Schedule ‘C’ Environmental Assessment for 16th Avenue between and York/Durham Line

Appendix B.3

Open House #2

Accessible formats are available upon request.

Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments to Woodbine Avenue, and Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line

Regional Municipality of York

December 4, 2017

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Context for October 2017 Public Consultation York Region is undertaking two Environmental Assessment Studies along 16th Avenue (between Yonge Street and Woodbine Avenue in the Town of Richmond Hill and City of Markham, and between Woodbine Avenue and York/Durham Line in the City of Markham). These studies identify possible improvements to 16th Avenue to address current and future transportation needs and opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and motorists. These studies are being carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process which is an approved process under the Environmental Assessment Act.

Public input is an important part of the multi-step 16th Avenue Class EA process and a number of public and stakeholder consultation activities are being held to provide opportunities for engagement. An overview of the key consultation milestones is provided in Table 1.

Table 1: Key Consultation Milestones

Consultation Event Date Notice of Study Commencement July 2016 Open House #1 November 2016 Open House #2 October 2017 Notice of Study Completion December 2018

The second round of public open houses was held at three locations as follows: . Tuesday, October 10th at Edward T. Crowle Public School in the City of Markham; open house from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM . Wednesday, October 11th at Pierre Elliot Trudeau High School in the City of Markham; open house from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM . Tuesday, October 17th at the York Region Transit/Viva Bus Depot in the Town of Richmond Hill; open house from 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Each Open House included the following information: . 24 display boards, including: o Overview of the study corridor and study purpose o Summary of the study process o Purpose of Open House #2 o Summary of the feedback received to date o Summary of the preferred solution o Recommendation for future study at the Stouffville GO crossing o Design alternatives for road widening between Yonge Street and McCowan Road o Design alternatives for active transportation facilities between Yonge Street and Donald Cousens Parkway o Design alternatives at the Highway 404/16th Avenue o Evaluation criteria for the design alternatives

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Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

o A list of the key technical studies being undertaken as part of the EA to inform the evaluations and provide input into identification of impacts and mitigation measures o Evaluations for the road widening design alternatives from Yonge Street to McCowan Road o Evaluation for the active transportation alternatives for the corridor o A map showing the summary of the recommendations for the corridor o The recommended typical cross sections for the segment between Yonge Street and McCowan Road, McCowan Road and Donald Cousens Parkway, and Donald Cousens Parkway and York/Durham Line. o Summary of consultation activities to date and ways to get involved in the process o Schedule and Next Steps

. Roll plans showing a draft of the recommended designs for each of the corridor segments, displayed on tables and mounted on walls. The plans included aerial photographs and existing property lines, existing and proposed roadway centerline, existing and proposed right of way limits, proposed grading limits, retaining walls, curb lanes for transit / High Occupancy Vehicles, multi-use path, sidewalk, paved shoulder, and landscaping opportunities. Members of the public were encouraged to write comments on the plans. . Roll plans showing preliminary design alternatives for the Highway 404/16th Avenue interchange, to illustrate options for active transportation facilities in the boulevards or in the median, which are still being considered in consultation with the Ministry of Transportation. . Hard copies of the Comment Form

A copy of the open house display boards is included in Appendix A.

Members of the York Region and HDR study team were in attendance at the open houses to answer questions, record comments and discuss issues with the public. Members of the public filled out the sign-in sheet upon arrival, and indicating whether they wanted to be added to the project mailing list. Those who were not already on the mailing list and requested to be added, were added to the mailing list following the open houses.

In addition to the three open houses, an electronic version of the display boards and roll plans were posted online on the study website (http://www.york.ca/16thavenue), allowing members of the public to view the open house material online at their convenience and fill out an online comment form (survey) to provide their input. Methods of Communication Multiple methods of communication were used to update the public about the 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessment study and invite them to the open houses, including:

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Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

. Direct mailing notice of open house to 5726 members of the public, including property owners along the study corridor and those who previously expressed an interest in the study . Direct mailing letter and notice of open house to agencies and stakeholder groups . Direct mailing letter and notice of open house to Aboriginal Group contacts . Email notification to 370 individuals on the project email list promoting drop-in open houses and open house material availability on the study website . Updates to project website, including notification of open houses, open house material, and online comment form (survey) on project website: http://www.york.ca/16thavenue . Notice posted on York.ca/16thavenue project page and public notices page of York.ca on September 28, 2017 . Newspaper advertisements (Notice of open house) as follows: o Markham Economist and Sun circulations on September 28 and October 5, 2017 o Richmond Hill Liberal circulations on September 28 and October 5, 2017 o Thornhill Liberal circulation on September 28 and October 5, 2017 o MingTao circulation on October 5, 2017 o SingTao circulation on October 5, 2017 o Star circulation on October 7, 2017 . Social media: YR Facebook post on October 3, 2017, YR Twitter posts on October 3, 10, 11, 14 and 17, 2017, as well as a YR Twitter post on December 28, 2017 to promote the online survey.

The communication material, including a copy of the newspaper notice, is included in Appendix B. Feedback Received at Edward T. Crowle Public School – October 10, 2017 Forty-five (45) members of the public attended the open house at Edward T. Crowle Public School. The most common comments received at the meeting included: . General support for road widening and limits of widening . Inquiries regarding construction timelines, phasing, and impacts during construction . Questions regarding property impacts . General support for Multi-Use Path (MUP) . Support for improved streetscaping . Concerns regarding safety . Interest in the Highway 404 alternatives

Members of the Study Team recorded the comments received at Edward T. Crowle Public School. They are summarized by topic in Table 2 along with the project team’s responses.

