By Michael Parkinson
Published March 1999
If you have been following the Good Work News for the past few years, you will already be aware of the controversy surrounding plans from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to construct a brand new expressway between Kitchener and Guelph. The issue has become more publicized recently and, consequently, increasingly political. The issue currently remains unresolved, but a decision from the Province could come soon.
The MTO is proposing to build a new, controlled access expressway that will run between the two cities about 1km north of the existing Highway 7. With a design similar to the 401, the MTO says this is the best solution to solving perceived congestion and safety problems during the rush hour commute along the existing Highway 7. The MTO submitted the required Environmental Assessment to the Minister of Environment in December 1998.
There is controversy over MTO plans however, including doubts about the merits of the project raised by WPIRG which has called the project “excessive.” Other interest groups, citizens, municipalities and agencies are questioning the necessity of the project, but find themselves shut out of the decision-making process by bureaucrats and politicians with a clear agenda of getting this project through the approvals process quickly. A coalition is forming that will advocate for a common sense transportation solution. To be a part of this coalition, you could phone WPIRG.
But why all the fuss? Generally speaking, all of the individuals and groups expressing concern are upset about what they see as a biased study intended to justify an antiquated mega-project we don’t really need, one with extreme impacts on the natural and socio-economic environments. Advocates of a sustainable transportation plan say we can do better with less cost and less impact on the environment.
The MTO says the construction cost of this new expressway will exceed $100,000,000 (one hundred million dollars), which works out to a onetime payment of about $160 for every man, woman and child in the Region of Waterloo and Wellington County. The operating costs, which would likely exceed $250,000 per year, are not included in this estimate. Opponents question whether such a sum of money could not be put to better use in our communities given the high competition for public dollars. In any event, opponents are convinced that the perceived transportation problems could be solved with a fraction of those funds.
The most publicized concerns are those related to the impact on the natural environment. More than 1 000 hectares of significant wetland areas will be degraded, many forests and woodlots will be destroyed, streams and the Grand River will be negatively affected, and more than 180 hectares of prime agricultural land will be eliminated. Many (significant) plant and wildlife species will die, including fish and birds. MTO plans would have the expressway pave over virtually every woodlot and wetland between Kitchener and Guelph, despite the fact that every level of government has placed environmental designations on the features along this route. All of which begs the question of why we bother to survey and designate significant environmental features if there is no political will to preserve such features when the time comes to make decisions.
Though WPIRG and others will continue to speak out against this project, with your help we will be stronger. If you have an opinion, let Regional Council, your MPPs and The Record know about it. Educate yourself, volunteer your time with a group or speak with others in your community.
Democracy means more than voting every few years. It depends on the participation of citizens in issues affecting our quality of life. Consider getting involved in the Excessway 7 issue—the wheels of democracy depend on it.
