About the Study
Consultation & Engagement
Consultation and engagement took place throughout the Planning, Preliminary Design and Class EA Study. The Consultation Plan included:
- Notice of Preliminary Design Study Commencement
- Consultation with regulatory agencies and stakeholders
- Communication with Indigenous Communities
- Communication with property owners, residents, and businesses in the study area
- Two Public Information Centres (PICs)
- Preparation of a Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR)
- Notice of Study Completion and public review of the TESR
All notices will be published in the following local newspapers:
- Brighton Independent
- Northumberland News
- Note that the Notice of Study Completion was published in www.northumberlandnews.com, as the above noted local newspaper publication were no longer in hard-copy circulation at the time of the Notice distribution.
The notices were also be posted on this website and sent directly to all contacts on the project mailing list.
Stakeholder input was incorporated into the project findings and recommendations as appropriate.
If you wish to be added to our project mailing list, please Contact Us.
Public Information Centre #1
In light of COVID-19 and associated physical distancing requirements for the foreseeable future, the first PIC for this project was published online on April 21, 2021, and comments were requested by May 21, 2021. The purpose of the first PIC was to introduce the project, provide background information, review the study process, existing conditions, need and justification, generation of preliminary alternatives, the evaluation criteria which will be used to assess the alternatives, and next steps in the study.
The Notice of Online Public Information Centre #1 was sent in April 2021.
Public Information Centre #2
The second PIC is being held to present the evaluation of alternatives and the preferred plan, along with the anticipated environmental impacts and proposed mitigation strategies. PIC #2 will be held as a drop-in style, open house format. Representatives of the Project Team will be in attendance to answer questions and receive comments. We encourage interested persons to attend to obtain more information and provide comments, so your concerns can be addressed as the study progresses. The information presented at the PIC will also be available on the project website following the PIC.
PIC #2 will be held on May 31, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Keeler Centre (80 Division St., Colborne, ON K0K 1S0). The Notice of Public Information Centre #2 was sent in May 2023.
Class EA Process
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000) provides a decision-making process to make sure that all relevant engineering and environmental factors are considered in the planning and design of transportation facilities. This Planning, Preliminary Design and Class Environmental Assessment Study followed the approved environmental planning process for Group ‘B’ projects under the MTO Class EA, which includes highway improvements that provide/cause a significant modification in the highway footprint.
A Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) has been prepared and made available for a 45-day comment period from December 18, 2023 to February 1, 2024 on the Study Documentation page of this website and can be reviewed at the following locations during normal hours of operation:
- Cramahe Township Public Library – Colborne Branch (6 King Street West, Colborne, ON K0K 1S0)
- The Township of Cramahe Town Hall (1 Toronto Street, Colborne, ON K0K 1S0)
- Brighton Town Hall / Brighton Public Library (35 Alice Street, Brighton, ON K0K 1H0)
The TESR documents the existing conditions; transportation opportunities; consultation undertaken; generation, assessment and evaluation of alternatives; the recommended plan; and a summary of environmental issues, potential mitigation measures and commitments to future works.
The Notice of Study Completion was sent in December 2023.
Detailed information regarding the MTO Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000) and Ontario EA Act is available in Study Documentation.