Environmental Study Report Addendum

Environmental Study Report

Addendum

Increase Right-of-Way Width from 90 metres to 110 metres Four-Laning Highway 11/17 Between Birch Beach and Mackenzie G.W.P. 6120-03-00

Ministry of Transportation Northwestern Region

Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities Group B Project

June 2009

Environmental Study Report Addendum

Increase Right-of-Way Width from 90 metres to 110 metres Four-Laning Highway 11/17 Between Birch Beach and Mackenzie

G.W.P. 6120-03-00

Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities Group B Project

Prepared for:

Ministry of Transportation Planning & Design Section 615 James Street South Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6P6

Prepared by:

Engineering Northwest Ltd. 200 S. Syndicate Ave Suite 301 Thunder Bay, ON P6E 1C9

Harold Makela, CET Kathy Bemben, P.Eng Environmental Planner Engineering Northwest Ltd. Engineering Northwest Ltd.

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The Public Record

A copy of this document has been submitted to the following office of the Ministry of the Environment to be placed in the Public Record:

Regional Office Ministry of the Environment 3rd Floor Suite 331 435 James Street South Thunder Bay, Ontario

The Environmental Study Report Addendum has also been made available at the following locations:

Township of Shuniah 420 Leslie Avenue Thunder Bay, Ontario

Waverley Resource Library 285 Red River Road Thunder Bay, Ontario

Brodie Resource Library 216 Brodie Street South Thunder Bay, Ontario

"Ce document hautement spécialisé n'est disponsible qu'en anglais en vertue du règlement 411/97, qui en exempte l'application de la Loi sur les services en français. Pour de l'aide en français, veuillez communiquer avec le ministère des Transports, Bureau des services en français au: 905-704-2045 ou 905-704-2046."

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Executive Summary

The purpose of this Addendum is to incorporate the increase in the right-of-way width from 90 metres to 110 metres. The review and approval process for an addendum is specific to the merits of the addendum only and does not allow for a re-evaluation or objection to the approved four-lane route.

The environmental assessment for the new four-lane route was completed and approved in 1996. The corridor of the approved four-lane route was designated and registered at the land registry office in 2003. A review of provincial rural freeway highway design standards since then recommended improvements to design standards, including an increase to the standard right-of- way width to 110 metres.

A study notice was published in the Chronicle Journal and Thunder Bay Source on March 13 and 14, 2009 at the start of the detail design study. A Public Information Centre (PIC) was held on May 14, 2009 to allow stakeholders to review the proposed right-of-way width change and detail design options for the connections and intersections. The notice for the PIC was published in the local newspapers one and two weeks before the event. Letters were also mailed to affected property owners, government review agencies, Township of Shuniah and First Nations. A flyer similar to the notice was mailed to all residents in the project area covered by RR#13 and the Pass Lake Post Office. A presentation was made to Shuniah Council before the Public Information Centre.

One hundred and twelve people attended the PIC and thirteen comment sheets were submitted. No concerns were raised about the change in right-of-way width from 90 metres to 110 metres. This ESR Addendum is being made available for a 30-day review period as required under MTO’s Class EA. A notice of the completion of the ESR Addendum and the locations where the Addendum is available has been published in local newspapers.

Only the adoption of the 110 metre standard right-of-way into the approved plan is eligible for a “bump-up”. If no “bump-up” requests are received by the end of the 30-day review period, the Addendum is considered to have met the requirements of the Class EA and the MTO may proceed with the amended right-of-way width in the detail design.

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Table of Contents

1 Overview of the Undertaking ...... 1 1.1 Summary Description of the Undertaking ...... 1 1.1.1 Project Description ...... 1 1.1.2 Project Background...... 1 1.1.3 Provincial Setting ...... 1 1.1.4 Project Location ...... 2 1.1.5 Description of the Undertaking ...... 2

2 Outline of Environmental Assessment Process for an Addendum ...... 3 2.1 Study Process ...... 3 2.2 Consultation Process ...... 4 2.3 External Agencies and Municipalities ...... 4 2.4 Property Owners ...... 5 2.5 Presentation to Shuniah Council ...... 5 2.6 Public Notices ...... 5 2.6.1 Study Notice ...... 5 2.6.2 Notice of Public Information Centre ...... 5 2.6.3 Flyers ...... 6 2.7 Public Information Centre ...... 6 2.8 Summary of Public Consultation Comments ...... 6

3 Assessment of Environmental Study Report Addendum ...... 7 3.1 Addendum - Increased Right-of-Way Width ...... 7 3.2 Noise ...... 7 3.3 Socio-Economic Impacts ...... 7 3.4 Archaeological Impacts ...... 8 3.5 Fisheries Impacts ...... 8 3.6 Terrestrial Impacts ...... 8

4 Summary of Identified Concerns & Mitigating Measures ...... 9

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1.1 Summary Description of the Undertaking

This study concerns the increase of the right-of-way width from 90 metres to 110 metres.

