HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO 08-03
188
REPORT TO THE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Report Number: CAO 08-03
Date: July 14, 2003
From:
Thomas J. Quinn
Chief Administrative Officer
Subject:
Draft Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference
Highway 407 East Completion
City of Pickering Comments
File: D-7400-001
Recommendations:
1.
That Council receive for information Report CAO 08-03 concerning the Draft
Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference for the Highway 407 East
Completion, prepared by Totten Sims Hubicki Associates (TSH) and Gartner Lee
Limited for the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
2.
That Council endorse the following recommendations with respect to the
Highway 407 East Completion Draft EA Terms of Reference:
A. That the City be provided clear and compelling supportive arguments prior to
considering any preferred alignment and associated links of the Highway 407
East extension that deviate significantly from the previously recommended
alignment anticipated in Pickering.
B. That options for the location, design and number of interchanges, transit
stations, truck inspection stations and commuter parking lots in Pickering be
developed and reviewed in consultation with the City.
3.
That Council request MTO to expedite the Highway 407 East Completion EA
process wherever possible and commence construction of the extension of
Highway 407 from Brock Road eastward immediately following the conclusion of
the EA process.
4.
That Council request MTO to assist the City and Region of Durham in funding
improvements to existing City/Regional roads that have been negatively
impacted and deteriorated from significant increased local traffic movements and
volume resulting from the current Highway 407 East terminus being located in
Pickering.
5.
That a copy of this Report and Council recommendations be forwarded to MTO
and the Region of Durham.
Report CAO 08-03
Date: July 14, 2003
Subject: Draft Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference
Highway 407 East Completion
189
Page 2
Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Transportation recently released the Draft Environmental Assessment
Terms of Reference for the Highway 407 East Completion project for comment.
Comments have been requested from stakeholders by July 31, 2003, after which the
Terms of Reference (ToR) document will be revised as necessary, and submitted for
approval to the Minister of Environment. The Draft ToR document sets out the
parameters of the formal Environmental Assessment (EA) to be undertaken. The
boundaries of the proposed Study Areas in the Draft EA ToR generally respect the
previously recommended 407 alignment established in the early 1990's in Pickering.
Staff is satisfied with the general approach and outline of the Draft EA ToR.
Route alternatives in Pickering are being explored for the segment of the Highway
between Sideline 16 and Salem Road, and the West Durham Link between Highway
401 and 407. It is recommended that MTO provide clear and compelling supportive
arguments prior to considering any recommended final alignment and associated links
of the Highway 407 East extension that deviates significantly from the previously
recommended alignment anticipated in Pickering. The future EA process will also
consider Highway interchanges (including improvements to the existing Brock Road
interchange), transitways and stations, truck inspection stations and commuter parking
lots. It is recommended that MTO develop and review options for the location, design
and number of these facilitieslinfrastructure in consultation with the City.
The route location/concept design EA Report is planned for completion in Winter/Spring,
2005. It is recommended that MTO expedite the completion of the EA process and
commence construction of the Highway extension immediately following the conclusion
of the EA process. Due to the delay in extending Highway 407 eastward, it is further
recommended that MTO assist the City and Region of Durham in funding improvements
to existing City/Regional roads supporting significant increased traffic accessing/exiting
the current Highway 407 East terminus at Brock Road in Pickering.
City Staff will continue to be involved in the EA consultation process, with ample
opportunity for comment respecting Highway alignment and interchange locations.
Regular updates to Council respecting this project will be provided.
Financial Implications:
Not Applicable.
Study Overview:
MTO recently released the Draft EA ToR for the Highway 407 East Completion, and
requested comments on the draft document from stakeholders by July 31,2003.
Report CAO 08-03
Date: July 14, 2003
190
Subject: Draft Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference
Highway 407 East Completion
Page 3
Once comments are received by MTO, a final EA ToR document will be revised as
necessary, and submitted to the Ministry of Environment (MOE) for approval by the
Minister. The Draft EA ToR and subsequent proposed EA process are structured in
accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. As the project will also
likely be subject to Federal EA requirements, the EA ToR have been structured
proposing federal endorsement of the scope and assessment of the project. This will
allow the project to proceed in a coordinated and streamlined manner satisfying both
Federal and Provincial EA requirements.
