Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) is available for a 30-day public review period.
The report documents the environmental assessment process, described the preferred design, and outlines the environmental protection measures that will be put in place. Public comments are welcome during the review period.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement
Engaging with Indigenous communities, businesses, and stakeholders is a key part of this project. MTO is committed to keeping people informed and involved throughout the study.
To share updates and gather feedback, we’re using a variety of communication methods, including:
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Direct notices to interested agencies, stakeholders, and community members
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Newspaper ads in the Chronicle Journal and The Times Star
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Updates on community websites
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Information sessions and meetings with local groups
As new engagement opportunities are scheduled, notices will be posted on this website.
Environmental Assessment Process
WE ARE HERE
Source: Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities and Municipal Expressways 2024
Greenstone Public Library
Geraldton Branch
405 2nd St W, Geraldton, ON
Mon – Tues: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.,
Wed - Thurs: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.,
Sat: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Greenstone Public Library
Nakina Branch
216 North Ave., Nakina, ON
Mon – Wed: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.,
Thurs: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Overview of the Environmental Assessment Process
The project is being carried out under the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities and Municipal Expressways, 2024 (MTO Class EA) for Group A projects. This process is used for transportation projects that include significant realignments of sections of roadway.
The MTO Class EA is a self-assessment approach that ensures environmental impacts are considered alongside engineering design and public input. The goal is to ensure that environmental impacts are carefully considered and managed. The process includes engineering studies, environmental reviews, and consultation with Indigenous communities, stakeholder groups, regulatory agencies, and the public.
Where We Are in the Process
During the preliminary design phase, the project team:
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Reviewed available information
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Collected site information through field investigations
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Consulted with government agencies, Indigenous communities, industry, stakeholders, and the public
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Reviewed APLR conditions using MTO highway design guidance to confirm where upgrades are required
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Evaluated alternatives and considered feedback received during the study
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Documented the preferred design in the transportation environmental study report
What Happens Next
Through the preliminary design phase, the project team evaluated options to improve road safety, stability and long-term performance. As a result, the recommended plan includes:
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Establishing a 100-metre-wide right-of-way
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Adjusting the roads’ horizontal and vertical alignment in several locations, including two major realignments
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Improving intersections, side roads and entrances
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Constructing new bridges
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Upgrading culverts and drainage systems
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Developing a patrol yard and temporary work camps
The Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) is now available for a 30-day public comment period. The report documents:
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The environmental assessment process
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The recommended plan
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Environmental impacts, mitigation and commitments for future work.
The comment period runs from Wednesday April 29 to Thursday May 28, 2026. A copy of the report is available on the Downloads page by clicking here.
Hard copies of the report are available at the following locations:
Interested persons are encouraged to review the document and provide comments to the Project Team by Thursday May 28 2026.
For more information on the environmental assessment process, please contact the project team or visit the MTO Class EA page.