It is irresponsible to…

It is irresponsible to proceed with construction of a highway prior to completion of a draft environmental report. Even the building of bridges over waterways can have an impact on the natural environment. These sensitive areas are exactly the types of environments that need a full and thorough environmental assessment BEFORE any work is done.

Mega projects in conservation reserves should not be allowed, especially a 400 highway, with many lanes and high-speed traffic. There is no evidence that a multi-lane highway solves highway congestion. Rather it has been well documented that it induces more vehicles to use the road.

Such a highway will significantly impact wetlands, forests, and prime agricultural lands in the Greenbelt. The Greenbelt was established to reduce our risk of floods, to prevent loss of farmland, to restrict urban sprawl. It is a safety valve for the vital natural resources that clean our air and water. The health of the Greenbelt affects the quality of drinking water for millions of Ontarians.

Rather than spend billions of taxpayer dollars on a highway through a protected area, the Provincial Government should consider alternative transportation projects, such as an LRT or an expansion of GO transit.