Durham MPP John O’Toole Calls for Province To Complete Missing Link in Hwy. 407 Extension

June 17, 2010

BOWMANVILLE – Durham MPP John O’Toole said today he is very disappointed with the McGuinty government’s decision to delay for almost a decade, the completion of Highway 407 to Highway 35/115.

He was responding to the fact that the Province has approved an Environmental Assessment, but announced plans to only build the 407 as far east as Simcoe St. in North Oshawa.  Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal has recently admitted that the project won’t be completed to Highway 35/115 until 2017. Once again Premier McGuinty is ignoring Eastern Ontario.

“This missing link in Highway 407 will create added traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions on the smaller rural concession roads leading to the Highway 407 in Oshawa,” Mr. O’Toole warned.  “That’s why it’s important to have a seamless plan to complete the whole highway, not just another piece of it.” As Clarington Mayor Jim Abernethy said,” This has been going on for over 30 years and the government’s delays prove it is cheaper to do Environmental Assessments than to build the highway.

Durham Regional Chairman Roger Anderson described the province’s Highway 407 decision as “A shocking disappointment to Durham Region Councillors, residents and businesses.” The Regional Chairman said It is also completely contrary to repeated commitments made by the province since 2007 that the entire extension would be completed by 2013.

MPP John O’Toole said he has written the provincial government to ask for an explanation of its timetable for Highway 407 and a commitment to complete the long-awaited east/west thoroughfare and transit way complete to Hwy 35/115 .

The Durham MPP added that he is committed to working with municipalities, leaders and citizens in the Durham Region to complete Highway 407 as planned and to ensure the McGuinty government puts this project back on the fast track.  I ask you, Premier, “Finish the job you promised.” 

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CONTACT:

For further information please contact:

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