A map depicting the Highway 407 East Completion study area is included as
Attachment #1 to this Report.
The proposed Highway 407 East Completion project consists of:
. the extension of Highway 407 from its current terminus at Brock Road eastward to
Clarington;
. the establishment of two north-south links between Highways 401 and 407;
. the establishment of a public transit corridor within the extended highway right-of-
way from Brock Road to the East Durham Link, and within the West and East
Durham Link right-of-ways; and,
. consideration for the location and number of interchanges (including improvements
to the existing Brock Road interchange), transitway stations, truck inspection
stations and commuter parking lots.
MTO has noted in the EA ToR that it is their intention to confirm the location of the
original route, where possible, and examine alternatives where required through the
completion of the EA process.
Although a technically preferred route for the extension of Highway 407 eastward and
associated north-south links to Highway 401 were previously identified in the early
1990's, the EA work needs to be updated to reflect changes in the overall study area
and regulatory process. The proposed EA for this project is being considered in three
"Study Area Segments" (see Attachment #1).
Study Area SeQment 1 (Route Refinements)
For this segment, previous EA assessment and evaluation can be confirmed, therefore
requiring only minor adjustments to the previously recommended route. Segments in
Pickering falling into this classification, and therefore requiring only route refinement
alternatives (within 100 metres of the previously recommended route) include the
segment from Sideline 22 to Sideline 16, and from Salem Road eastward (to Thorton
Road in Oshawa).
Report CAO 08-03
Date: July 14, 2003 191
Subject: Draft Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference
Highway 407 East Completion
Page 4
Study Area Seqment 2 (Route Alternatives)
For this segment, generation/assessment/evaluation of route alternatives will be
undertaken to establish a technically preferred route. Segments in Pickering that fall
into this classification are:
1. The segment from Sideline 16 to Salem Road (the study area for this segment
includes the area between Highway 7 and the previously recommended route).
2. The West Durham Link from Highways 401 to 407 (the study area for the proposed
west boundary of the West Durham Link is established along Audley and Kinsale
Roads in Ajax and Pickering, and the proposed east boundary continues to be west
of Coronation Road in Whitby).
Study Area Seqment 3 (Transportation Alternatives)
This study area segment does not affect lands in Pickering. For this segment, the
work completed on the identification and updating of problems and opportunities has
resulted in the need to generate, assess and evaluate a number of transportation
alternatives. This study area segment is located in Clarington only, and will look at
required transportation links from the proposed East Durham Link to Highway 35/115.
Discussion:
Route Aliqnment
Staff is satisfied with the general approach and outline of the Draft EA ToR. The
majority of the proposed Highway 407 extension through Pickering identified in the EA
ToR is very similar to the previously recommended 407 alignment established in the
early 1990's.
It is recommended that the City be provided clear and compelling supportive
arguments prior to considering any preferred alignment and associated links of
the Highway 407 East extension that deviate significantly from the previously
recommended alignment anticipated in Pickering.
The Highway 407 alignment has been depicted in the City's Official Plan for many
years, and past land use decisions/considerations have been based on this alignment.
Significant changes to the previously recommended 407 route and location of the West
Durham Link are not desirable, and no compelling reasons have been cited, to-date,
suggesting the need for major alterations to the previous alignment and associated
links.
Study Area Segment #1 in Pickering consists of minor route refinement considerations,
as previous EA assessment and evaluation can be confirmed. Highway segments
within this Study Area in Pickering will have little or no variation from the previously
recommended route. Staff supports the review approach for this Study Area.
Report CAO 08-03
Date: July 14, 2003
192
Subject: Draft Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference
Highway 407 East Completion
Page 5
Study Area Segment #2 in Pickering consists of route alternatives being explored, and
includes the segment of the Highway in Pickering between Sideline 16 and Salem
Road, and the West Durham Link between Highways 401 and 407.
