Niagara Region supports…

Niagara Region supports harmonization where it improves clarity and efficiency. Our comments on the proposed changes under ERO 025-1140 are:

1. There are currently harmonized standards used by Regional and local municipalities that include the Transportation Association of Canada Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads, Canadian Bridge Design Code, Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM), and Ontario Provincial Standards (OPS).
2. An Ontario harmonized standard and/or specification should build on the above noted existing design and construction standards.
3. Any Ontario harmonized standards and/or specification(s) must be continually updated based on input from municipalities (users).
4. Regional and local municipalities must be allowed to create local supplements/exemptions to address specific local requirements such as geography, climate, materials, etc.
5. A grace period of 18 to 24 months must be allowed upon implementation of and harmonized standard or specification, and any project greater than 30% design should be exempt if implemented within a specific period.