Consultation is an integral component of the Environmental Assessment (EA) process. Early and ongoing engagement with stakeholders can provide a broad range of valuable perspectives and viewpoints.
In April / May 2017, the Project Team provided a Progress Update for the status of new Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph through notifications to external agencies, municipalities, Indigenous communities and the public, and through the launch of a project website at www.NewHighway7.ca. The project website has served to provide updates on project progress, access to notices and reports, and interested individuals to request to be added to the contact list.
In addition, as the detailed design of the Phase 2 Grand River Bridges has advanced, MTO has consulted with review agencies to address permitting and approval requirements, and met with utility companies to coordinate design and construction activities.
The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council (SNEC), and Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council (HCCC) via the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI) were contacted by MTO to identify whether these communities had an interest in being involved with this project. Representatives expressed an interest and have been engaged throughout the study, receiving project status updates at scheduled Liaison Committee meetings, and participating in the archaeological assessments and salvage operations.
The Design and Construction Report for the new Highway 7 Grand River Bridges (Phase 2) is now available for a 30-day public review period from September 27, 2023 to October 26, 2023.
To contact the Project Team directly with comments or to request to be added to the study mailing list, please visit the Contact Us page of this website or email to info@newhighway7.ca.
Please direct any media inquiries to MTO.Media@ontario.ca.