The EA ToR identifies the segment between Sideline 16 and Salem Road as a study
area requiring a minor route location refinement from the previously recommended
route. The general route alignment remains between Highway 7 and the previously
recommended route, and continues to cross Highway 7 east of Brougham and is
located north of Greenwood. Reasons noted to consider a minor route location
refinement in this Highway segment include a shift of the existing Highway alignment
westerly due in part to groundwater issues on the slopes of Sideline 16 and possible
recent improvements to the natural and social environment east of Sideline 14.
Anticipated alignment changes within this segment of Highway 407 appear to be
technical and minor in nature, and therefore Staff are supportive of the review approach
in this segment.
The previously recommended location of the West Durham Link was in Whitby, west of
Coronation Road and east of Halls Road. The EA ToR identifies the West Durham Link
segment within a new study area bound by the previously recommended route to the
east, and Audley and Kinsale Roads within Ajax and Pickering to the west. The EA ToR
cites a number of planning and environmental issues that require consideration when
assessing the preferred alignment. Staff will closely monitor the alternatives suggested
for the West Durham Link location that differ from the previously recommended link
location in Whitby, and request MTO to provide a compelling rationale for any
recommended location change. Staff will further seek a Council position respecting a
location of the West Durham Link, if a change is recommended in the future EA Report.
Interchanqes and Related Infrastructure
The EA ToR notes that a review of a proposed transitway and associated stations, truck
inspection stations and commuter parking lots will be incorporated into the EA process.
The consultant has also confirmed that Highway interchanges (and over/underpasses)
will be considered in conjunction with the Highway alignment review (although not
explicitly noted in the EA ToR). The existing Brock Road interchange will be included in
the EA, with possible alternative design options being developed.
The previously recommended 407 east route plan identified full interchange locations in
Pickering at Brock Road, Sideline 14, Westney Road, Salem Road and Lakeridge Road.
Options for these highway-related facilities/infrastructure will be closely monitored by
Staff throughout the EA process.
It is recommended that options for the location, design and number of
interchanges, transit stations, truck inspection stations and commuter parking
lots in Pickering be developed and reviewed in consultation with the City.
Report CAO 08-03
Date: July 14, 2003
193
Subject: Draft Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference
Highway 407 East Completion
Page 6
Project TiminQ
City Council passed Resolution #107/02 in July, 2002, requesting the Minister of
Transportation to establish an expedited timetable for the Highway 407 East Completion
project. A copy of that Resolution is included as Attachment #2 to this Report. It is
critical to extend the Highway westward as soon as possible in order to alleviate local
traffic congestion, reduce local road deterioration and encourage economic
development opportunities in Pickering and Durham Region. The route
location/concept design EA Report is planned for completion in Winter/Spring, 2005,
with additional months (4-6) required for approvals and comment.
It is recommended that MTO expedite the Highway 407 East Completion EA
process wherever possible and commence construction of the extension of
Highway 407 from Brock Road eastward immediately following the conclusion of
the EA process.
Phasing of the EA process and/or construction of the Highway mainline extension may
be an appropriate method of expediting this project, as only route refinements and
"technical" route alternatives are proposed from the current 407 terminus at Brock Road
to the proposed West Durham Link.
Provincial FundinQ Assistance for ExistinQ Roads
The current Highway 407 East terminus at Brock Road in Pickering has created
significant traffic congestion on local roads providing access to and from that
intersection. The resultant traffic well exceeds expected traffic counts that would be
generated at the Brock Road interchange if the Highway was extended eastward. The
increased traffic movements and volume have resulted in accelerated deterioration of
surrounding Local/Regional roads.
It is recommended that MTO assist the City and Region of Durham in funding
improvements to existing City/Regional roads that have been negatively impacted
and deteriorated from significant increased local traffic movements and volume
resulting from the current Highway 407 East terminus being located in Pickering.
Consultation/Information Updates
The proposed process allows for multiple updates to stakeholders, and incorporates
several public and municipal consultation milestones. The Division Head, Corporate
Projects & Policy represents the City on the Municipal Technical Advisory Group
(MTAG) for this project, and will provide updates to Council as the study proceeds.
