Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act – Amendment to the Building Transit Faster Act, 2020. Town staff understand that due to current economic challenges, including those pertaining to international trade, and the current housing crisis, it is important that the Province of Ontario strives toward making it faster to build new homes and infrastructure like transit, roads, and water and wastewater systems. Town staff offer the following comments for the proposed Act:

General Comment:

The Town is requesting to be consulted on key environmental risks such as tree removals, vibration, noise pollution, light pollution and temporary/permanent traffic related matters that will impact municipal roads. Any changes to the municipal road network to improve the GO Train service should be approved by the Town. The Town requests that the Province consults with municipalities in advance of designating TOC so that future proposals are appropriate and align with the Town’s plans for these areas.

The Town suggests that a process be put in place to ensure that municipalities have the ability to engage early on with Metrolinx to coordinate construction works including potential road closure and right of way improvements. This will ensure that there are no conflicts with other planned municipal projects. In addition, in keeping with the Province’s commitment to consulting with the residents of appropriate notification must be provided to local residents that will be impacted by Metrolinx works.