Arnott’s resolution on Halton Hills’ transportation issues passes unanimously in the Legislature

(Queen’s Park) – The transportation needs of the Town of Halton Hills were debated today in the Ontario Legislature, as a result of a Private Members’ Resolution initiated by Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott. His resolution was passed unanimously with support from all Parties.

“I want to thank all the MPPs who voted for our resolution,” Mr. Arnott said afterwards. “I also want to thank Mayor Rick Bonnette, Town Council and Staff, Regional Chair Gary Carr, Regional Council and Staff, the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce, the Acton BIA, and everyone else who expressed their support.”

Mr. Arnott’s resolution asked the Minister of Transportation to partner with the Town of Halton Hills to develop a long-term transportation strategy for the Town, including a review of the need for a Highway 7 Acton bypass, taking into account the need for improved safety, efficiency, and economic development opportunities.

“We are not Toronto. We are unique. We have our own issues, challenges and opportunities that are different than those faced by the city,” Mr. Arnott told MPPs. “We may be in the GTA, but many of us would say that we are not of the GTA‎.”

Mr. Arnott’s speech highlighted many of the transportation challenges which have been identified by Town Council and staff including the possible need for a Highway 7 Acton bypass, the proposed commercial development at 340 Main Street Acton, the stalled GTA West Corridor Study, the Halton Peel Boundary Area Transportation Study affecting Georgetown and Norval, the promised all-day, two-way GO Train service from Kitchener-Waterloo to Union Station with stops in Wellington-Halton Hills, the Town’s role in the Government’s recent announcement to widen the 401 from Mississauga to Milton, and the need for traffic signals at the intersection of Guelph Street (Highway 7) and McFarlane Drive/Hall Road in Georgetown.

“Now that the Legislature has endorsed our idea for a partnership to develop a long-term transportation strategy for Halton Hills, I intend to follow up with the Minister of Transportation until he agrees to become a funding partner in support of our efforts.”

(Attached are Mr. Arnott’s remarks in the Ontario Legislature, Septemeber 28th, 2017)

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Ted Arnott, MPP

Phone: 416-325-3880

Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org