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


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

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