Table 2: Summary of Public Comments Received at Edward T. Crowle Public School

Topic Comments and Questions Responses Widening . Support for the updated limits of . Comments and varying widening opinions regarding road

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Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses . Disagreement with widening widening were noted. . General support for widening for . The existing roadway Transit/High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) capacity cannot improvements west of McCowan Road accommodate existing and . Request for widening other roads fist, future traffic demand. such as Major Mackenzie Drive Additional capacity via . Widen north-south roads instead transit/HOV lanes is required . Concerns that widening will cause a to accommodate future bottleneck at the side roads volumes. . Inquiries regarding transition from 6 to . Widening of other roadways 4 lanes will not address issues along . Requests to extend widening limits to 16th Avenue; however, Ninth Line improvements to other Regional roads were considered per the recommendations of the Region’s Transportation Master Plan. . Limits of widening were determined based on traffic assessment and in consideration of study corridor constraints and characteristics. Construction . Inquiries about construction timelines, . Construction timelines will Timing and phasing, and impacts during follow York Region’s latest Implementation construction 10-year capital roads and . Requests for York Region to build transit capital construction infrastructure faster program, which is updated . Suggestions for short term annually. improvements . Construction impacts will be . Don’t start construction until Highway 7 minimized as feasible. A improvements are complete construction staging plan will . Coordinate construction with the York be developed as part of Downs development detailed design.

Property . Questions about the property . Affected property owners are Impacts acquisition process being contacted and meetings are being scheduled to discuss property impacts. . Further discussions and negotiations, if required, will take place during detailed design. Pedestrian and . General support for multi-use path . Comments and varying Cycling (MUP) opinions regarding active Facilities . Concern for MUP adjacent to the curb, transportation facilities were specifically around Brother Andre noted. Secondary School, with support for . Buffer width between curb hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 4

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses proposed buffer between curb and and MUP varies based on MUP right-of-way allowance and . Concerns about pedestrian/cyclist existing constraints, with the conflicts on the MUP and questions goal to minimize potential about how it would be signed and its property impacts. material . Cycling facilities are . General agreement that MUP is more proposed to be off-road desirable than separate cycle track and (MUP) sidewalk which would require corridor- . MUP will accommodate both wide property acquisition cyclists and pedestrians. . Consider more separation between Signage and material will be MUP/ Sidewalk and road confirmed during detailed . Request that the EA team review design. appropriate intersection treatments for cyclists to be incorporated into the design . Mixed opinions regarding option to provide median active transportation facilities at the Highway 404 interchange . Cross walk needed to connect MUP on the north with the south east of Markham Road . Agreement with recommendations to provide off road cycling facilities . MUP should be continuous along the corridor to avoid confusion Transit . Adding transit lanes on Highway 7 . The proposed widening is to caused disruption provide Transit / HOV lanes . Concerns regarding utilization of transit in the curb lanes (different . Support for enhancing transit to from Highway 7) which encourage ridership accommodate moving more people in fewer vehicles and provide opportunities for more efficient transit operations, resulting in reduced travel times for these users. . The current recommendations are in conformance with York Region’s TMP which designates 16th Avenue as a Frequent Transit Network (15 minute transit service). . A construction staging plan will be developed in detailed design with the objective of minimizing impacts. Streetscaping . Support for improved streetscaping . Comment noted hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 5

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses Safety . Support for the proposed buffer / . Comments noted separation between curb and MUP . A collision analysis was . Concerns regarding speeding completed as part of the EA . Concerns regarding recent collisions to determine and fatalities recommendations for . Concerns that rail crossing is unsafe as improvements at specific there isn’t a substantial sidewalk locations . Overpass is needed for railway . Due to limited information crossing regarding future Metrolinx . Concerns at 16th Avenue and Markham plans, additional assessment Road including poor sight line, outflow at the Stouffville GO at-grade from GO Station at Peter Street, lack of crossing will need to be red light camera completed as part of a separate study. Traffic . Request for signalization at Williamson . Morning and afternoon peak Operations Road, which is the main access to the traffic volumes have been Greensborough neighbourhood studied as part of the traffic . Support for signalization at Reesor analysis and considered in Road the development of the . Add right turn lane heading north on recommended design Markham Road to turn onto 16th concepts. Avenue . Improvements to other roads . Inquiries regarding whether the study including Markham Road are considers traffic congestion on 16th outside the scope of this Avenue during peak hours study. . Eliminate traffic lights except at major intersections Access . Could have more accesses to other . Access locations for new / main arteries of travel way proposed developments are . Limit accesses from housing reviewed and approved as developments to only one part of the development application review process. Other . Concerns related to the ability of . Comments noted. Comments infrastructure to support growth . Due to lack of information patterns in the Region regarding future Metrolinx . Inquiries regarding a potential plans, additional assessment underpass or overpass at the Stouffville at the Stouffville GO at-grade GO crossing crossing will need to be . Interest in plans for Highway 404 completed as part of a interchange separate study. . Support for localized design . Interchange alternatives will modifications to account for individual be further reviewed in constraints consultation with MTO and . Interest in material posted on the study other key stakeholders. website . Surface run-off should be addressed as this is a problem in low lying areas . Tree planting should not block Gas Price signs . York Region trailers and trucks left hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 6

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses behind at 16th Avenue west of Mingay Avenue

Comment sheets received at Edward T. Crowle Public School are provided in Appendix C. Feedback Received at Pierre Elliot Trudeau High School – October 11, 2017 Sixty-one (61) members of the public attended the open house at Pierre Elliot Trudeau High School. Some of the most common comments received at the meeting included the following: . Concerns regarding conflict between cyclists and pedestrians on shared MUP . Prioritization of protection for pedestrians . Concerns regarding property acquisition . Suggestions for a grading easement instead of property acquisition . Concerns regarding noise and vibration . Inquiries regarding transition for road widening . Support for landscaping . Support for widening limits . Inquiries regarding construction timelines, impacts, and costs . General support of vision for transit

Members of the Study Team recorded the key comments received at Pierre Elliot Trudeau High School. They are summarized by topic in Table 3 along with the project team’s responses.