An Environmental Study Report (ESR) for the four-laning of a 33 km section of the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 11/17) from Mackenzie to 3 km east of Pearl (Welch Creek) was filed and approved in January 1996. This study was one of several studies for the four-laning from Thunder Bay to Nipigon. The four-laning project has now progressed to the detail design stage and plans are being prepared to allow for construction. Since 1996, there have been improvements to the MTO design standards for rural freeways that would require changes to the approved plan. To incorporate those changes into the detail design, the Class EA process requires that those changes undergo a public review and approval process.

This project is located in Northwestern Ontario in the Municipality of Shuniah, just east of the City of Thunder Bay. The project is located in the Electoral District of Thunder Bay-Superior North. The project location is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 below.

Figure 1: Provincial Setting

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Highway 11/17, from 4 km west of Highway 587 westerly for 14 km (Birch Beach to Mackenzie).

The undertaking is the increase in the right-of way width from 90 metres to 110 metres.

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2.1 Study Process The planning and design studies for the four-laning project have followed an approved planning process for a Group B project under MTO’s Class Environmental Assessment. Planning for the four lane highway from Makenzie to Birch Beach was undertaken in the early 1990’s and a preferred route was approved in 1996 with the approval of the Environmental Study Report. Steps to complete the project have been ongoing since then and the highway corridor has been designated, surveyed and property purchases have begun. The project is now at the detail design stage where final plans are completed and construction contracts are prepared. MTO is proposing to revise the right-of-way width from 90 metres to 110 metres. Under MTO’s Class EA process, any significant changes to an approved plan must undergo a public review and approval process to amend the approved Environmental Study Report. This review and approval is for the increased right-of-way width only. The process does not allow for the re-evaluation of the approved four-lane route.

Background Planning and preliminary design studies undertaken in the early 1990’s looked at various options including two alternatives to twin the existing highway to the north and to the south, and two alternatives to relocate the highway to the north. Public consultation consisted of seven (7) Public Information Centres between 1992 and 1995 as well as five (5) presentations to Shuniah Township Council during that time. After considering the advantages and disadvantages of all the options, a new alignment for the four lane highway approximately 300 metres north of the existing highway, emerged as the preferred option. The Environmental Study Report was filed with the MOE and made available for a 30-day public review period as required under MTO’s Class EA. No objections or requests for an individual Environmental Assessment were received by the Minister of the Environment and the preferred four lane alignment was deemed approved under the Environmental Assessment Act. Following this approval, the project has proceeded to the next steps which include designation of the corridor, legal surveys, property acquisition, detail design and ultimately to construction.

Environmental Study Report Addendum Plans often change during the life of a project due to new information and advancements in technology and standards. New design standards for rural freeways were initiated Province-wide which increased the standard right-of-way width from 90 metres to 110 metres. This change was made to accommodate more flexible and aesthetic highway designs and to facilitate the development of future highway infrastructure. The increase in right-of-way width was considered a significant change to the approved plan requiring an Addendum to the Environmental Study Report.

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Addendum Process The review and approval process for an Addendum follows the same process used in the preparation of the Environmental Study Report. Notices were issued at the beginning of the study to inform the public of the proposed change. A Public Information Centre was held to provide everyone an opportunity to review plans of the proposed change and to discuss those changes with the MTO. Where there are concerns with the proposed changes, efforts are made to resolve or mitigate those concerns. Comments and concerns are reviewed and taken into consideration in the decision to dismiss or accept the addendum or to accept the addendum with modifications. The ESR Addendum documents the consultation process and how any concerns about the addendum were resolved. The Addendum is filed with the Ministry of the Environment and made available to the public for a 30-day review period. Where concerns cannot be resolved, a request can be made to the Minister of the Environment to “bump-up” the Addendum to an individual Environmental Assessment. MTO has the option to withdraw the Addendum and proceed with the approved project without the changes identified in the Addendum If there are no requests for an individual Environmental Assessment, the Addendum is deemed to have been approved and the increased right-of-way width from 90 metres to 110 metres can be incorporated into the approved project.

2.2 Consultation Process Consultation for the Addendum to the 1996 ESR followed the process for a Group B Project under MTO’s Class Environmental Assessment process. Those contacted during the original study in the 1990’s were also contacted for the Addendum.

2.3 External Agencies and Municipalities The following agencies were provided notices during the study. A detailed mailing list of the agency contacts is included in the Appendix.

