Ontario and Canada Reach Agreement on Highway 413 Development
Provincial Government Sought Judicial Review to Challenge Federal Assessment Order
Court Decision Cleared the Way for Project to Move Forward
Following the Supreme Court of Canada's decision not to hear the Ford government's appeal regarding a federal environmental assessment order, the government filed a judicial review to prevent the federal government from ordering assessments on crucial infrastructure projects, including Highway 413.
Highway 413, a proposed four-to-six-lane highway set to run between Milton and Vaughan, has been paused since the federal government froze the project in 2021. The federal government had determined that the highway would have significant adverse environmental impacts and ordered an environmental impact assessment.
Through the agreement announced on Monday, both Ontario and Canada agreed to a tailored environmental assessment process for the project. The federal government will provide funding and expertise to support the assessment, while Ontario will lead the process, ensuring that the project meets provincial and federal environmental standards.
Opponents of Highway 413, including environmental groups and local residents, have expressed disappointment with the agreement. They argue that the battle is not over and that they will continue to fight the project, which they believe will harm the environment and increase traffic congestion.
Highway 413 is one of two contentious highway projects proposed by the Ford government. The other project, Highway 407 East, has also been met with legal challenges and public opposition.
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