Table 3: Summary of Public Comments Received at Pierre Elliot Trudeau High School

Topic Comments and Questions Responses Pedestrian and . Support for MUP as separated facilities . Comments and varying Cycling would require too much space opinions regarding active Facilities . Protection for pedestrians is a priority transportation improvements . Some suggestions for dedicated cycle were noted. track/ sidewalk instead of combined . Recommendation for MUP MUP and/or sidewalk has been . Concerns that MUP will be underutilized determined based on right-of- . Inquiries about median active way allowance and existing transportation facilities at the Highway constraints, with the goal to 404 interchange minimize potential property . Concerns regarding conflict between impacts. cyclists and pedestrians on shared MUP . Continuity and connectivity . Recommendation that AT improvements through paths and trails have should be made with consideration of been considered while AT as a practical mode of commuting developing the recommended rather than solely for recreational use designs. . Some requests to implement MUP on . Interchange alternatives will both sides for the whole corridor, and be further reviewed in other requests to limit MUP to the north consultation with MTO and side only other key stakeholders. . Suggestion to provide signage stating . MUP will accommodate both hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 7

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses that cyclists give way to pedestrians on cyclists and pedestrians. the MUP Signage will be confirmed . Replace culvert with bridge and allow for during detailed design. trail underneath Berczy Creek Property . Concerns regarding property acquisition . The recommended design Impacts and impacts to existing fences, trees, aims to minimize property etc. impacts. At certain locations, . Suggestions for a grading easement the right-of-way is highly instead of property acquisition constrained and therefore improvements may impact existing trees or fences. . Affected property owners are being contacted and meetings are being scheduled to discuss property impacts. Noise and . Concerns regarding noise and vibration, . A noise assessment is being Vibration in particular for properties backing onto undertaken as part of the EA 16th Ave study to assess existing and . Suggestions to consider noise walls at projected noise levels as a some locations result of the transportation improvements. Impacts will be mitigated as feasible based on York Region’s noise policy. Safety . Safety concerns for having MUP close . Separation width between to the road curb and MUP/sidewalk . Suggestions to consider extending the varies based on right-of-way bridge at Bruce Creek to allow for a allowance and existing buffer between MUP/sidewalk and curb constraints, with the goal to lane minimize potential impacts. . Concerns regarding MUP and Highway . Interchange alternatives will 404 ramp conflicts be further reviewed in . Concerns regarding speeding consultation with MTO and other key stakeholders. Traffic . Concerns that the project won’t solve . Existing and future traffic Operations congestion issues conditions have been . Suggestions to mitigate traffic delay at assessed to inform the intersections recommended designs for the . Inquiries regarding the transition from 6 corridor. to 4 lanes, and potential traffic . The proposed improvements bottleneck aim to address congestion . Suggestions to improve traffic flow in the through a multi-modal Highway 404 area, where residents approach that accommodates noted there is congestion associated all road users and modes. with the westbound right turn lane and The greatest improvements the eastbound left turn lane will be for transit users, . Place more focus on signalization carpoolers, cyclists and . Delays at 16th Avenue and Harbord due pedestrians. to short signal timing for north-south hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 8

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses direction . Suggestions to consider reversible lanes Streetscaping . Support for landscaping between MUP/ . Comments noted. curb lane . Where sufficient space . Existing mature trees should be allows, areas for landscaping protected opportunities have been . Support for streetscaping identified and will be further developed during detailed design. . The recommended design aims to minimize impacts to existing trees. At certain locations, the right-of-way is highly constrained and therefore improvements may impact existing trees. A mitigation/compensation strategy will be developed as part of detailed design. Widening . Support for widening to the north . Widening about the between Kennedy Road and McCowan centerline, to the north, or to Road the south has been . Disagreement with widening 16th Ave; determined based on the suggestions to move the corridor further evaluation of existing north where there is no existing housing conditions and constraints. (widen other roads such as Major Widening to the north has Mackenzie Road instead of 16th Ave) been proposed where there . Suggestions to widen other major roads are fewer or less significant such as Kennedy Road and McCowan constraints on the north side. Road instead of 16th Avenue Generally, widening about the . Widen up to Markham Road to centerline balances impacts accommodate the residential on both sides and along development at this segment previously disturbed areas. . Inquiries regarding transition from 6 to 4 . Widening other roads will not lanes address issues along 16th Avenue. However, other road improvements throughout York Region are planned, consistent with the Region’s Transportation Master Plan. Construction . Inquiries regarding construction . Construction timelines will Timing and timelines Construction timelines will Implementation . Inquiries regarding construction impacts follow York Region’s latest . Inquiries regarding construction costs 10-year capital roads and transit capital construction program, which is updated annually. . Construction impacts will be minimized as feasible. A construction staging plan will hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 9

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses be developed as part of detailed design. . Preliminary cost estimates for the proposed improvements will be developed during Phase 4 of the EA study. Other . General support of vision for transit . Comments noted. Comments . Suggestion to consider roundabouts at . The recommended design intersections aims to minimize impacts to . Concerns regarding retaining walls and existing features including their impact on existing fences and trees fences and trees. At certain . Inquiries about snow storage locations, the right-of-way is highly constrained and therefore improvements may impact existing features. . York Region, Town of Richmond Hill, and City of Markham maintenance and operations staff have provided input related to snow storage.