Ministry of Natural Resources Nokiiwin Tribal Council Inc. Ministry of the Environment Anishinabek Nation Fisheries and Oceans Canada Municipality of Shuniah Ministry of Northern Development Ontario Provincial Police and Mines Lakehead Region Conservation Ministry of Culture Authority Ministry of Tourism Student Transportation Services Ministry of Agriculture Iron Range Bus Lines Red Rock First Nation Thunder Bay Hydro Fort William First Nation HydroOne

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TransCanada Pipe Lines North of Superior Snowmobile Association TBayTel Birch Beach Representative Bell Aliant Lakehead Alliance for Highway Union Gas Development Thunder Bay Adventure Trails City of Thunder Bay Snowmobile

One written comment was received from the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority regarding their regulations.

2.4 Property Owners Sixty-six (66) property owners adjacent to the project were notified by mail.

2.5 Presentation to Shuniah Council A presentation was made to Shuniah Council on February 23, 2009. The content of the presentation was similar to the information presented at the Public Information Centre (PIC#1). Shuniah Council had numerous questions about the project that will be dealt with during detail design and through further negotiations between the township and MTO, but none concerned the increase in right-of-way width.

2.6 Public Notices

A Commencement of Study notice for the detail design study and Addendum to the Environmental Study Report was published in the following newspapers: Friday, March 13, 2009 ...... Thunder Bay Source Saturday, March 14, 2009 ...... Chronicle Journal

The notice for the Public Information Centre (see Appendix) was published in the following Thunder Bay newspapers:

2 weeks before PIC* Friday May 1, 2009 ...... Thunder Bay Source Saturday May 2, 2009 ...... Chronicle Journal

1 week before PIC* Friday, May 8, 2009 ...... Thunder Bay Source Saturday, May 9, 2009 ...... Chronicle Journal

*Date of PIC: Thursday, May 14, 2009.

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Flyers similar to the newspaper ad (see Appendix), were distributed as Unaddressed Admail through Canada Post:

RR#13, Thunder Bay ...... 902 flyers

Pass Lake Post Office ...... 222 flyers

2.7 Public Information Centre

A Public Information Centre was held at the MacGregor Recreation Centre on Thursday May 14, 2009. Two sessions were held. The first from 2 PM - 4 PM was for Shuniah Council, government review agencies, utilities, and First Nations. The second session from 4 PM to 8 PM was for the general public as advertised in the notices. The first session was attended by seventeen (17) people. Ninety five (95) people attended the evening session.

2.8 Summary of Public Consultation Comments

No comments were received concerning the increase in the standard right-of-way width from 90 metres to 110 metres.

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3.1 Addendum - Increased Right-of-Way Width The proposed standard right-of-way width for new freeways and freeway extensions is 110 metres which is increased from 90 metres used in the 1996 Environmental Study Report (ESR). The 110 metre right-of-way will accommodate a four-lane freeway with a 30 metre wide median in earth cuts up to 6 metre deep with a 2:1 backslope, and in earth fill sections up to 6 metres high with a 4:1 foreslope. The 110 metre right-of-way includes 6 metres on both sides beyond the toe of slope for buried utilities, snow hedges and drainage works.

3.2 Noise The wider standard right-of-way width may result in shifting of the alignment where the additional width is obtained from one side only (i.e. where the original location abuts the hydro easement). In theory, the shift away from noise receptors will reduce noise levels but in practical terms, the differences are likely imperceptible. The 1996 ESR indicated that changes in noise levels are lower than the MTO standard (5.0 dBA increase), thus no mitigation is required. However, the ESR also indicated that a noise assessment study could be carried out at specific areas if deemed necessary during detail design. A noise study is proposed as part of the current detail design study and will be completed when the precise location of the alignment is determined. The need for noise mitigation will be evaluated at that time.

3.3 Socio-Economic Impacts The socio-economic impacts of the new four-lane highway are related to the location of the route rather than incremental changes to the width of the right of way. The increased right-of-way width is not anticipated to have a significant impact on the land use of adjacent properties. Economic impacts on the adjacent land owners of acquiring the additional property are mitigated through the purchase of the property at fair market value taking into account various factors. The economic potential lost by utilization of forest land for highway right- of-way will be insignificant.

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3.4 Archaeological Impacts A potential for archeological resources was identified in the 1996 ESR at the Mackenzie River crossing. The increased right-of-way width will require that the archaeological assessment extend to the limits of the new proposed right-of-way.

