About This Project
Introduction
It is the shared goal of Waterfront Toronto and the City of Toronto to realize the full potential of Toronto’s waterfront as a world-class location in which to live, work and play.
This study will examine how a potential reconfiguration of the Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard in this area can contribute to the achievement of the Waterfront Toronto and City goals. It includes the integration of:
• individual environmental assessment;
• urban design study; and,
• public realm and engineering concept design.
This unique, integrated approach is intended to ensure that urban design objectives and city-building remain at the centre of the technical analysis and that a new urban environment characterized by design excellence results from this effort.
An Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference has been completed under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (EA Act).
Study Area
The section of the Gardiner Expressway that is being studied for reconfiguration extends from Jarvis Street to Logan Avenue. Potential traffic impacts are being looked at Citywide.
About Environmental Assessments
Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act requires large projects like the Gardiner Expressway to have an environmental assessment (EA).
An EA investigates the environmental impacts of a large project. In Ontario, the term “environment” does not just refer to the natural environment. It also includes the economy and society.
As part of the EA process, the proponent (the agency or person who wants to undertake the project) must consult with the public before construction begins. Big projects like the Gardiner need a high level of public participation throughout all planning stages.
The Gardiner Expressway project must also meet federal EA requirements under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. All Waterfront Toronto projects are required to undergo a federal EA because Waterfront Toronto receives funding from the federal government. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency will establish a Joint Assessment Committee to make sure the Gardiner EA meets the needs of both levels of government.
Individual Environmental Assessments
The EA for the Gardiner Expressway is an “Individual” Environmental Assessment. This process is more detailed than other EAs (referred to as “streamlined” or “class” EAs) because it requires the preparation of detailed Terms of Reference. This is usually done for very large projects.
For more information about the Environmental Assessment process please visit: www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/ea/
For the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Web site please visit: www.ceaa.gc.ca