Comment sheets received at Pierre Elliot Trudeau High School are provided in Appendix D. Feedback Received at York Region Transit/VIVA Bus Depot – October 17, 2017 Thirty (30) members of the public attended the Open House at the York Region Transit/VIVA Bus Depot. Some of the most common comments received at the meeting included the following: . Discussions regarding signal coordination . Concerns regarding noise and pollution . Concerns regarding property values . Inquiries regarding property acquisition negotiation process . Safety concerns for pedestrians . Inquiries regarding construction timelines . Concerns regarding space for streetscaping . Support for enhanced transit

Members of the Study Team recorded the key comments received at the York Region Transit/VIVA Bus depot. They are summarized by topic in Table 4 along with the project team’s responses.

Table 4: Summary of Public Comments Received at the York Region Transit/VIVA Bus Depot

Topic Comments and Questions Responses Traffic . Inquiries regarding how 6 lanes will work . Comments noted. hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 10

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses Operations and if there will be a right turn lane in . The two additional lanes will addition to widening be for Transit/HOV. . Inquiries regarding access through the Dedicated right-turn lanes will median not be provided, so vehicles . Inquiries regarding the symmetry of the turning right will use the curb cross-section at Strathearn Avenue. Transit/HOV lanes. South of 16th Avenue, there is 1 . Where a median is proposed, southbound lane and 3 northbound it will be raised and provide a lanes physical separation between . Suggestions to check if Lockridge vehicles travelling eastbound Avenue meets signal warrant as the and westbound. At entrances, intersection is not currently signalized driveways, and intersections but the design shows crosswalks where access is required, a . Discussions regarding signal break in the raised median is coordination proposed. . Suggestions to consider signage and . Improvements to other roads enforcement at Granton Drive rather including Strathearn Ave are than blocking the intersection outside the scope of this . Suggestions to consider reversible lanes study. Noise and . Concerns regarding noise and pollution . A noise assessment is being Pollution undertaken as part of the EA study to assess existing and projected noise levels as a result of the transportation improvements. Impacts will be mitigated as feasible based on York Region’s noise policy. Property . Concerns regarding the impact of road . The recommended design Impacts improvements on property values, aims to minimize property particularly for homes abutting the impacts. At certain locations, corridor the right-of-way is highly . Inquiries regarding grading impacts on constrained and therefore properties improvements may impact . Inquiries regarding the process for adjacent properties, including property acquisition negotiations existing trees or fences. . Improved mobility and transportation choices may be beneficial to properties within the corridor. . Affected property owners are being contacted and meetings are being scheduled to discuss property impacts. . Further discussions and negotiations, if required, will take place during detailed design. Safety . Inquiries regarding speed limits . Comments noted hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 11

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses . Speed concerns near Strathearn . A collision analysis was Avenue / Spadina Road as there is no completed as part of the EA signalization to determine . Safety concerns as there are many recommendations for children under the age of 10 who live improvements at specific near Fern Avenue locations . Suggestions to consider speed bumps . Improvements to other roads on side roads are outside the scope of this study. Construction . Inquiries regarding construction . Construction timelines will Timing and timelines follow York Region’s latest Implementation . Concerns that construction may 10-year capital roads and coincide with Bayview Avenue widening transit capital construction . Concerns regarding traffic impacts program, which is updated during construction annually. . Construction impacts will be minimized as feasible. A construction staging plan will be developed as part of detailed design. Streetscaping . Concerns regarding existing trees and . Where sufficient space whether there is sufficient space allows, areas for landscaping available for Streetscaping. opportunities have been identified and will be further developed during detailed design. . The recommended design aims to minimize impacts to existing trees. At certain locations, the right-of-way is highly constrained and therefore improvements may impact existing trees. A mitigation/compensation strategy will be developed as part of detailed design. Pedestrian and . Support for active transportation . Comments and varying Cycling improvements opinions regarding active Facilities . Preference for median active transportation improvements transportation through the Highway 404 were noted. interchange . Interchange alternatives will . Inquiries regarding winter maintenance be further reviewed in of active transportation facilities consultation with MTO and . Concerns regarding underutilization by other key stakeholders. pedestrians and cyclists . Winter maintenance of active transportation facilities is being discussed with York Region, Town of Richmond Hill, and City of Markham maintenance and operations hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 12

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses staff. Transit . Support for enhanced transit . Comment noted. Widening . Widen to the north as there are fewer . Widening about the constraints centerline, to the north, or to . Disagreement with widening as it is the south has been close to Highway 407 and Highway 7 determined based on the . Widen other roads such as Major evaluation of existing Mackenzie Drive or Elgin Mills Road conditions and constraints. . Inquiries regarding the need for the Widening to the north has proposed improvements been proposed where there are fewer or less significant constraints on the north side. Generally, widening about the centerline balances impacts on both sides and along previously disturbed areas. . Widening other roads will not address issues along 16th Avenue. However, other road improvements throughout York Region are planned, consistent with the Region’s Transportation Master Plan. . The existing roadway capacity cannot accommodate existing and future traffic demand. Additional capacity via Transit/HOV lanes is required to accommodate future volumes. Other . Concerns expressed regarding current . Comments noted Comments pavement deficiencies . A geotechnical and pavement . General discussion regarding tradeoffs investigation is being between proposed improvements and completed as part of the resulting impacts study. . Concerns regarding retaining walls and . Existing pavement their impact on existing fences deficiencies are addressed . Discussion regarding new airport through ongoing maintenance proposal in Pickering which may call for and operations programs. an extension of 16th Avenue to Pickering . The recommended design and road widening west of York/Durham aims to minimize impacts to Line existing features including fences and trees. At certain locations, the right-of-way is highly constrained and therefore improvements may impact existing features. . As part of the EA study, the team is consulting with hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 13

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses Durham Region and City of Pickering staff.

