Backgrounder: Simcoe Area Transportation Strategy

For Immediate Release
June 14, 2002

The Simcoe Area Transportation Strategy

A number of transportation initiatives have recently been undertaken in the Simcoe Area. Together they form the basis for a comprehensive Transportation Development Strategy that effectively addresses short- and long-term travel needs and promotes economic development in the region. These initiatives include:

Simcoe Area Transportation Network Needs Assessment Study
Highway 400 Planning Studies
Highway 427 Extension Corridor Needs Assessment
Business Case for Barrie Commuter Rail Service
Georgian Triangle Area Transportation Study.

Simcoe Area Transportation Network Needs Assessment Study

The initiation of the Simcoe Area Transportation Network Needs Assessment was announced in the Summer of 2000. The Study has recently been completed and recommends a number of highway improvements and transportation corridor expansions to accommodate future economic growth and travel demand.

The findings of the Simcoe Study support current planning work for improvements to the Highway 400 corridor. The recently announced Highway 427 Terms of Reference study will be expanded to include the new transportation corridor around Barrie and connecting to Highways 400 and 11 north of Barrie.

Highway 400 Planning Studies

In August 2000, three planning studies for the Highway 400 corridor were initiated to examine improvements necessary to address traffic operation, capacity and safety needs. Two of the planning studies recommended improvements that include the widening of sections of Highway 400 with provision for High Occupancy Vehicle lanes and interchange improvements.

The recommendations of the third study, from Highway 89 northerly through Barrie to Highway 11, are currently being finalized by the study team on the basis of the 10 year needs within the corridor and the findings of the Simcoe Study. Public Information Centres (PIC) to present the technically preferred alternatives will take place this June.

Highway 427 Extension Corridor Needs Assessment

The Highway 427 Extension Corridor Needs Assessment study has been completed. In December 2001, the EA process for an extension of Highway 427 was launched. The proposed corridor will run from where Highway 427 currently ends at the former Highway 7 northerly to Highway 400 in the Cookstown area. This EA study will also consider transit opportunities, including a potential transitway and/or reserved bus lanes in the corridor. The EA process will incorporate the work of the previously announced Highway 427 Extension into a single EA process for a proposed new transportation corridor extending from former Highway 7 northerly around Barrie, connecting to Highways 400 and 11 north of Barrie.

Business Case for Barrie Commuter Rail Service

The "Barrie Passenger Rail Advisory Committee", chaired by Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford MPP Joe Tascona, conducted a study advocating the extension of limited peak period GO Rail service to Barrie. The City of Barrie has submitted a request for funding through the Golden Horseshoe Transit Investment Partnerships (GTIP) program. This request is under review.

The Simcoe Area Transportation Network Needs Assessment Study considered the extension of commuter rail service from Bradford to Barrie. While the study indicates that commuter rail service will not eliminate the need for highway improvements, further study was recommended to address the feasibility of peak period commuter rail service to Barrie.

Georgian Triangle Area Transportation Study

The Georgian Triangle Area Transportation Study, undertaken by the Ministry in partnership with area municipalities, was completed in June of 2001. It assessed the southern Georgian Bay transportation network including Highway 26 and recommended that Highway 26 be realigned around Collingwood to provide additional east-west capacity. The Ministry and all of the local municipal councils support the recommendations of the study.

Next Steps:

The next step is to initiate, on a priority basis, the EA process for the proposed new facilities and the proposed expansions of existing facilities. This year the ministry will:

Finalize the planning for improvements to Highway 400
Expand the Highway 427 Extension EA Terms of Reference to include the new transportation corridor around Barrie
Initiate the planning for a new alignment of Highway 26 around Collingwood
Initiate the planning for the expansion of Highway 11 from Barrie to Gravenhurst

Significant opportunities will be provided for input from municipalities, stakeholders and the general public.

The Simcoe Area Transportation Strategy is part of the government's province-wide vision for a balanced, integrated transportation system that promotes economic growth and job creation in Ontario.

Map of Simcoe Area Transportation Strategy