Newsletter # 4

The Positive Benefits of Actions Taken by ABC Chapters (So Far)

Local producers must continue to assess the near and long term effects of an expansion of highway 7/8 on their operations. However, we must not overlook what has already been gained through the actions of ABC Chapters since July. The benefits outlined below are significant and were achieved in short order. Reflection on these achievements may better equip us for the next steps.

1. Expansion of the existing highway 7/8 corridor has been resurrected as an option and it is now under serious reconsideration, whereas last summer it was virtually invisible

2. The option of a highway expansion model using 'partially restricted access', on the existing 7/8 corridor, is now being given serious consideration, whereas before the emphasis was exclusively on 'controlled access'

3. Large numbers of ABC member farms as well as other farms and properties are no longer part of the potentially 'affected corridor zones'. Large swaths of farmland (and woodlands) previously targeted south of the existing 7/8 are off the table.

4. The newly proposed corridors, offered by the consultants, substantially reduce the number of farm operations south of the existing 7/8 that would be 'bisected' by a four lane controlled access corridor.

5. The sweeping ring road options originally proposed around New Hamburg and Stratford have been reduced and refined and will be subject to further debate at the municipal level.

6. Tremendous flexibility on the part of the study managers has been gained concerning grade separations, fly-overs and road closures. These are referred to as 'access management alternatives' and they have been highlighted in the new plans and are listed on the same page as the new map of corridor alternatives.

7. The MTO continues to remain open to our input and has agreed to our further requests for technical information. Our sense is that they (MTO and TSH) are looking for a more collaborative model for highway expansion and that this EA design might provide them that opportunity.

To Do

While these gains are significant there is still much to do. We all know that any highway expansion or highway improvements will affect some landowners, both directly and through secondary effects such as changes in drainage and service road access.


-- Agriculture Business Community of Perth East, Perth South, Wilmot West