Comment sheets received at the York Region Transit/VIVA Bus Depot are provided in Appendix E. Feedback Received through Online Survey – October 10, 2017 to September 13, 2018 153 members of the public provided comments through the online survey between October 10, 2017 and September 13, 2018. The most common comments received include:

 Traffic Operations  Noise, Pollution and Vibration  Property Impacts  Safety  Construction Timing and Implementation  Streetscaping  Pedestrian and Cycling Facilities  Transit / High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) Lanes  Widening  Access  Alternative Designs and Recommendations  Other

Members of the Study Team recorded the key comments received at the York Region Online Survey. They are summarized by topic in Table 5. The responses are provided below.

Table 5: Summary of Public Comments Received at the York Region Online Survey

Topic Comments and Questions Responses Traffic Operations . Inquiries regarding how 6 lanes will . Comments noted. work and if there will be a right turn . The two additional lanes will lane in addition to widening be for Transit/HOV. . Inquiries regarding access through the Generally, dedicated right- median turn lanes will not be . Inquiries regarding the symmetry of provided, so vehicles turning the cross-section and possible grade right will use the curb change. Transit/HOV lanes. . Suggestions to provide crosswalks in . Where a median is proposed, order to access MUPs from the south it will be raised and provide a of 16th Avenue. physical separation between . Discussions regarding signal vehicles travelling eastbound coordination and flow of traffic. and westbound. At . Suggestions to consider signage entrances, driveways, and hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 14

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses enforcement. intersections where access is . Impacts on winter maintenance due to required, a break in the Widening. raised median is proposed. . Suggestions to consider reversible lanes Noise , Pollution . Concerns regarding noise, Vibration . A noise assessment is being and Vibration and pollution due to widening. undertaken as part of the EA study to assess existing and projected noise levels as a result of the transportation improvements. Impacts will be mitigated as feasible based on York Region’s noise policy. Property Impacts . Concerns regarding the impact of road . The recommended design improvements on property values, aims to minimize property particularly for homes abutting the impacts. At certain locations, corridor the right-of-way is highly . Inquiries regarding grading impacts on constrained and therefore properties improvements may impact . Inquiries regarding the process for adjacent properties, including property acquisition negotiations existing trees or fences. . Improved mobility and transportation choices may benefit properties along the corridor. . Affected property owners were contacted and meetings are being scheduled to discuss property impacts. . Further discussions and negotiations, if required, will take place during detailed design. Safety . Inquiries regarding speed limits . Comments noted . Speed concerns between Warden and . A collision analysis was McCowan. completed as part of the EA . Safety concerns as there are many to determine children under the age of 10 who live recommendations for near Bayview Avenue. improvements at specific . Suggestions to consider speed bumps locations on side roads . Improvements to other roads are outside the scope of this study. Construction . Inquiries regarding construction . Construction timelines will Timing and timelines follow York Region’s latest Implementation . Concerns that construction may 10-year capital roads and coincide with Bayview Avenue transit capital construction widening program, which is updated . Concerns regarding traffic impacts annually. hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 15

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses during construction . Construction impacts will be minimized as feasible. A construction staging plan will be developed as part of detailed design. Streetscaping . Concerns regarding existing trees and . Where sufficient space whether there is sufficient space allows, areas for landscaping available for Streetscaping. opportunities have been identified and will be further developed during detailed design. . The recommended design aims to minimize impacts to existing trees. At certain locations, the right-of-way is highly constrained and therefore improvements may impact existing trees. A mitigation/compensation strategy will be developed as part of detailed design. Pedestrian and . Support for active transportation . Comments and varying Cycling Facilities improvements opinions regarding active . Preference for Normalization of 16th transportation improvements Avenue and Highway 404 interchange were noted. . Inquiries regarding winter . Interchange alternatives will maintenance of active transportation be further reviewed in facilities consultation with MTO and . Concerns regarding underutilization other key stakeholders. by pedestrians and cyclists . Winter maintenance of active transportation facilities is being discussed with York Region, Town of Richmond Hill, and City of Markham maintenance and operations staff. Transit / High . Support for enhanced transit Widen to . Comment noted. Occupancy HOV the north as there are fewer . Widening about the Lanes constraints centerline, to the north, or to . Disagreement with widening as it is the south has been close to Highway 407 and Highway 7 determined based on the . Widen other roads such as Major evaluation of existing Mackenzie Drive or Elgin Mills Road conditions and constraints. . Inquiries regarding the need for the Widening to the north has proposed improvements been proposed where there are fewer or less significant constraints on the north side. Generally, widening about the centerline balances impacts on both sides and hdrinc.com 100 York Boulevard, Suite 300, Richmond Hill, ON, CA L4B 1J8 (289) 695-4600 16

Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses along previously disturbed areas. . Widening other roads will not address issues along 16th Avenue. However, other road improvements throughout York Region are planned, consistent with the Region’s Transportation Master Plan. The 16th Avenue improvements consider improvements planned on other roads . The existing roadway capacity cannot accommodate existing and future traffic demand. Additional capacity via Transit/HOV lanes is required to accommodate future volumes. Widening . Support for the updated limits of . Comments and varying widening opinions regarding road . Disagreement with widening widening were noted. . General support for widening for . The existing roadway Transit/High Occupancy Vehicle capacity cannot (HOV) improvements west of accommodate existing and McCowan Road future traffic demand. . Request for widening other roads first, Additional capacity via such as Major Mackenzie Drive transit/HOV lanes is required . Widen north-south roads instead to accommodate future . Concerns that widening will cause a volumes. bottleneck at the side roads . Widening of other roadways . Inquiries regarding transition from 6 to will not address issues along 4 lanes 16th Avenue; however, . Requests to extend widening limits to improvements to other Ninth Line Regional roads are being considered per the recommendations of the Region’s Transportation Master Plan. . Limits of widening were determined based on traffic assessment and in consideration of study corridor constraints and characteristics.