3.5 Fisheries Impacts The 1993 Fisheries Protocol which deals with how fisheries studies are conducted was replaced in 2006 with the MTO/DFO/OMNR Protocol for Protecting Fish and Fish Habitat on Provincial Transportation Undertakings. A Fish and Fish Habitat Assessment will be completed in accordance with the new protocol at all water crossings and fish habitat areas impacted by the approved route. Appropriate mitigation measures will be recommended during detail design by a qualified MTO Fisheries Assessment Specialist in consultation with DFO and MNR. The potential impacts to fish and fish habitat are directly related to the footprint impacts of the new roadbed and would not necessarily be related to the right–of-way width. However, the wider right-of-way does allow for more flexibility in the design and placement of the highway which in turn may result in smaller footprint impacts.

3.6 Terrestrial Impacts The 1996 ESR indicated that the selected alignment has minimal impacts on wildlife. Impacts to terrestrial habitats are also associated with the extent of vegetation that is cleared. Although clearing is generally limited to the footprint of the roadbed, the additional right-of-way width could ultimately allow for increased clearing to accommodate various highway facilities planned in the future. Clearing to the edge of the right-of-way may also be recommended to mitigate animal collisions. A terrestrial habitat assessment will be completed during detail design to evaluate the impact to terrestrial habitat to the limits of the proposed right-of-way. Appropriate mitigation measures for clearing to the edge of the right-of-way and sediment controls will be recommended as indicated in the commitments of the 1996 ESR.

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The first three columns of the following table are from the approved 1996 Environmental Study Report. The last column indicates how the proposed right-of-way increase affects the commitments made in the 1996 Environmental Study Report. The study limits of the original ESR covered a larger study area than the current detail design study. The sections not applicable to this addendum are indicated in the table.

1996 Environmental Study Report Addendum

Environmental Concern Source of Concern Mitigating Measures Changes to the 1996 Environmental Study Report

Physiography and Soils

Potential for localized soil MTO, MOEE Conduct an environmental audit of Not applicable – the limits of this study do not include contamination where selected properties, with “high potential” during Hwy 587 or McTavish Landfill Site. alternative crosses existing detail design. Should contaminated soil land uses typically associated be encountered, management to be with “high potential for soil conducted in accordance with government contamination” (i.e., in vicinity statutes. of Highway 587 and at McTavish Landfill Site).

Soil erosion (sheet and MTO Incorporate erosion and sediment control No change. embankment erosion). measures at detail design

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1996 Environmental Study Report Addendum

Environmental Concern Source of Concern Mitigating Measures Changes to the 1996 Environmental Study Report

Surface Drainage and Fisheries

Encroachment or alteration of hazard lands Lakehead Region Confirm details of all watercourse No Change - To be completed during detail design. Conservation crossings during detail design as some (Conservation Authority Regulations not binding on Authority (LRCA) may be subject to the Authority’s Fill, Crown). No application required but concerns mitigated Construction and Alteration to Waterways during detail design. Regulation where construction is necessary in hazard lands.

Impact to fisheries in Pearl MTO, MNR Placement of all culverts to be carried out Not applicable – limits of this study do not include Pearl River in accordance with MTO standards. River.

Channel design to be confirmed during detail design and to include: Natural channel design principles for the new stream channel New culvert with open footings or oversize and backfilled with natural substrate material sized for expected flows and velocities Culvert design to ensure that no barriers are created to fish movement

Application will be made to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans when construction is ready to proceed through the Ministry of Natural Resources for authorization to harmful alteration of fish habitat, as required by the Federal Fisheries Act. At that time, mitigation and

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1996 Environmental Study Report Addendum

Environmental Concern Source of Concern Mitigating Measures Changes to the 1996 Environmental Study Report

compensation will be discussed.

Impact to fisheries in all MNR Follow MNR’s river crossing procedures Latest procedures will be followed in consultation with watercourses and approved mitigation measures where MNR/DFO. Timing of in -water work will be confirmed necessary. Work on cold water creeks to during detail design. be limited to a period of between June 15 and August 31.

Sediment flow into surface LRCA and MNR Detail design to include the incorporation No change drainage affecting water quality of stormwater quality, river crossing and and drainage drainage management guidelines. Sediment control measures (silt fence barriers, etc.) to be put in place prior to beginning any new ditching. Culvert inlet/outlet locations will be rip-rapped to control erosion and sedimentation, where required.

Sub-Surface Drainage

Impact to groundwater at Pearl MTO Embankment to be constructed with free Not applicable, Pearl River outside limits of this section River draining granular materials meeting of the four laning project. Ontario Provincial Standard Specification (OPSS) gradation requirements for select granular material.

Erosion protection and/or retaining wall construction adjacent to Pearl River to be limited to permeable systems such as gabion baskets or armour stone rip-rap

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1996 Environmental Study Report Addendum

Environmental Concern Source of Concern Mitigating Measures Changes to the 1996 Environmental Study Report

resting on a prepared shallow foundation.

