On March 29 Council agenda there is my proposed resolution regarding King Township’s position on the GTA West Corridor, i.e. the 413.  I am proposing that King Township i) withdraw its previously expressed support for a corridor,  ii) oppose any and all advance construction for it and iii) support the request for a Federal Environmental Assessment.  Since its first emergence as a solution to congestion I have challenged it as not solving the stated problem.  I have also believed that there were alternatives and most importantly the true societal costs were too great:  destruction of natural heritage features and farmland.  In the last couple years I have realized one other important issue: not only will natural heritage features and farmland be destroyed land will be opened for sprawl development.  Some of my Council colleagues have not shared my perspectives in past; I am hopeful that the recent attention to the serious negative impact on 413 has given my colleagues new information and that they will endorse my resolution. Many residents throughout the Township have written letters and participated in protests during the last couple years to raise awareness.  It looks like these efforts are paying off:  in last couple months numerous municipalities have either renewed their opposition to it or have withdrawn previous support including Vaughan, Halton Hills, City of Toronto, Mississauga.

As the resolution is being addressed in the Council portion of the meeting deputations are not possible; but you can send an email (and I hope you do so) expressing your support for King Township to oppose the 413.  Email your  comments clerks@king.ca by March 29 noon and it will be forwarded to Council members.  To see council agenda with resolution click here and scroll down.