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Regional Municipality of York | 16th Avenue Class Environmental Assessments Summary Report – October 2017 Public Open Houses

Topic Comments and Questions Responses Access . Could have more accesses to other . Comments were noted. main arteries of travel way . Access locations for new / . Limit accesses from housing proposed developments are developments to only one reviewed and approved as . Impacts to access due to MUP and part of the development sidewalk relocation. application review process.

Alternative . Support for active transportation Comments were noted. and Designs and improvements only on north side of informed the project team in Recommendations 16th Ave Corridor. finalizing the recommendations . Support for grade separation for AT facilities. . Preference of MUP on north side and Designated Sidewalk on south side of 16th Avenue through the Highway 404 interchange. . Concerns regarding underutilization of AT facilities by pedestrians and cyclists.

Other . Concerns expressed regarding current . Comments were noted. pavement deficiencies . A geotechnical and . General discussion regarding pavement investigation is tradeoffs between proposed being completed as part of improvements and resulting impacts the study. . Concerns regarding retaining walls . Existing pavement and their impact on existing fences. deficiencies are addressed . Discussion regarding impacts of York through ongoing Downs development and its impact on maintenance and operations nearby residents. programs. . The recommended design aims to minimize impacts to existing features including fences and trees. At certain locations, the right-of-way is highly constrained and therefore improvements may impact existing features.

Survey responses are summarized in Appendix F.

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Appendix A Open House Display Boards

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Open House #2 for the 16th Avenue Environmental Assessment Studies Study A: Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue, and Study B: Woodbine Avenue to York/Durham Line

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Please indicate if you would like to be included on the mailing list. Study Corridor and Study Purpose

York Region is undertaking two transportation Environmental Assessment Studies (EA Studies) for improvements to 16th Avenue: • Study A is between Yonge Street and Woodbine Avenue in the Town of Richmond Hill and the City of Markham • Study B is between Woodbine Avenue and York/Durham Line in the City of Markham

The two EA Studies will identify possible improvements to 16th Avenue to accommodate the current and future transportation needs of pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and motorists along this corridor. These EA Studies are part of the process to carry out the Region’s Transportation Master Plan and 10-year Roads Construction Program that identify long term road improvements for the 16th Avenue corridor. Class EA Process

What is an EA? An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a planning process for municipal infrastructure projects, following ’s Environmental Assessment Act.

These Class EA Studies are being conducted in accordance with Schedule ‘C’ of the Municipal Class EA document (October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015).

The five phases of a Class EA are: 1) Identify the problem and/or opportunity 2) Identify and evaluate alternative solutions 3) Identify and evaluate alternative design concepts to the preferred solution *We are here!* 4) Prepare an Environmental Study Report (ESR) 5) Implementation Purpose of Open House #2 What We’ve Heard So Far

General consensus that congestion Pedestrian and access issues identified at th is an issue along 16 Avenue and various segments of the study corridor that current traffic levels will worsen over time

Mixed support for provision of cycling facilities, with stronger support for separated, off-street Support for improved transit service and mixed facilities support for widening for Transit/HOV

Support for landscaping and street beautification and concerns regarding winter Concerns about the impact of widening maintenance on air quality, particularly for residences abutting the study corridor

Concerns about increased noise and vibration impacts with a widened roadway platform and increased traffic Concerns about property impacts, including potential for expropriation, property values, loss of parking, and impacts to front yards Concerns for pedestrian safety

Reference: The above images are created using Streetmix and are subject to the Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/). Summary of Preferred Solution

Widen to 6 lanes to provide 1 Transit/HOV Retain existing 4 lanes, provide cycling Retain existing 2 lanes, provide paved lane in each direction, provide cycling facilities, facilities, and improve sidewalks and shoulders and drainage ditches on both and improve sidewalks and streetscaping streetscaping sides

Following the first Open House, the proposed limits to widen for Transit/HOV were revised to Yonge Street and McCowan Road (instead of to Markham Road as previously recommended). This was based on a review of the physical constraints in the corridor.

Reference: The above images are created using Streetmix and are subject to the Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/). Recommendation for Future Study at Stouffville GO Crossing

16th Avenue intersects the Stouffville GO Rail Line east Markham Road. Existing and future issues at this crossing include:

Safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians

Delays to vehicles and safety concerns from crossing trains

Delays for transit users from crossing trains, traffic congestion and stopping at rail tracks

Difficulty accessing nearby properties and commercial developments

All-day, two-way rail service to inner stations on the Stouffville GO Line planned for the medium to long-term horizon, as part of Metrolinx's Regional Express Rail project. The extent of increased services at this crossing is not known at this time.

With increasing train frequency on the Stouffville GO line and growth in transportation demand on 16th Avenue, there are opportunities to review a potential grade separation (underpass or overpass). However, limited information is available regarding Metrolinx's plans and anticipated timing of improvements at this crossing. Future Work A potential grade separation (underpass or overpass) will be addressed through a future study when more information is available. Design Alternatives – Road Widening (Yonge Street to McCowan Road)

The following alternatives were considered to determine how best to widen 16th Avenue for Transit/HOV lanes from Yonge Street to McCowan Road:

Do Nothing: Maintain existing conditions, including the number of lanes.

Widen about the Centreline: Provide additional lanes on both sides of the street, which balances impacts on both sides of 16th Avenue.

Widen to the North: Shift road centerline so the additional lanes and associated impacts occur on the north side of 16th Avenue.

Widen to the South: Shift road centerline so the additional lanes and associated impacts occur on the south side of 16th Avenue.