Vegetation

Loss of vegetation and access MTO, MNR Location where it will be feasible for No change. to merchantable timber vegetation to remain in the median to be determined during detail design. Access to merchantable timber to be maintained via existing driveways (right-in, right-out movements). Standard procedures to be implemented for vegetation clearing and residual vegetation protection. Provision of snowfence (or equivalent) and silt fence protection along sensitive areas.

New vegetation required MTO Grading, topsoil and revegetation required No change. for exposed earth slopes to be determined during detail design and carried out during construction. Exposed earth to be revegetated using seeding and mulching or sodding.

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1996 Environmental Study Report Addendum

Environmental Concern Source of Concern Mitigating Measures Changes to the 1996 Environmental Study Report

Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI)

Impact on ANSI MNR Impact to be confirmed during detail Not applicable – identified ANSI beyond the Mackenzie design and minimized during construction. to Birch Beach study limits.

Archaeology

Impact (or loss of) potential MCTR Conduct an archaeological assessment Stage 1 Archaeological Assessments completed along archaeological resources at along the corridor in accordance with A the corridor and further archeological assessments will MacKenzie River crossing and Protocol for Dealing with Archaeological be completed during detail design. in vicinity of Highway 587 Concerns on MTO Undertakings and mitigation if required, prior to construction.

Tourism and Recreation

Access to Sleeping Giant Park MNR Access to be maintained to Highway 587 Not applicable - beyond the Mackenzie to Birch Beach (and Sleeping Giant Park) during study limit. construction. Detours and staging to be confirmed during detail design.

Tourist exposure to amethyst MCTR Special signage to existing tourist related No change. rock shops businesses to be examined during detail design.

Retain existing picnic site MCTR Existing picnic site retained with access Not applicable - location beyond the Mackenzie to Birch from westbound lanes, and location for Beach study limits. new picnic site identified during preliminary design with access from eastbound lanes

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1996 Environmental Study Report Addendum

Environmental Concern Source of Concern Mitigating Measures Changes to the 1996 Environmental Study Report

Utilities

Conflict with existing and Ontario Hydro (now Details of all utility crossings to be Increased right-of-way width allows for greater proposed utilities Hydro One), FOTS, confirmed during detail design and carried flexibility/options in resolving utility conflicts. Details to TransCanada Pipeline out in compliance with all utility crossing be determined during detail design requirements.

Noise

Increase in noise levels Public/MTO/MOEE Change in noise level is lower than the No change in noise levels related to increased ROW MTO standard (5.0 dBA increase) thus no width– Further noise assessments at selected locations mitigation is required. Noise assessment will be completed during detail design if required. study could be carried out in a specific area if deemed necessary during detail design.

Access

Access during construction MTO Access to sideroads and private property No change. during construction to be determined during detail design.

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1996 Environmental Study Report Addendum

Environmental Concern Source of Concern Mitigating Measures Changes to the 1996 Environmental Study Report

Access after construction Public/MTO Future access to highway related to No change. phased implementation of improvements. First phase to permit access to existing driveways (right-in, right-out movements) and at grade intersections with sideroads, Phases 2 and 4 involves the provision of interchanges at some locations and Phase 4 includes a freeway designation and access only at interchanges. If alternate access to private property is not feasible by service roads or sideroads, individual properties will be purchased.

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APPENDIX

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Commencement of Study Four-Laning of Highway 11/17 Between Birch Beach and MacKenzie Beach

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained Engineering Northwest Ltd. to complete the design for the four-laning of Highway 11/17, from 4 kilometres west of Highway 587 westerly for 14 kilometres (Birch Beach to MacKenzie). The improvements will include: 14 kilometres of four lane divided highway including a 30 metre median Connections to the existing Highway 11/17 New connections and alignments for MacKenzie Station Road and MacKenzie Heights Road Two new bridges over the MacKenzie River

Currently, the project is not scheduled on the Northern Highways Program. (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/highway-construction/northern-highway- 2008/pdfs/NOHP2008.pdf)

BACKGROUND In 1996, MTO developed plans for four-laning this section of highway. The design included a 90 metre right-of-way to accommodate the new lanes. At the conclusion of the study, an Environmental Study Report (ESR) was prepared and made available for public review. Since there were no requests for an individual Environmental Assessment, the project was approved and MTO subsequently designated the new highway corridor in 2003.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT ADDENDUM As a result of revised highway engineering standards, MTO recently reviewed the original, approved plan. MTO is now proposing to increase the 90 metre right-of-way width detailed in the original ESR, to 110 metres. An Addendum to the original ESR will be prepared to document the change in the highway right-of-way width. The Addendum will be available for a 30 day review period. Where outstanding environmental issues regarding the increased right-of- way width cannot be resolved, interested persons may request an individual Environmental Assessment. There are no opportunities to request an individual Environmental Assessment of the approved four lane project, only for concerns associated with the increased right-of-way width. Notices will be published in this newspaper when the report is available for review.

PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRES (PICs) Public Information Centres (PICs) will be scheduled to present the proposed revisions and the proposed four-laning design plans to the public. Notices will be published at that time.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REPORT (DCR) Towards the end of the design, a Design and Construction Report (DCR) will be prepared and will be provided for public review for 30 days. The DCR will document how the environmental commitments from the ESR where implemented and how environmental protection measures are incorporated into the construction project. There will be no opportunity to request an Individual Environmental Assessment. A notice will be published when the DCR is available for review.

ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION Project information will be available at the 4-laning project website at: www.enl-tbay.com/4laning.html. Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All comments will be maintained on file for use during the study and, with the exception of personal information, will become part of the public record.

COMMENTS We are interested in any comments or concerns you may have regarding this project. Please submit your comments or concerns to either of the following:

Rick Inman, Senior Project Manager Dale Wiersema, P.Eng, Project Manager Ministry of Transportation Engineering Northwest Ltd. 615 James Street South 200 S. Syndicate Ave. Suite 301 Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6P6 Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1C9 Phone: (807) 473- 2049, Toll Free 1-800-465-5034 Phone: (807) 623-3449 ext 232 (call collect) Fax: (807) 473-2168 Fax: (807) 623-5925 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE #1 Four-Laning of Highway 11/17 Between Birch Beach and Mackenzie THE STUDY The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained Engineering Northwest Ltd. to complete the design for the four-laning of Highway 11/17, between Mackenzie and Birch Beach Road. The improvements will include: 14 kilometres of four-lane divided highway with a 30-metre median; Connections to the existing Highway 11/17; New connections and alignments for Mackenzie Station Road and Mackenzie Heights Road; Two new bridges over the Mackenzie River.

PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE (PIC) #1 This is the first of two Public Information Centres. PIC #1 will provide an opportunity to review the study back-ground, preliminary plans and the proposed increase in right-of-way width from 90 metres to 110 metres. The Public Information Centre will provide an opportunity to discuss this project with Ministry of Transportation staff and their consultants: Thursday, May 14, 2009 MacGregor Recreation Centre, 800 Lakeshore Drive 4:00pm to 8:00pm

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT ADDENDUM As a result of revised highway engineering standards, the MTO is proposing to increase the right-of-way width detailed in the original Environmental Study Report (ESR) to 110 metres. An Addendum to the original ESR will be prepared to document the change in the highway right-of-way width and will be available for a 30-day review period. Where outstanding environmental issues regarding the increased right-of-way width cannot be resolved, interested persons may request an individual Environmental Assessment. There are no opportunities to request an individual Environmental Assessment of the approved four-lane project, only for concerns associated with the increased right-of-way width. Notices will be published in this newspaper when the Environmental Study Report Addendum is available for review.

ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION Project information will be available at the four-laning project website at: www.enl-tbay.com/4laning.html. Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All comments will be maintained on file for use during the study and, with the exception of personal information, will become part of the public record.

COMMENTS We are interested in any comments or concerns you may have regarding this project. Please submit your comments or concerns to either of the following: Rick Inman, Senior Project Manager Dale Wiersema, P.Eng, Project Manager Ministry of Transportation Engineering Northwest Ltd. Planning & Design Section 200 S. Syndicate Ave. Suite 301 615 James Street South Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1C9 Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6P6 Tel: (807) 623-3449 ext 232 (call collect) Tel: (807) 473- 2049, Toll Free 1-800-465-5034 Fax: (807) 623-5925 Fax: (807) 473-2168 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Review Agency Mailing List

