The polarizing Highway 413 project, backed by Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford, faces new criticism after reports that the route connecting the York, Peel and Halton regions would harm the environment of several species of wildlife considered endangered.
In new findings obtained by Narwhal and the Toronto Star through a request for access to information, the Ontario Department of Transportation confirmed that 11 different species considered “endangered” were present along the 52-kilometer highway and transit route.
The list includes seven bird species and one frog, fish, insect and tree species respectively.
Scoop Warning: Documents received by me and @njaved from @TorontoStar show that Ontario has quietly confirmed that at least 11 species at risk live on the planned route on Highway 413.
Including two central for federal project review. # онполи https://t.co/KiEy3d0pqW
– Emma Mackintosh (@EmmaMci) June 29, 2022
Three of the at-risk species (western chorus frog, red-headed woodpecker and dragonfly known as the tail) are protected by federal law, and Ottawa has already eliminated the project with an additional environmental review after identifying “clear areas of federal concern” in 2021
Joint Star and Narwhal reports suggest Ottawa may be forced to intervene and take over the project. As construction has already been postponed for an environmental review, further federal control could shift the project schedule years back.
When the federal government stopped Highway 413 last year for environmental surveillance, it expressed concern about how the western choir frog and rapids’ tail species could be in danger. Both live near the proposed route, documents show. pic.twitter.com/zAAopQcvOS
– Toronto Star (@TorontoStar) June 29, 2022
The Ontario computer government advertised the project as part of a plan to combat congestion, seemingly unfamiliar with the concept of triggered search and perfectly matched with those “just one more tape” memes prevalent in urban Twitter.
Although the route will also include lower-carbon options such as a transit route for fast bus travel and charging stations for electric vehicles, it has failed to gain any traction with other parties represented in Queen’s Park.
In response to the latest revelations, Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner issued a statement doubling his calls for an end to the controversial highway project.
# Hwy413 will pave over 400 acres in Greenbelt, 2,000 acres of premium farmland and threaten or destroy 75 wetlands.
Now add to Ford’s list for destruction – internal government documents say that at least 11 species at risk live on the route. # StopThe413 #onpoli pic.twitter.com/HqPjXFQt3S
– The Green Party of Ontario (@OntarioGreens) June 29, 2022
“The Ontario Greens have been calling for the cancellation of Highway 413 since it was reintroduced by Ford because it will pave more than 400 acres of the Green Belt, 2,000 acres of premium farmland, threaten or destroy 75 wetlands and add 17.4 million tons. emissions from 2050, “Schreiner said.
“We now know that this unnecessary, over-extended highway will cause even more damage. Internal government documents show that at least 11 species at risk live on the proposed route of Highway 413, with the possibility of dozens more. “
Schreiner called the move to continue the highway “reckless” and “short-sighted,” adding that “the neglect of environmental protection by the Ford government is bad for our climate, economy, communities and quality of life.”
Add Comment