Liberals still stalling on Highway 6 bypass, says Arnott
NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington – Halton Hills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2011
Liberals still stalling on Highway 6 bypass, says Arnott
(Queen’s Park) – When it comes to Highway 6, the McGuinty government is still stuck in neutral, says
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott. He once again demanded the government build the long-
overdue bypass through Puslinch Township.
“Will this government ever recognize the need to build this vital new road, to relieve the worst traffic
congestion in our part of Ontario?” said Mr. Arnott in the Ontario Legislature.
The project would realign the highway to relieve the congested two-lane section through the town of
Morriston, south of Highway 401. In his March 7 statement, Mr. Arnott reminded MPPs that the obvious
need for the project has long been established.
“We have talked about this project for some 30 years. We have made our case, time and time again,” he
said, noting that the environmental assessment, consultations, and route plan have all been completed.
“We need to know when construction will begin.”
Mr. Arnott also criticized the Minister of Transportation for failing to listen to the people of Puslinch. He
twice invited the minister to meet with Puslinch Township Council, on February 22 and April 19, 2010, to
hear their views on the issue.
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“When she finally did visit Wellington-Halton Hills on December 3 to try to raise money for the local
provincial Liberal riding association, she initiated meetings with at least two of our local municipal
councils,” Mr. Arnott observed. “But even though she was taking the better part of a day to come to my
riding, she didn’t give Puslinch Township the time of day.”
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In a March 7 conversation with Minister Kathleen Wynne, Mr. Arnott reiterated the importance of the
project, not only for Puslinch Township but also for thousands of daily commuters. Also taking part in
that discussion in the Legislature was John Gerretsen, former Minister of the Environment, who approved
the Environmental Assessment following Mr. Arnott’s interventions.
While the road may be long, Mr. Arnott plans to continue advocating for the project, noting the upcoming
provincial budget expected later this month.
“That’s when the Ministry of Transportation will know the amount it can invest in highway expansion,” Mr.
Arnott explained following his statement. “The government should then review its five-year plan and put
this project where it belongs—on the list, and with a firm date for construction.”
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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org
Text of Mr. Arnott’s statement in the Ontario Legislature – March 7, 2011
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“Mr. Speaker:
“For years now, working with the successive councils of the Township of Puslinch, I have repeatedly
called upon the Minister of Transportation to place the Highway 6 Morriston bypass on the Ministry’s five
year plan.
“The question is this:
“Will this government ever recognize the need to build this vital new road, to relieve the worst traffic
congestion in our part of Ontario?
“We have talked about this project for some 30 years. We have made our case, time and time again.
The environmental assessment has been completed. The consultations have concluded. The route is
planned. Property acquisition should commence. But we need to know when construction will begin.
“In February and April of last year, I invited the Minister to Puslinch Township and meet with Council to
hear their views on this matter.
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“When she finally did visit Wellington-Halton Hills on December 3 to try to raise money for the local
provincial Liberal riding association, she initiated meetings with at least two of our local municipal
councils.
“But even though she was taking the better part of a day to come to my riding, she didn’t give Puslinch
Township the time of day. If they’d wanted to meet her, they would have had to write a cheque pay for
the privilege.
“But there is still time this year for this government to finally do the right thing when it comes to the
Morriston bypass.
“In the next budget, the McGuinty Liberals will have their last chance to finally acknowledge the people of
Township of Puslinch, and the community of Morriston. They’ve waited long enough for the new highway
they deserve.
“Clearly, that time has come.”