Durham MPP Told Government Will Announce Staging of Highway 407 East Extension Soon

NEWS

June 3, 2010

QUEEN’S PARK – Durham MPP John O’Toole today asked the McGuinty government when it will take the next steps toward the eastward extension of Highway 407.

 In Question Period, Mr. O’Toole stated that public consultations into the Environmental Assessment (EA) concluded earlier this year and he asked Environment Minister John Gerretsen when he would sign off on the Environmental Assessment.

 “The time is up and Ontarians are awaiting this government’s decision,” Mr. O’Toole added following question period.

In response to Mr. O’Toole’s inquiry, Environment Minister John Gerretsen said the Environmental Assessment has been approved by the Ministry within the last week and that the project will be turned over to the Ministry of Transportation to deal with construction. Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne said the provincial government is going to be announcing very shortly the staging of this project.

 “Given the government’s broken promises on other priorities for Ontario, I don’t think the answers from either Minister can be considered a guarantee,” Mr. O’Toole said. “I will continue to press the McGuinty government to get on with the job and will keep Durham Region informed of any additional details that are available.”

 QUOTE:

“Given the government’s broken promises on other priorities for Ontario, I’ don’t think the answers from either Minister can be considered a guarantee. I will continue to press the McGuinty government to get on with the job and will keep Durham Region informed of any additional details that are available.”

- John O’Toole, MPP – Durham

QUICK FACTS:

• The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates Toronto faces a $3.3 billion loss in productivity annually because of traffic congestion and related traffic problems

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CONTACT:

For further information please contact:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433