News Release: Province moves forward with Simcoe area transportation strategy

For Immediate Release
June 14, 2002

Province moves forward with Simcoe area transportation strategy

BARRIE — Transportation Minister Norm Sterling today announced the completion of a comprehensive study that addresses the long-term transportation needs of Simcoe County and the surrounding area.

The Simcoe Area Transportation Network Needs Assessment Study — which was launched in the summer of 2000 — recommends a number of infrastructure improvements for the area to accommodate future economic growth and travel demand.

"These transportation initiatives will provide major benefits to Simcoe area residents, businesses and tourists," Sterling said. "Planning for transportation infrastructure now will ensure road safety and local economic competitiveness in the future."

Key recommendations of the Simcoe Study include:

improving the Highway 400 corridor;
planning a new transportation corridor extending northerly from the top of Highway 427 around Barrie (including connections to Highways 400 and 11 north of Barrie);
determining the economic feasibility of commuter rail service to Barrie;
promoting ride sharing and express bus services; and
protecting land for transitways, high occupancy vehicles and/or bus lanes along new highway corridors, as well as commuter parking lots.

"These improvements are beneficial for our area and its economy," said Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson. "A strong network of both local and provincial roads means that goods — and more importantly, people — move safely and more efficiently. I'm very pleased that Simcoe-Grey is getting the attention it deserves for its transportation needs."

With the Simcoe Study completed, the next step is to undertake the Environmental Assessment (EA) process for new facilities and for the proposed expansion of existing facilities. A key objective of this process is to protect sensitive and natural features and will involve a detailed assessment of alternative routes, environmental impacts, and extensive public consultation.

"Barrie and area has experienced tremendous growth in the past several years," said Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford MPP Joe Tascona. "I am pleased with the recommendations from the Simcoe study as they will go a long way in improving local and cottage traffic throughout the Simcoe Area."

"This study is an important and necessary step in meeting the current and future transportation needs of the Simcoe area," said Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop. "Local residents, businesses, commuters and cottagers will all benefit as we act on its recommendations."

"Maintaining and improving an efficient transportation network is critical to the economic health and future development of Parry Sound-Muskoka," said Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller.

"Our vision for creating a balanced, integrated transportation system includes the provision for transit in new highway corridors," Sterling said. "This is in keeping with our government's Smart Growth objectives."

The Simcoe Area Transportation Study is part of the government's province-wide vision for a balanced, integrated transportation system that promotes economic growth and job creation in Ontario. The study will also be provided to the Central Ontario Smart Growth Panel to assist in its deliberations on growth management issues in the zone.