such, the identification of the N-GTA Study Area is consistent with Schedule 6 in the Growth Plan.
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS
5. Why An EA?
All public infrastructure projects in Ontario, including transportation planning projects, are subject to the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (1997); they are required to undergo a process whereby all potential impacts are considered – i.e. natural, social, cultural and economic.
Projects that are particularly large and complex, with the potential for a wide range of environmental effects, like the N-GTA, are subject to the Individual EA process under the Act.
Note:
The N-GTA study is also subject to the requirements of the federal Canadian Environmental Assessment Act – with its own process and set of requirements. As a result of the Canada-Ontario Agreement for EA Cooperation, signed in 2004, MTO is committed to working in a coordinated manner with both the provincial and federal governments.
KEY STEPS IN THE INDIVIDUAL EA PROCESS
6. What Is The First Step In An Individual EA?
Before an Individual EA can begin, a Terms of Reference (ToR) must be prepared, and submitted to the Minister of the Environment for approval.
An EA ToR outlines how the proponent (e.g., MTO) proposes to conduct the study, including what factors will be assessed, how the evaluations will be completed, and who will be consulted; when, and how.
The N-GTA Corridor EA Terms of Reference was submitted to the Ontario Minister of the Environment for approval on October 28th, 2005. It was approved on June 9th, 2006. The approved ToR can be viewed on the project website www.niagara-gta.com.
7. What Are The Key Objectives And Timeline For Phase 1?
The ToR outlines a two-phased approach that will be used to conduct this study. Phase 1 of the study includes the following key steps:
- Develop a Study Plan
- Identify transportation problems and opportunities and verify the need for transportation improvements
- Identify and assess transportation system alternatives (i.e., fundamentally different ways of addressing the problems and opportunities)
- Select one, or a combination of preferred transportation system alternatives and recommend a Transportation Development Strategy
- Make recommendations for future work in the Niagara to GTA corridor.
Phase 1 of the EA is expected to be complete in mid-2009. Additional information regarding the study schedule for Phase 1 of the study will be provided upon finalization of the Study Plan.
8. What Is A Study Plan?
The Study Plan will build upon the information provided in the EA ToR. It will specifically focus and elaborate on the Phase 1 requirements; including, the overall approach; the objectives; the study schedule; stakeholder consultation and the deliverable products.
A draft of the Study Plan will be made available for public review and comment prior to, and at the first round of consultation activities. Based on the comments received, the document will be finalized and posted on the project website.
Note:
The approved ToR reflects the minimum study requirements that MTO must comply with. Proposed enhancements will be reflected in the Study Plan, if known at the time of development.
ALTERNATIVES AND MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
9. Will Alternative Transportation Modes Be Fully Considered In Phase 1?
Yes. It is recognized that a variety of transportation solutions may be required to address the transportation needs in the Niagara to GTA corridor. As outlined in the approved ToR, all modal options (i.e., rail, road, transit ad marine) and combinations thereof, will be examined in Phase 1.
10. How Will Transportation System Alternatives Be Assessed?
Each modal option and combinations thereof will be assessed on the potential to address problems (e.g., transportation capacity deficiencies) and opportunities (i.e., support for population and employment growth). The following broad factors will be used in the analysis: transportation, socio-economic, land use and natural environment.
The evaluation factors, sub-factors and criteria for assessing transportation system alternatives will be fully developed during the Individual EA.
PROTECTING IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
11. Will Environmental Effects Be Considered?
Yes. Consideration for environmental issues and environmental protection is a key component of this study. To fully identify and describe the existing environmental features and conditions, a significant amount of environmental inventory work will be undertaken during Phase 1. These data will be collected using secondary source information.
As outlined in the ToR, environmental effects will be considered on a broad level during the assessment of transportation system alternatives (i.e., Phase 1). Details on the approach for undertaking environmental work and how environmental effects will be considered in Phase 1 will be documented in the Study Plan.
12. The Growth Plan Shows The N-GTA Corridor
Crossing The Niagara Escarpment. Does The Provincial Greenbelt Plan And Niagara Escarpment Plan Allow For This?