Reference: The above images are created using Streetmix and are subject to the Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/). Design Alternatives – Active Transportation (Yonge Street to Donald Cousens Parkway)

The following alternatives were considered to determine how best to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists between Yonge Street and Donald Cousens Parkway:

Option A (not carried forward): On-Street Conventional Cycle Lane, one in each direction with sidewalk, on either side

Option B (not carried forward): On-Street Cycle Lane with Painted Buffer Zone, one in each direction with sidewalk, on either side

Option C: Off-Street Cycle Track with Physical Buffer, one in each direction with sidewalk, on either side

Option D: Multi-Use Path, on either side

Option E: Sidewalk on one side, Multi- Use Path on the other side

Reference: The above images are created using Streetmix and are subject to the Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/). Design Alternatives – Active Transportation (Highway 404/16th Avenue Interchange)

The following alternatives are under review to determine how best to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists traveling along 16th Avenue at the Highway 404 Interchange.

Active Transportation facilities on the sides Active Transportation facilities in the median Typical cross-section at the interchange (under Hwy 404 structure): Typical cross-section at the interchange (under Hwy 404 structure):

Typical cross-section adjacent to the interchange: Typical cross-section adjacent to the interchange:

Reference: The above images are created using Streetmix and are subject to the Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/).

Providing AT facilities in either boulevard requires pedestrians and Providing AT facilities in the median requires pedestrians and cyclists cyclists to cross Highway 404 ramps when there are gaps in traffic. to enter/exit the median at signalized intersections. This alternative This is the standard design at interchanges. avoids potential conflicts with vehicles at Highway 404 ramps but is not a standard interchange design.

*These alternatives are currently under review and cross-section elements will be determined with the Ministry of Transportation. Additional lanes to accommodate ramp movements are being considered with the Ministry of Transportation. Design Alternatives – Evaluation Criteria

Alternative designs were developed and evaluated based on the following criteria. The impacts and benefits of each option were studied and discussed with stakeholders and agencies.

Transportation Service • Improve Public Transit Service Social Environment • Reduce Traffic Congestion and Delays • Minimize Impacts on Existing Residential, • Create a Pedestrian-Friendly Environment Institutional and Recreational Dwellings / • Create a Cyclist-Friendly Environment Properties, Including Driveways • Improve Safety for All Travel Modes • Improve Access to Residential Areas, Institutional • Improve Mode Choice and Recreational Facilities • Road Geometry Satisfies Desirable Design Criteria • Mitigate Traffic on Local Streets • Minimize Traffic Noise • Preserve Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Natural Environment Features • Minimize impacts to Designated Natural Areas • Improve Visual Aesthetics • Minimize impacts to Vegetation • Improve Community Character • Minimize impacts to Wildlife • Minimize impacts to Aquatic Habitat • Minimize impacts to Surface Water and Ground Water Economic Environment and Cost • Improve Air Quality Effectiveness • Minimize Effects on Climate Change • Accommodate Planned Development and Growth Infrastructure Design • Minimize Impacts on Business Properties • Improve Access to Businesses and Key • Minimize Utility Relocation Employment Areas • Minimize Constructability Complexity • Maximize Construction Value • Minimize Disruption due to Construction Key Technical Studies

The following technical studies are undertaken to inform the evaluations and provide input into identification of impacts and mitigation measures:

Natural Heritage Impact Assessment Structural Assessment

Drainage and Stormwater Management Report Contamination Overview Study

Archaeological Assessment Noise Impact Study

Cultural Heritage Resource Assessment Hydrogeological Assessment

Geotechnical and Pavement Assessment Fluvial Geomorphological Assessment

Technical studies are being finalized. For more information, contact the study team. Yonge Street to Bayview Avenue – Alternative Designs

Existing Conditions and Constraints

Evaluation of Road Widening Alternatives

Widen about the centerline is preferred because: • There are reduced impacts to vegetation communities, wildlife, watercourse (aquatic habitat), and properties due to road widening being balanced on both sides of the corridor, and impacts to driveways on the south side are reduced. • There is the least amount of impact to the existing retaining walls and approach embankments. Bayview Avenue to Leslie Street – Alternative Designs

Existing Conditions and Constraints

Evaluation of Road Widening Alternatives

Widen about the centerline is preferred because: • There are reduced impacts to vegetation communities and properties due to road widening being balanced on both sides of the corridor. • There is low to moderate construction complexity due to the potential impacts to utilities on the north side of 16th Avenue. Leslie Street to Woodbine Avenue – Alternative Designs

Existing Conditions and Constraints

Evaluation of Road Widening Alternatives

*At the Highway 404 interchange, widen to the north is preferred because it will avoid impacts to the highway ramps and buildings on the south side of 16th Avenue.

**East and west of the Highway 404 interchange, widen about the centerline is preferred because it balances impacts on both sides of the street and minimizes impacts at the . Woodbine Avenue to Warden Avenue – Alternative Designs

Existing Conditions and Constraints

Evaluation of Road Widening Alternatives

Widen about the centerline is preferred because: • There are reduced impacts to vegetation communities, watercourse (aquatic habitat), and properties due to road widening being balanced on both sides of the corridor. • There is potential to minimize utility relocation where sufficient setback exists to accommodate widening. Warden Avenue to Kennedy Road – Alternative Designs

Existing Conditions and Constraints

Evaluation of Road Widening Alternatives

*Widen to the north is preferred adjacent to York Downs lands because this minimizes impacts where there are significant constraints, such as the residential properties adjacent to the existing road on the south side.

