Frequently Asked Questions
As the design moves forward towards PIC’s two and three, the current pandemic situation will be evaluated and a determination on whether it will be appropriate to do an in-person PIC will be made. This will follow any public health guidelines or regulations that may be in place at that time.
After the planning study is complete, subsequent design and construction phases for any short-term improvements or long-term expansion needs will require Treasury Board approvals. The timing is subject to funding availability.
A formal Environmental Assessment (EA) is a mandatory requirement in the Province of Ontario for any road projects that have the potential to have environmental effects. Completing the EA ensures that all reasonable alternatives and the environmental effects are considered in determining the recommended improvements associated with the future project. This project is being undertaken as a Group ‘B’ project under the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000). A Group ‘B’ undertaking commits the proponent to mandatory public consultation. There will be an opportunity during the 30-day review period following filing of the Notice of Completion for the public to request an individual environmental assessment, through a Part II Order request to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
Please contact one of the following members of the project team:
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Kevin Saunders, Senior Project Manager Ministry of Transportation 615 James Street South Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6P6 Tel. (807) 473-2109 Toll Free 1-800-465-5034 kevin.saunders@ontario.ca |
The study will be complete in fall 2023 and will include the both the Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) and the Planning and Preliminary Design Report. Additional planning and construction work beyond that stage is subject to approvals and funding availability.
The project will be defined by the EA study. The EA will determine the operational improvement plan and the traffic management measures required to construct the works as well as the preliminary design and commitments for environmental protection. The MTO will initiate construction at a future date(s) subject to environmental approval, detail design and the availability of funding. The operational improvements are not currently scheduled for construction.
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is the proponent for the study. The City of Thunder Bay, Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders, and the public have interests in the study and will be consulted throughout.