Under Section 4.2 of the Greenbelt Plan - existing, expanded or new infrastructure is permitted, subject to the following two objectives:
(a) It supports agriculture, recreation and tourism, rural settlement areas, resource use or the rural economic activity that exists and is permitted within the Greenbelt; or
(b) It serves the significant growth and economic development expected in Southern Ontario beyond the Greenbelt by providing for the appropriate infrastructure connections among urban growth centres and between these centres and Ontario’s borders.
The Niagara Escarpment Plan (Section 2.15) also allows for new and expanded transportation facilities to cross, as long as they are designed and located so that the least possible change occurs in the environment and the natural and cultural landscape.
No decision has been made concerning the nature of transportation solutions to be implemented to address transportation problems within the Niagara to GTA corridor. Phase 1 of this study will examine all reasonable alternatives to address the identified transportation problems and opportunities. Impacts to the Greenbelt Plan area will be examined on a broad level in Phase 1 of this study.
EA PROPONENCY
13. Why Is MTO The Sole Proponent Of This Study?
The purpose of this study is to add capacity to the transportation corridor that links Niagara to the GTA. More specific undertakings that add capacity will be developed during the EA study. Given this focus, MTO does not feel that co-proponency with another government agency and/or ministry is appropriate at this time. However, to adequately recognize the linkage between transportation and land use planning; and the relationship between MTO and GO Transit, MTO is committed to working closely with both GO Transit and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Renewal throughout the study.
14. With MTO As The Sole Proponent, Will Solutions Be Limited To Those Under Its Jurisdiction?
No. Phase 1 of the study will examine all reasonable options to add capacity to the corridor, and will include the examination of the role that each mode can play – rail, road, transit, and marine, etc. Following Phase 1, preferred solutions will be selected and moved forward.
Should a new highway be deemed the best solution, MTO would continue with the EA process for route planning (i.e., Phase 2). Should a solution outside of MTO’s jurisdiction be recommended, the appropriate agency or jurisdiction will be contacted for further review and action.
ABOUT PUBLIC CONSULTATION
15. How Do I Get Involved In Phase 1 Of The Study?
To receive direct notification regarding study activities, events, and milestone reports, etc., interested persons are encouraged to request their name be put on the project’s mailing list. To get on the mailing list, refer to the project website www.niagara-gta.com, or call Tyler Drygas at URS Canada Inc. (905-882-4401).
In addition, the Project Team is seeking interested individuals to participate on a Citizens Advisory Group (CAG), which will meet at key points during the study to provide input on specific issues. An application form for participation in the CAG is posted on the project website, or can be requested by calling Tyler Drygas at URS Canada Inc. (905-882-4401).
16. Who Are The Stakeholders?
Stakeholders are broadly defined as any individual or group that is affected by or is interested in the study. MTO is committed to an extensive consultation program, one that actively engages and involves members of the public, non-government organizations (NGOs), municipalities, First Nations, regulatory agencies, business and industry, and other transportation providers (e.g., port authorities, trucking associations, railways, GO).
Input from all stakeholders will be solicited and considered throughout the study, to ensure that the Government of Ontario is fully aware of the pros and cons associated with each solution that is considered during Phase 1.
More About Public Consultation
The project’s consultation program currently consists of a number of key components, including: public notices; presentation to municipal councils; public information centres; neighborhood and individual meetings; workshops; a project website, and draft reports. This list is not all-inclusive; other mechanisms may be developed and implemented as the project proceeds.
Further details regarding the proposed consultation and outreach program for Phase 1 will be documented in a Study Plan.
ABOUT DECISION-MAKING
17. When Will A Final Decision Be Made On Infrastructure Improvements?
This study is being undertaken in two phases. Phase 1 of the EA will focus on transportation problems and opportunities, and the assessment of transportation system alternatives. In approximately mid-2009, the preferred solution(s) will be selected and moved forward.
