But there's no reason to think that will happen, says mayor
Jan 27, 2010 - 01:02 PM
By Jennifer Stone
CLARINGTON -- There may be a need to let the Province know that building Hwy. 407 partway through Clarington is not acceptable, says a Clarington councillor.
The Province has completed its review of the environmental assessment looking into construction of the highway from where it currently ends, in Pickering, through to Hwy. 35/115 in Clarington. Public comments are being accepted until Friday, Jan. 29.
But, though there have been assurances the highway would be built all at once all the way through Clarington, some are concerned the Province might eventually opt to only build it partway, stopping in west Clarington.
"My fear would be that this thing ends at Enfield Road," Clarington councillor Adrian Foster said, noting ending in that area could cost the Municipality a great deal, since traffic leaving the highway would be using, and causing wear and tear on, local roads.
Planning director David Crome said he's confident the road is to be built in one fell swoop.
"If it doesn't, then you're right, it's going to be an absolute mess on our roads," he said.
The extension of Hwy. 407 was part of a federal and provincial agreement in 2007 which also promised the extension of the Toronto subway system to Vaughan. That's not changed and one is contingent on the other, Mayor Jim Abernethy said.
"My understanding is that the deal has not changed between the federal and provincial governments, and there is a signed contract," he said. "The deal was, the feds would fund (the subway) project provided the Province builds the 407 to 115, and that is an inked deal."
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