Study Process

Major infrastructure projects in the province of Ontario are planned using a similar process. MTO undertakes the following process in planning complex transportation projects:

MTO has initiated the GTA West Corridor EA Study, which is being carried out in the context of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

As a first step in the formal EA process, a Terms of Reference (ToR) was prepared and submitted to the Ministry of the Environment, setting out a framework to guide the preparation of the EA. The ToR was approved on March 4, 2008.

The Environmental Assessment is currently underway, and will involve a two-staged approach:

Stage 1:

•      Identify Transportation Problems and Opportunities
•      Screen Modal Alternatives and Assemble Combinations
•      Evaluate Transportation System Alternatives
•      Select a Preferred Transportation Strategy

The following schematic outlines how the potential transportation system alternatives will be developed.



Stage 2*:

•      Refine the Study Area and Identify Significant Study Area Features
•      Generate and Assess Alternative Transportation Methods
•      Evaluate and Select the Preferred Transportation Method(s)
•      Develop Concept Designs and Proposed Mitigation
•      Submit EA Report

* If the Preferred Transportation Strategy identifies transportation projects under the jurisdiction of MTO. Otherwise, projects to be recommended to others.

Further information on the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, can be found on the EA Legislation page of this website.