The Metrolinx Board of Directors at its November 16, 2010 meeting approved the Project Prioritization Framework, a methodology for evaluating the remaining unfunded priority projects from The Big Move. The Framework provides technical evidence, robustness and credibility for identifying projects with the highest benefits based on the Metrolinx triple bottom line, as well as the overall goals and objectives of The Big Move. The Framework also informs Metrolinx decision-making in other areas, such as capital planning.

Ongoing project prioritization utilizes a comprehensive and innovative methodology, which consists of two key stages:

1. Primary Evaluation which establishes core criteria against which the projects are scored and responded to the three lenses of The Big Move, a high quality of life, a protected environment and a prosperous and competitive economy; and

2. Implementation Screen which addresses issues of deliverability and constructability.

These two phases create a project scorecard. This project scorecard then enables the Board to assess the project’s Strategic Fit, which allows for consideration of broader elements, such as leveraging of other projects and initiatives, project readiness, funding, as well as a project’s contribution towards completing the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area transportation network. Strategic Fit is further informed by consultation with key stakeholders, such as municipal leaders and senior officials on an ongoing basis. Projects are put into three groupings based on thresholds: Priority Group A, Priority Group B and Priority Group C.

Prioritization is an ongoing process subject to additional refinement as new analysis from other studies emerges.