December 2021
The Ministry of Transportation’s proposed Highway 413 project continues to generate a great deal of discussion at Queen’s Park.
On the one hand, the Ministry maintains a new 400 series highway is needed in the western GTA to
address current congestion, strengthen our economic competitiveness, plan for future population
growth, and create jobs and economic activity.
On the other hand, critics of the 413 proposal question the cost, the environmental impact, the loss of
farmland, the traffic studies that have been done, and even the Provincial Government’s motivation for
proceeding with planning for a new highway that actually started under a previous Government.
Locally, the Council of the Town of Halton Hills has consistently opposed the construction of the 413,
while the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce has expressed support.
As your MPP, I continue to carefully monitor the issue. Future traffic projections are less certain because
of the pandemic, but I agree that we need to plan realistically for future growth. As part of the GTA we
need to be forward looking, while ensuring that the environmental impact of new infrastructure projects
is minimized, quality farmland is protected, and tax dollars are spent effectively and carefully.
Last month, I sought a meeting with senior staff of the Ministry of Transportation to discuss the latest
developments on the 413 proposal. We met virtually on November 25. Once again, I urged Ministry staff
to consider the views of the people of our Riding, consult with the Town of Halton Hills Council, and
listen to us before final decisions are made.
I was assured that discussions with the Town will continue. I will ensure that they do. The Ministry is
holding a Public Information Centre virtual meeting for Halton residents on December 14. You can
register here: https://www.highway413.ca/consultation-2. It will include a discussion of the
Government of Canada’s Impact Assessment process. This review may conclude that a federal Impact
Assessment is required before moving forward, which might take up to five years.
As always, your comments are very helpful as I continue to ensure your voice is heard at Queen’s Park.