**Widen about the centerline is preferred east and west of the York Downs lands as it balances impacts to wildlife, watercourses (aquatic habitat), and properties on both sides of the street. Kennedy Road to McCowan Road – Alternative Designs

Existing Conditions and Constraints

Evaluation of Road Widening Alternatives

Widen about the centerline is preferred because: • There are reduced impacts to vegetation communities and properties due to road widening being balanced on both sides of the corridor. • There are minor to moderate utility relocations to accommodate additional lanes and active transportation improvements as utility poles run on the north side of 16th Avenue. McCowan Road to York/Durham Line – No Road Widening

Existing Conditions and Constraints

McCowan Road to Markham Road/Hwy 48 The traffic operational benefits of road widening are outweighed by the significant impacts along this segment. Notable constraints in this area include the narrow road right-of-way, as well as existing cultural heritage features and landscapes which would be significantly impacted if the road is widened along this segment. Due to these extensive constraints and the impacts associated with a wider roadway platform to accommodate additional vehicular lanes, no road widening is proposed (only active transportation and intersection improvements are recommended). Markham Road/Hwy 48 to Donald Cousens Parkway No road widening is proposed (only active transportation improvements are recommended). Donald Cousens Parkway to York/Durham Line No road widening is proposed (only paved shoulders are recommended). Evaluation of Active Transportation Alternatives

Multi-Use Path (MUP) on the north and sidewalk on the south is consistent for the corridor from Yonge Street to Donald Cousens Parkway, with the exception of Kennedy Road to Warden Avenue where MUPs are proposed on both boulevards. Summary of Recommendations

* Cycling and pedestrian facilities in the median through the Highway 404 interchange are subject to future discussions with MTO REFER TO PRELIMINARY DESIGN ROLL PLANS FOR DETAILS AT SPECIFIC LOCATIONS Summary of Recommendations

The following typical cross-sections are recommended: Widen for Transit/HOV and Active Transportation Improvements

(Yonge Street to McCowan Road)

Active Transportation Improvements

(McCowan Road to Donald Cousens Parkway)

Rural with Paved Shoulders

(Donald Cousens Parkway to York/Durham Line)

Reference: The above images are created using Streetmix and are subject to the Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/). We want your feedback!

Consultation in your Community includes:  Notices, Newspaper Ads, Post Cards, Emails  Project Website Updates  York Region Facebook Posts, Tweets  Open Houses – Fall 2016, Fall 2017  Pop-up events at GO Stations  Online Surveys

You can stay involved by:  Submitting a request to join the mailing list or email mailing list  Visiting the website regularly (www.york.ca/16thavenue)  Following York Region’s social media channels  Emailing the project team at any time ([email protected])  Completing a comment form to share your thoughts on the recommendations Schedule and Next Steps

Thank you for attending! For more information on the study please visit www.york.ca/16thavenue Next Steps: Questions and comments can be directed to: 1. Review comments obtained from this Open House to finalize the Christine Morrison Preferred Design for each segment of the corridor Communications and Community Engagement Specialist 2. Complete technical work and documentation of impacts and The Regional Municipality of York mitigation Phone: 1-877-464-9675 Ext 75560 3. Document the study process and decision-making rationale in the Email: [email protected] Environmental Study Report, which will be available for public review Please fill out the feedback form and return it to us today OR send us your comments by November 17, 2017.

Appendix B Communication Material

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The Regional Municipality of York NOTICE OF OPEN HOUSES Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study 16th Avenue Study A between Yonge Street and Woodbine Avenue and Study B between Woodbine Avenue and York/Durham Line in the Town of Richmond Hill and City of Markham

e in L l il H d n Ninth Line o Highway 48 Reesor Road m Leslie Street Yonge Street Highway 404

h

c i Kennedy Road

McCowan Road

R Warden Avenue

Bayview Avenue

O G Line York/Durham Woodbine Avenue Major Mackenzie Drive East Line York/Durham Do na ld

GO Stou„ville Line C o Study A Area Study B Area u sen s Pa rkw a 16th Avenue y

Town of City of Markham Richmond Hill N

York Region is undertaking two Schedule ‘C’ Environmental Assessment (EA) Studies of 16th Avenue to identify possible improvements for current and future transportation needs for pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users and motorists. Study A is between Yonge Street and Woodbine Avenue in the Town of Richmond Hill and the City of Markham. Study B is between Woodbine Avenue and York/Durham Line in the City of Markham. The recommendations for 16th Avenue include widening to six lanes for Transit/HOV lanes from Yonge Street to McCowan Road, additional cycling facilities from Yonge Street to Donald Cousens Parkway and paved shoulders from Donald Cousens Parkway to York/Durham Line.

You are invited to attend one of the three scheduled open houses to comment on these recommen- dations. An evaluation of alternative designs, recommended design plans and overall impacts will be available at each open house. The project team will also be present to answer your questions. Visit any time between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The open houses will be held at the following locations: City of Markham Town of Richmond Hill Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Date: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Location: Edward T. Crowle Public School Location: York Region Transit/Viva Bus Depot 15 Larkin Avenue 55 Orlando Avenue Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2017 Location: Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School 90 Bur Oak Avenue For those unable to attend in-person, the information presented at the open houses will be pub- lished on york.ca/16thavenue and on York Region’s Facebook and Twitter social media channels.

An accessible version of this notice is available upon request. This notice was issued on September 28, 2017.

To submit a comment, question or for more information, please contact: Christine Morrison, Communications and Community Engagement Specialist The Regional Municipality of York, 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket, L3Y 6Z1 Phone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75923 Fax: 905-836-4590 Email: [email protected]

The studies are being conducted in accordance with ‘C’ of the Municipal Class Environmental Assess- ment document (October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015). Personal information submitted (e.g., name, address and phone number) is collected, maintained and disclosed under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for transparency and consultation purposes. Personal information you submit will become part of a public record that is available to the general public, unless you request that your personal information remain confidential.

Wayne Emmerson York Region Chairman and CEO