How we're doing it - Ontario Transit Project Assessment Process?
What is the Ontario Transit Project Assessment Process?
- Calls for transit project proponents to follow a structured consultation
process based on an assessment of potential adverse impacts
associated with a project, including mitigation measures
- Assessment process which is carried out by the proponent.
How is it similar to an individual environmental assessment?
- It has most elements of existing process: public and agency
consultation, the assessment of potential environmental effects
and mitigation measures, and documentation.
- An Environmental Project Report (EPR) describes the project,
its impacts, mitigation measures, and it documents consultation as well as
any commitments which are being made for future work.
- Key difference is that it is designed to complete the assessment
process and decision-making within six months.
What does it entail?
- Requires the proponents to examine and explain the “alternative
methods” (or designs) considered - does not require
proponents to look at the rationale and alternatives to the
project.
- To accomplish this, a significant amount of planning,
consultation and impact assessment work is typically done
before the process formally commences.
Where are we in the process?
On October 5, 2009, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) approved Metrolinx’s proposal to increase GO train service on the Georgetown South line, and to establish rail service between Pearson Airport and Union Station.
How can I access the Environmental Project Report?
The Environmental Project Report (EPR) is now available:
The EPR also available at the following six review locations:
- Ministry of the Environment, Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch, 2 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 12A, Ontario, M4V 1L5. 416-314-8001
- York Civic Centre, 2700 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, M6M 1V1. Phone: Access Toronto General Enquiry, 416-338-0338
- Toronto Public Library, City Hall Branch, Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2N3. 416-393-7650
- Toronto Public Library – Weston Branch, 2 King Street, Toronto, Ontario, M9N 1K9. 416-394-1016
- Toronto Public Library – Toronto Public Library – Perth/Dupont Branch, 1589 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON M6P 3S5 (redirected to this location due to renovations at the Annette Street Branch)
- Mississauga Public Library – Malton Branch, Malton Community Centre, 3540 Morning Star Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L4T 1Y2. 905-615-4640
What are the next steps?
The Minister placed eighteen conditions on the Georgetown South Service Expansion that address concerns raised by the community about the effect of diesel emissions on human health and air quality. Three highlights are as follows:
- Trains operated by GO Transit on the Georgetown rail corridor and the Union Pearson Rail Link service must use Tier 4 state of the art engines when the service expansion begins or as soon as the technology is commercially available;
- A significant human health and mitigation plan must be put in place to address any remaining risks to human health after Tier 4 engines are in operation on the line;
- An ambient air monitoring and reporting plan must be put in place with monitoring locations situated within the boundaries of the Georgetown South Corridor or within the adjacent community.
Metrolinx will comply fully with all of the conditions outlined in the MOE approval. Please check back for further updates and details.
The following display depicts the key stages and timelines for the Ontario Transit Project Assessment Process:
On March 8, 2009 the federal government commenced the federal Environmental Assessment for this project.