The City will have an additional opportunity to comment on a future draft EA Report to
MTO, and if necessary, an opportunity to comment directly to the Ministry of
Environment
Report CAO 08-03
Date: July 14, 2003
194
Subject: Draft Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference
Highway 407 East Completion
Page 7
References:
1. "Draft Highway 407 East Completion - Environmental Assessment Terms of
Reference", prepared by TSH and Gartner Lee Limited for MTO, and dated April,
2003.
2. "Draft Highway 407 East Completion Transportation Planning/Needs Report -
Supporting Documentation for the EA Terms of Reference", prepared by TSH et
al. for MTO, and dated April, 2003.
3. "Region of Durham Commissioners of Planning and Works Report No. 2003-J-
18", dated June 25. .
4. "Highway 407 East Completion Study" website, www.407eastea.com, July, 2003.
Attachments:
1. Map - Proposed Study Area Overview
2. Council Resolution #107/02
Prepared By:
Approved I Endorsed By:
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Economic Development Officer
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Prepared By:
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Thomas E. Melymuk
Division Head, Corporate Projects & Policy
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Attachments
Copy: All Directors
Division Head, Corporate Projects & Policy
Recommended for the consideration of
Pickering City Council
PROPOSED STUDY AREA OVERVIEW -
HIGHWAY 407 EAST COMPLETION
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ATTACHMENT #1
TO REPORT #CAO 08-03
195
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LEGEND
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~:::..:::~:1 Study Area - Segment 1 (Route Refinements)
~ Study Area - Segment 2 (Route Alternatives)
~ Study Area - Segment 3 (Transportation Alternatives)
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ATTACHMENT # ¿) TO REPORT #~ - aß, a ~
196
Resolution #107/02 Passed on July 29. 2002
-
Moved by Councillor McLean
Seconded by Councillor Holland
WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the City of Pickering has been
supportive of the construction of Highway 407 through the City of Pickering to
connect to Highway 35/115; and
WHEREAS this support has been expressed as far back as 1990 when it
endorsed the preferred route alignment of Highway 407 through Pickering and in
1996 when Council requested the Ministry of Transportation to proceed
expeditiously with the planning and environmental assessment work relating to
the construction of Highway 407 east from Markham Road to Highway 35/115,
including two links with Highway 401; and
WHEREAS Council supported the extension of Highway 407 through Pickering to
Highway 35/115 because it recognized not only the economic benefits to the City
of Pickering and the Region of Durham but also the requirement for an alternate
commuter route for residents throughout the Region of Durham; and
WHEREAS Council was of the understanding that the extension of Highway 407
east of Brock Road would be completed by 2005; and
WHEREAS the Ministry of Transportation made a presentation to the Regional
Works
Committee wherein it was indicated that an Environmental Assessment Terms of
Reference and an Environmental Assessment for Route Location and Concept
Design would need to be completed and that this would not occur until the end of
2004; and
WHEREAS the completion of the Environmental Assessment studies will delay
the completion of Highway 407 to Highway 35/115 until approximately 2010; and
WHEREAS the required Environmental Assessment studies were completed in
1994 but not filed with the Ministry of Transportation; and
WHEREAS any delay to the construction of Highway 407 east of Brock Road in
Pickering to Highway 35/115 will have a major impact on the economic well-
being of the Region of Durham;
..../2
ATTACHMENT #~ TO REPORTIQt\G, OC) - o~
1.97
NOW THEREFORE the Councjl of the Corporation of the City of Pickering
hereby requests the Honourable Norm Sterling, Minister of Transportation, to
direct that the Terms of Reference for the Environmental Assessment for
Highway 407 completion from Brock Road in Pickering to Highway 35/115 be
completed no later than December 31, 2002 and that the Environmental
Assessment for the Route Location/Concept Design be completed no later than
December 31,2003; and
FURTHER THAT the Minister of Transportation set a deadline of no later than
December 31, 2005 for the extension of Highway 407 beyond Brock Road in
Pickering; and
FURTHER THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Council of the Regional
Municipality of Durham and all area municipalities for endorsation; and
FURTHER THAT this resolution be forwarded to:
The Honourable Janet Ecker, MPP, Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, MPP, Whitby-Ajax
Jerry Ouellette, MPP, Oshawa
John O'Toole, MPP, Durham
CARRIED