Four-Laning Highway 11/17Between Birch Beach and Mackenzie G.W.P. 6120-03-00

Bill Baker, District Manager Carrie Hutchinson, Environmental Planner/EA Ministry of Natural Resources Coordinator B001 - 435 James St S Ministry of the Environment Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S8 435 James St. S., Suite 331 Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S7 Jim Cameron District Planner Neville Ward Ministry of Natural Resources Senior Habitat Biologist B001 - 435 James St S Fisheries and Oceans Canada Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S8 100 Main Street Suite 425 Thunder Bay ON P7B 6R9 Darrell O’Neill, Area Supervisor, Thunder Bay North Kelly McDevitt, Manager (Acting) Ministry of Natural Resources Ministry of Northern Development and Mines B001 - 435 James St S Suite 332 Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S8 435 James St S Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S7 Michael Deschamps, Management Biologist Ministry of Natural Resources Tom Marcolini, Manager B001 - 435 James St S Programs and Transportation Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S8 Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Roberta Bondar Place Jennifer Chikoski, SAR Biologist Suite 200, 70 Foster Dr Ministry of Natural Resources Sault Ste. Marie ON P6A 6V8 B001 - 435 James St S Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S8 Susan Gammon, Northern Development Advisor – Tourism Franca Dignem, Director – Thunder Bay Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Regional Office Suite 332 Ministry of the Environment 435 James St S 199 Larch Street, Suite 1201 Thunder Bay ON P7E6S7 Sudbury ON P3E 5P9 Colin Kelly, Northern Development Advisor – Trina Rawn, District Supervisor Natural Resources Ministry of the Environment Ministry of Northern Development and Mines 435 James St S., Suite 331 Suite 332 Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S7 435 James St S Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S7 Jim Fry, District Manager Ministry of the Environment Paige Campbell, Archaeology Review Officer – 435 James St S., Suite 331 Thunder Bay (Acting) Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S7 Ministry of Culture Suite 334 435 James St. S. Kathy McDonald, APEP Supervisor Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S7 Northern Regional Office C/O Sudbury District Office Ministry of the Environment Elaine Lynch, Regional Manager 199 Larch Street Suite 1101 Ministry of Tourism Sudbury ON P3E 5P9 Suite 334, 435 James St S Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S7

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Review Agency Mailing List

Four-Laning Highway 11/17Between Birch Beach and Mackenzie G.W.P. 6120-03-00

Rudy Buitenhuis, Agricultural Representative Maria Harding, Reeve Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Municipality of Shuniah Thunder Bay – Northern Ontario Regional 420 Leslie Ave. Office Thunder Bay, ON P7A 1X8 Suite B012 435 James St. S. S/Sgt. Ken Mantey Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S7 Ontario Provincial Police 2787 Highway 11/17 Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs Thunder Bay, ON P7C 4V1 720 Bay Street, 4th floor Toronto, ON M5G 2K1 Tammy Cook, Watershed Manager Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Chief Pierre Pelletier PO Box 10427 Red Rock First Nation 130 Conservation Rd. P.O. Box 1030, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T8 Nipigon, ON P0T 2J0 Transportation Officer Chief Harold Pelletier Student Transportation Services Fort William First Nation Suite 2001 – 715 Hewitson St. 90 Anemki Drive, Suite 200 Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6B5 Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1L3 General Manager Nokiiwin Tribal Council Inc. Iron Range Bus Lines 300 Anemki Place, Suite C, 1141 Golf Links Rd. Thunder Bay P7J 1H9 Thunder Bay, ON P7B 7A3

Anishinabek Nation Thunder Bay Hydro Nipissing First Nation 34 Cumberland St. N. P.O. Box 711 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4L4 North Bay ON P1B 8J8 Leslie Fonso Anishinabek Nation HydroOne 300 Anemki Place, Ste C 255 Burwood Road Fort William First Nation P. O. Box 10309 Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1H9 Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T8

Craig Baumann, Manager of Operations Damian O’Quinn Municipality of Shuniah HydroOne 420 Leslie Ave. P.O. Box 10309 Thunder Bay, ON P7A 1X8 255 Burwood Rd Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T8 Alan Cooke, Chief Building Official Municipality of Shuniah Don Gresh 420 Leslie Ave. Land Representative Thunder Bay, ON P7A 1X8 TransCanada Pipe lines Station 68, RR#16 Compressor Station Rd Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6B3

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Review Agency Mailing List

Four-Laning Highway 11/17Between Birch Beach and Mackenzie G.W.P. 6120-03-00

Paul Mascarin Mr. John Stewart, Chairman TBay Tel OPE Specialist Lakehead Alliance for Highway Development TBayTel 212 McComber Crescent 1050 Lithium Drive Thunder Bay ON P7A 7E8 Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6G3

Marsha Albanese Mayor Lynn Peterson Bell Aliant City of Thunder Bay Floor 3, 229 Vickers St S. 500 Donald St. E. Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6P6 Thunder Bay ON P7E 5V3

Don McClusky Union Gas Mr. Mark Smith, Manager 1211 Amber Drive City of Thunder Bay Thunder Bay, ON P7A 8B2 Development Services Victoriaville Civic Centre Thunder Bay Adventure Trails Snowmobile 111 Syndicate Avenue S. Club Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S4 P.O. Box 29190 Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6P9 Pat Mauro, Manager City of Thunder Bay North of Superior Snowmobile Association Engineering PO Box 6 Hwy 11/17 Victoriaville Civic Centre Tourist Information Centre 111 Syndicate Avenue South Nipigon, ON P0T 2J0 P.O. Box 800 Thunder Bay ON P7C 5K4 Mr. Tighe RR#13 Site 15 Compartment 164 2529 Scott Drive Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E4

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June 5, 2009 PN 08080 ENV

Dear :

Re: Commencement of Study Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities Four-Laning of Highway 11/17 – Between Birch Beach and MacKenzie Beach MTO file: GWP 6120-03-00

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained Engineering Northwest Ltd. to complete the detail design for the four-laning of Highway 11/17, from 4 kilometres west of Highway 587 for 14 kilometres (Birch Beach to MacKenzie). The purpose of this letter is to introduce the study and request any comments or concerns you may have about the project.