18. Who Makes The Final Decision?
The Minister of Transportation in consultation with Cabinet will decide which preferred solution(s) to move forward.
At the end of Phase 1, the project team will identify a Transportation Development Strategy. In it, transportation projects under the jurisdiction of MTO and others will be recommended. The advantages and disadvantages associated with each one will be presented to the Government of Ontario for consideration.
POLICY FRAMEWORK AND OTHER GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
19. How Will Other Government Policies Influence This Study?
Existing approved policies (i.e., provincial, federal, regional and local), as noted in the ToR, will provide the framework for the EA study. In addition, environmental legislation related to the natural, socio-economic and cultural heritage environment will be referenced as appropriate throughout the EA.
20. Why Is MTO Proceeding With An EA For This Area Without A Provincial/ Regional Transportation Plan Or Strategy That Identifies Priorities?
The province has expressed its priority transportation policies and objectives for this area through the Growth Plan. The objective of maintaining an efficient transportation link between the Niagara area and the GTA is a priority within the plan. Any subsequent plans or strategies must conform to the Growth Plan so this initiative will remain a priority.
21. How Does The N-GTA Study Relate To The Role Of The GTTA And It’s Inter-Regional Transportation Plan?
The GTTA is mandated to develop a transportation plan for the GTA and Hamilton. The GTTA legislation requires the GTTA transportation plan to conform to the Growth Plan.
Given that the Growth Plan identified the N-GTA Corridor as an important transportation/economic link, the ministry will work closely with the GTTA to ensure information and findings from the N-GTA study is considered in development of the GTTA Transportation Plan.
OTHER MTO TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROJECTS
22. What Is The Relationship Between The N-GTA Study And Other MTO Projects (e.g., GTA-West, Highway 24)?
While the N-GTA study will primarily examine travel from the Niagara Frontier to east of Burlington, the entire GGH transportation network will be considered, including connections to existing and proposed facilities. Analysis and findings from current MTO transportation studies will be considered and coordinated as appropriate in the N-GTA EA.
23. Why Are The N-GTA And GTA West Projects Conducted As Two Separate Studies? Do They Share A Common Study Limit? Could Corridors Identified From The Two Studies Potentially Connect?
These studies are separate as the purposes are distinct and unconnected, and are intended to address different sets of transportation problems and opportunities. Accordingly, the direct connection of new transportation facilities within the preliminary study areas is not an objective of either study.
Highway 401 is the common boundary between the two studies. As each study generates and examines options to add transportation capacities, it is possible that the recommended solutions/improvements may be connected and/or integrated.
There will be a high level of coordination between these two studies, for example:
- Both studies will use the same baseline data (land use, GGH networks), assumptions, methodology for demand forecasting;
- Both studies will apply the same process, factors, criteria for the generation, assessment and evaluation of alternatives;
- The GTA West study process allows the incorporation of any particular alternative considered in the Niagara GTA EA, and vice versa; and
- Both studies are managed by the same MTO office and same consultant consortium.
IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES
24. What Is MTO’s Response To Local Development Applications That Could Potentially Block Off The Right-Of-Way Of A New N-GTA Highway?
The decision to construct a new highway in the N-GTA Corridor has not been made. Phase 1 of the EA will examine a full range of options for increasing the transportation capacity of the N-GTA Corridor. Included in these options are rail, marine, transit and roadways.
MTO will work with municipalities throughout the study, in an effort to ensure that future growth can be accommodated. This includes examining potential transportation rights-of-way. It is recognized, however, that growing development pressures in the N-GTA study area could preclude future right-of-ways. To ensure this is minimized and that all options are left open, the ministry will work closely with municipalities to monitor land development activity. Municipalities may also choose to use interim land use planning controls to ensure corridor options are not precluded.
25. Will Tolling Be Considered In This Study?
No. This study will examine all reasonable alternatives to address the identified transportation problems and opportunities within the GTA-West corridor. Tolling is an implementation issue that may be examined at a later stage in the project.
The Ontario government is committed to considering innovative ways to fund new infrastructure projects, including tolling.
