Here is some feedback to our…

Here is some feedback to our recent discussion about MECP's consultations on their proposed Comprehensive EA Project list:
• For transportation projects, the list includes provincial and municipal freeways and transitways (new projects, extensions of existing freeways and transitways, and decommissioning of existing freeways and transitways). The focus seems to be on the 75 km length as the threshold they associate with the expected significant magnitude of environmental impacts. In addition to length, there may be other worthwhile thresholds to consider, such as associated energy consumption, impact on climate change, etc., however this is not mentioned
• It is not clear if widening of existing freeways and transitways would also fall under the comprehensive EA project list however we have no projects nearing a length of 75km.
• Does the 75km length requirement also apply to decommissioning of a freeway and transitway? Either way it doesn’t reside with anything we are planning.
• The description doesn't address scenarios when a freeway or transitway belongs to 2 jurisdictions, or is partially public and partially private (such as the toll highway 407) and municipal projects crossing federal lands.
• It is surprising not to see significant bridge or tunnel projects on the proposed list. It is assumed that means the Ministry will include these in the upcoming Streamlined EA Project list.
Based on the information given us by MECP my response is that currently we have no planned projects that would qualify to be added to the provincial list of comprehensive EAs.