The proposed improvements include: 14 kilometres of four lane divided highway including a 30 metre median Connections to the existing Highway 11/17 New connections and alignments for MacKenzie Station Road and MacKenzie Heights Road Two new bridges over the MacKenzie River

The Commencement of Study notice that was published in local newspapers, is attached which includes a location map and details about MTO’s Class Environmental Assessment process. If you have any comments or concerns or would like additional information about the study please contact Engineering Northwest Ltd. or the Ministry of Transportation as indicated in the notice.

Yours truly, Engineering Northwest Ltd.

Harold Makela, CET Environmental Planner

Enclosure c.c. R. Inman, MTO P. DeCal, MTO D. Wiersema, ENL/file

June 3, 2009 PN 08080 ENV

«contact»

Dear «dear»:

Re: Commencement of Study Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities Four-Laning of Highway 11/17 – Between Birch Beach and MacKenzie Beach MTO file: GWP 6120-03-00

The Commencement of Study notice is attached which includes a location map and details about MTO’s Class Environmental Assessment process. If you have any comments or concerns or would like additional information about the study please contact Engineering Northwest Ltd. or the Ministry of Transportation as indicated in the notice.

Yours truly, Engineering Northwest Ltd.

Harold Makela, CET Environmental Planner

Enclosure c.c. R. Inman, MTO P. DeCal, MTO D. Wiersema, ENL/file

«contact» PN 08080 env

«dear»:

RE: Notice of Public Information Centre #1 Four-Laning of Highway 11/17 – Between Mackenzie and Birch Beach MTO file: GWP 6120-03-00

The Ministry of Transportation is proceeding with the detail design study of the approved four- lane highway route between Mackenzie and Birch Beach Road. Two Public Information Centers (PIC) will be held during this study. The purpose of this letter is to invite you to the first PIC which will be held at:

MacGregor Recreation Centre 800 Lakeshore Drive Thursday, May 14, 2009

A special session of the PIC will be held for Shuniah Council, government review agencies, utilities, First Nations and selected interest groups only, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you are unable to attend at that time, the PIC will be open to the general public between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The Public Information Centre will provide an opportunity to review the study back-ground, preliminary plans and the proposed increase in right-of-way width from 90-metres to 110-metres. Staff from The Ministry of Transportation and Engineering Northwest Ltd. will be available to discuss the project with you.

The notice of Public Information Centre #1 that will be published in local newspapers is attached which includes a location map and details about MTO’s Class Environmental Assessment process. If you have any comments or concerns or would like additional information about the study please contact Engineering Northwest Ltd. or the Ministry of Transportation as indicated in the notice.

Yours truly, Engineering Northwest Ltd.

Harold Makela, CET Environmental Planner

C.C. R. Inman, MTO P.DeCal MTO

PN 08080 ENV «contact»

Dear «dear»:

RE: Notice of Public Information Centre #1 Four-Laning of Highway 11/17 – Between Mackenzie and Birch Beach MTO file: GWP 6120-03-00

The Ministry of Transportation is proceeding with the detail design study of the approved four- lane highway route between Mackenzie and Birch Beach Road. Two Public Information Centers (PICs) will be held during this study. The purpose of this letter is to invite you to the first PIC which will be held at:

MacGregor Recreation Centre 800 Lakeshore Drive Thursday, May 14, 2009 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The notice of Public Information Centre #1 that was published in local newspapers is attached which includes a location map and details about MTO’s Class Environmental Assessment process. If you require any additional information or have any questions about the study, please contact either:

Rick Inman, Senior Project Manager Dale Wiersema, P.Eng, Project Manager Ministry of Transportation Engineering Northwest Ltd. 615 James Street South 200 S. Syndicate Ave. Suite 301 Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6P6 Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1C9 Tel: (807) 473- 2049, Toll Free 1-800-465-5034 Tel: (807) 623-3449 ext 232 (call collect) Fax: (807) 473-2168 Fax: (807) 623-5925 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Yours truly, Engineering Northwest Ltd.

Harold Makela, CET Environmental Planner