The GTA West Highway Corridor: Will Expropriation Affect You?
The GTA West Highway Corridor, also known as Highway 413, is a transportation route that is currently in the planning and analysis stage. Originally suspended in 2015, the Environmental Assessment has now been resumed by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, covering portions of the regions of York, Peel and Halton. Many property owners and businesses may find their land and interests impacted by expropriation actions.
The Route
The proposed freeway connects the Milton area to Vaughan while running through southern Caledon. Beginning at the interchange of Highways 401 and 407 ETR, it will orbit the western and northern outskirts of Brampton and provide access to Highway 410. Beyond Brampton, it would travel east to Highway 400, passing south of Bolton and north of Kleinburg, including an interchange with Highway 427.
A Brief History
This project was first launched through the 2005 Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Stage 1, completed in 2012, identified a route; and Stage 2 began in 2014 with the goal of developing a preliminary design. However, the Ontario government abandoned the plan in February 2018, with the intent to explore alternative transportation and infrastructure options. In November 2018, the new provincial government reactivated the Environmental Assessment, to be concluded by 2022. The Ministry of Transportation estimates that the highway could service as many as 300,000 vehicles daily by the year 2031.
The Rationale
Ontario’s Ministry of Finance forecasts a growth in the GTA’s population by almost 41% by 2041, while a recent Metrolinx study anticipates an annual expense of $7 billion due to traffic congestion by 2031. The GTA West Highway Corridor would facilitate travel between the southwestern and northern regions of Ontario, while bypassing the Greater Toronto Area. It is expected to improve connectivity among urban growth centres, enhance the movement of people and goods, ease commuter congestion and stimulate economic growth. While many municipalities support the development, others have expressed concern about urban sprawl and its impact on the environment.
Scargall Owen-King is closely following the status of this project. If you believe that your property or business may be affected, please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to chat with you about your concerns.
For a map and an overview of the project, visit https://www.gta-west.com/study-overview/.