There is no requirement to post this notice on the Environmental Registry of Ontario, but we wanted to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your feedback.
This consultation was open from:
January 17, 2020
to March 17, 2020
Decision summary
The policy proposal notice invited public comments on Connecting the Southwest, which outlines a vision and goals for transportation in the region. The draft plan is a living document and comments received in response to the policy proposal notice have and will continue to guide our actions and inform future updates.
Decision details
Through the policy proposal notice, Ontario released Connecting the Southwest: A Draft Transportation Plan for Southwestern Ontario. The draft plan identifies opportunities, addresses existing needs and priorities and guides future actions towards developing an integrated transportation system that works for the people of Southwestern Ontario. A decision was made on March 14, 2022 to close this proposal and update the public on the status of the proposal.
Connecting the Southwest outlines a vision for transportation in the region and is organized into 5 goals and more than 40 actions. The five goals are:
- Getting people moving and connecting communities
- Supporting a competitive open for business environment
- Improving safety
- Providing more choice and convenience
- Preparing for the future
The draft plan is a living document intended to evolve over time and as technology advances. To update and implement the actions identified in the draft plan, the Ontario government will continue to work with the public, different levels of government, Indigenous communities and partners, and stakeholders, as well as consider the comments received in response to the policy proposal notice.
Effects of consultation
MTO reviewed all feedback received during the comment period and will consider it in future updates to Connecting the Southwest, including to refine future updates to the long-term vision and goals, and inform actions and initiatives going forward. Feedback received through this process will also be used to inform current and future transportation and planning initiatives in the region.
Key themes from the comments received include:
- Continue engagement and partnership with municipalities, Indigenous communities and interest groups to advance transportation improvements in the region
- Continue to support and enhance all modes, and work towards multi-modal integration in the region
- Conduct a detailed transportation needs assessment and provide a timeline for implementation
- Consider the unique needs of rural and agriculture land uses in all transportation projects and initiatives
MTO has considered the comments and is currently undertaking several actions identified in the draft plan where this feedback has and will continue to be used to inform the Ministry’s work, including:
Action 7 – increase passenger rail services to Southwestern Ontario, working with VIA Rail and GO Transit
In October 2021, the Ministry began a new pilot rail service that adds weekday GO train trips between London and Union Station in Toronto along the Kitchener rail corridor, with stops in St. Marys and Stratford.
Action 9 – establish a task force consisting of local municipal, Indigenous and transportation leaders
The Minister of Transportation established a Task Force in March 2021 comprising local municipal, Indigenous and private sector leaders in Southwestern Ontario that provides a forum to discuss transportations needs and opportunities and make recommendations to the Minister of Transportation for transportation improvements in the region.
Action 16 – conduct future transportation needs assessment, technical modelling and analysis
The Ministry is undertaking a long-term technical study to identify transportation gaps and needs over the next 30-years (to 2051) in the region. This work will involve extensive engagement with stakeholders and Indigenous communities and partners, all of which inform future updates to and implementation of the draft plan.
Action 30 – work with transportation industry partners to address human trafficking
Ontario is improving safety and combating human trafficking through public awareness campaigns at provincial transportation facilities and by training front-line provincial employees to increase recognition and reporting of suspicious activities to authorities. Additional initiatives include upgrading infrastructure at facilities operated by the Ministry of Transportation, safety improvements to transportation hubs and rest areas, where feasible, such as improved lighting, visibility, and security cameras, and working closely with agencies and industry organizations in the transportation sector to encourage initiatives that combat human trafficking.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
777 Bay Street
Suite 700
Toronto,
ON
M7A 2J8
Canada
Connect with us
Contact
Katerina Downard
777 Bay Street
Suite 700
Toronto,
ON
M7A 2J8
Canada
Original proposal
Why consultation isn't required
This is planning work and is not, formally, a policy, regulation or act and so there is no requirement for Environmental Bill of Rights consultation.
Proposal details
Connecting the Southwest: A Draft Transportation Plan for Southwestern Ontario sets out the vision and explores immediate actions to get people and goods moving across southwestern Ontario. It includes more than 40 actions to connect local communities, keep provincial highways safe and reliable, make life more convenient for travelers, and help prepare our roads and transitways for the future.
Transportation plans look at the unique needs and opportunities in a region to build an integrated transportation system – now and for the future. Residents and businesses not only need improved infrastructure and services, but also better access to data and new transportation options as they come on the market. Transportation planning ensures that the transportation system supports the ever-changing needs of Ontarians and that it is ready for the introduction of new technologies and mobility options.
The plan is organized around the following goals to achieve the transportation vision for southwestern Ontario:
- Getting people moving and connecting communities
People across southwestern Ontario want a public transportation system that works for them. A well-connected transit network means that people can spend less time traveling and more time on the things that matter to them.
- Supporting a competitive open for business environment
In southwestern Ontario, highways are essential to connect people to jobs and businesses to workers and customers. The Ministry is improving local roads and highways to make traveling easier for people, move goods to market, and support economic growth in the region.
- Improving safety
The province is committed to ensuring that Ontario’s roads and highways remain among the safest in North America. This transportation plan for southwestern Ontario includes actions to improve the safety of highways and roads for the thousands of people who drive on them every day.
- Providing more choice and convenience
Ontario has an opportunity to use emerging technologies and form partnerships to improve the travel experience for Ontarians, making it easier and more comfortable to get around.
- Preparing for the future
Plan for a transportation system that is resilient and embraces innovation and technologies change – today and for future generations.
We know our vision for southwestern Ontario needs the valuable input of local municipalities, businesses, Indigenous communities and the public. That is why we are inviting everyone to participate in this process by sharing their feedback on the plan.
We look forward to working together on a shared vision for southwestern Ontario’s transportation network.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
777 Bay Street
Suite 700
Toronto,
ON
M7A 2J8
Canada
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from January 17, 2020
to March 17, 2020
Connect with us
Contact
Cheryl Davis
777 Bay Street
Suite 700
Toronto,
ON
M7A 2J8
Canada
Comments received
Through the registry
14By email
1By mail
0