Reports and Discussion Papers
Draft Transportation Development Strategy (February 2011)
The purpose of this report is to document the work undertaken as part of Phase 1 of the EA as well as the draft Strategy. The draft Strategy includes the following elements:
- Group #1: Optimizing the existing transportation network and supporting Metrolinx and Smart Commute in expanding their TDM programs.
- Group #2: Improving existing and/or providing new non-road infrastructure and transit, building on the recommendations of the Regional Transportation Plan by Metrolinx and GO 2020 Plan.
- Group #3: Strategic highway widening on sections of Highways 401, 407, 403, 6, and the QEW.
- Group #4:
- Further study for operational improvements along Highway 403 through Hamilton and Highway 6 south of Highway 401.
- Additional focused analysis (to be completed prior to finalizing the Transportation Development Strategy) to assess and evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of widening of Highway 403 through Hamilton, a new corridor from Highway 403 to Highway 401 and a new corridor from Highway 403 to 407 ETR.
- Proceed into Phase 2 of the Environmental Assessment to identify a preferred route for connecting Highway 406 in the Welland area to the QEW between Highway 420 and Fort Erie.
- MTO to monitor growth patterns and transportation system performance to determine when a new transportation corridor between Hamilton and Welland will be required.
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The draft Strategy will guide the future EA studies and initiatives undertaken by MTO and other agencies. Phase 2 of the study will involve the development, assessment, and evaluation of alternative methods (i.e. routes) corresponding to the recommended new corridor elements of the draft Strategy. All other recommendations that fall within MTOs jurisdiction such as highway widening, interchange reconfiguration, etc. will be pursued as future Class EA Studies for Provincial Transportation Facilities.
This report is now available for a 90-day review period (from March 7, 2011 to June 6, 2011) and can be downloaded by selecting the appropriate links below. For convenience, the report has been divided into separate chapters, and a combined version has also been provided.
Draft Transportation Needs Assessment Report
The multi-modal Transportation Development Strategy as well as the supporting technical analysis, assessment work and a summary of consultation undertaken during Phase 1 of the NGTA Corridor Planning and EA Study will be documented in a Draft Transportation Needs Assessment Report. This report is tentatively scheduled to be made available for stakeholder review in Fall 2010. Additional details regarding the review opportunity for the Draft Transportation Needs Assessment Report will be posted on the NGTA study website.
Draft Area Transportation System Alternatives Report
The generation and assessment of the multi-modal Area Transportation Alternatives is a key step in the NGTA Study. The Area Transportation System Alternatives Report summarizes the information provided at the third round of Public Information Centres in November/December 2009. This includes the process and methodology that was used to develop a broad range of Area Transportation System Alternatives as well as the key findings of this work.
This report is now available for review and can be downloaded by selecting the appropriate links below. For convenience, the report has been divided into separate chapters, and a combined version has also been provided.
Draft Area Transportation System Problems and Opportunities Report
The identification of future transportation problems and opportunities within the Study Area is a crucial stage for this phase of the study. An understanding of the shortfalls of the transportation system and opportunities to improve its future performance will provide the foundation for identifying sustainable transportation solutions.
This report is now available for review and can be downloaded by selecting the appropriate links below. For convenience, the report has been divided into separate chapters, and a combined version has also been provided.
NGTA Study Vision, Purpose, Goals, and Objectives Discussion Paper
The identification of goals and objectives at an early stage of the process for identifying the transportation problems and opportunities in the NGTA corridor is critical to the success of this process.
These goals and objectives are based on approved provincial planning policies that provide the broader vision for Ontario's future. These have been documented in the
NGTA Study Vision, Purpose, Goals, and Objectives Discussion Paper.
Factors Influencing Transportation Demand in the NGTA Corridor Discussion Paper
The key factors influencing transportation demand in the NGTA corridor have been documented in the
Factors Influencing Transportation Demand in the NGTA Corridor Discussion Paper. These factors include:
- Approved Provincial Policies;
- Economy;
- Trade; and
- Tourism.
Study Plan and Overview Reports
The Project Team prepared the following three draft reports in preparation for the first round of consultation:
- Study Plan
- Overview of Environmental Conditions and Constraints Report
- Overview of Transportation and Socio-Economic Conditions Report
The reports were released for public review on June 12, 2007. After months of reviewing feedback from all stakeholders, these documents have been finalized:
A Consultation Record has been prepared to document the comments received from all stakeholders, the Project Teams responses, and how the input received has been considered in finalizing the reports.
The Consultation Record is posted on the Consultation Record page and is available at the Site Office (The NGTA Site Office has relocated to TSH's new office located at: 30 Hannover Drive, Suite 100, St. Catharines. All relevant documents will be accessible to the public during business hours Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Study Plan
The Study Plan provides further refinements on the commitments and the framework documented in the approved EA ToR document. Specifically, the Study Plan provides details on the methodology to be used in identifying the transportation problems and opportunities, the assessment and evaluation of area transportation system alternatives, the development of a Transportation Development Strategy and the proposed consultation program. The draft Study Plan was presented at the first round of Public Information Centres. The Study Plan has been finalized based on the feedback received from all stakeholders.
The Study Plan will act as the guide for how technical work and consultation is undertaken.
Overview of Environmental Conditions and Constraints Report
The Overview of Environmental Conditions and Constraints Report has been prepared to document significant natural, socio-economic, and cultural features within the Preliminary Study Area at a broad level. This document also provides the environmental policy context for this study. The Overview of Environmental Conditions and Constraints Report has been finalized based on the feedback received from all stakeholders.
Overview of Transportation and Socio-Economic Conditions Report
The Overview of Transportation and Socio-Economic Conditions report provides a baseline of transportation and socio-economic data and a historical examination of existing conditions and patterns in the Preliminary Study Area. The report provides an outlook on all modes of transportation for moving people and goods (i.e. transit, rail, road, air, and marine) and outlines the transportation and economic policy context for this study. The Overview of Transportation and Socio-Economic Conditions Report has been finalized based on the feedback received from all stakeholders.
Copies of the final reports are available at the NGTA site office in St. Catharines (30 Hannover Drive, Suite 3).
For questions regarding the above-noted documents, the Project Team can be contacted in the following ways:
Web
This website has a Contact Us page that allows for direct email contact with the Project Team.
Toll Free Number
Telephone inquiries can now be received through our "1-800" number. The mailbox for the "1-800" number is routinely checked. Messages are documented and transferred to the appropriate Project Team member for a timely response. Please contact us at:
1-866-890-6441
Site Office
The NGTA Site Office has relocated to AECOM's office located at: 30 Hannover Drive, Suite 3, St. Catharines. All relevant documents will be accessible to the public during business hours (Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Mail / Fax
You may provide any written comments by mail or fax to the following:
NGTA Project Team
c/o URS Canada Inc.
75 Commerce Valley Drive East
Markham, ON Canada L3T 7N9
Fax Number: 905-882-4399
Background Reports
Niagara to GTA Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference (October 2005)
Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
Niagara to GTA Environmental Assessment Reports
Reports will be posted as the study proceeds.
