Class Environmental Assessment Document · GO TRANSIT CLASS EA DOCUMENT, DECEMBER 2003 Page 1 1.0...

Class Environmental AssessmentClass Environmental AssessmentDocumentDocument

December 2003December 2003(as amended August 2005)

AS AMENDED BY THE MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT – AUGUST 2005

NOTICE OF AMENDMENT

GO TRANSIT CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT

GO Transit proposed two amendments to the GO Transit Class Environmental Assessment Document, December 2003 (Class EA) to: 1. Switch new maintenance or storage yards for bus service from Group C to

Group B; and 2. Remove the reference to Part II Order requests from the initial project

overview notices. On April 7, 2005, GO Transit posted a Notice of Proposed Amendment in the Toronto Star. The Notice explained the rationale for the proposed amendments and invited comments from any interested persons. On May 24, 2005, the 45-day public comment period ended. No comments were received. On August 8, 2005, the Minister of the Environment approved the proposed amendments to the Class EA. In making this decision, the Minister determined that the proposed amendments were within the scope of the amending procedure outlined in the Class EA and there were no anticipated environmental effects associated with the proposed amendments. The Class EA has been amended as follows: • New maintenance and storage yards for buses have been made Group B

projects and will require the completion of the Class EA process rather than individual environmental asssessments.

• The Part II Order information has been removed from the initial project

overview notices but remains in notices that are provided at the end of the planning process. This is similar to other approved Class EAs.

GO TRANSIT CLASS EA DOCUMENT, DECEMBER 2003 Page i

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY................................................................................................ iii 1.0 OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE OF THE CLASS EA ..............................................1

1.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Environmental Assessment Principles and Responsibilities................................ 1

1.2.1 Relationship of Class EAs to EA Act and Specific Groups of Undertakings 3 1.2.2 Responsibility for Compliance with the EA Act ........................................... 3

1.3 Background .......................................................................................................... 4 1.4 Purpose of Class EA Document ........................................................................... 4 1.5 The Proponent: GO Transit ................................................................................. 6 1.6 Directory of Class EA Document......................................................................... 7

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS AND CLASSIFICATION .........................................9

2.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................... 9 2.2 Project Descriptions and Classification................................................................ 9

2.2.1 Approved List - Deemed Approved (Group A) Project Descriptions ........ 11 2.2.2 Class EA (Group B) Project Descriptions................................................... 13 2.2.3 Group C Project Descriptions ..................................................................... 14

3.0 PLANNING PROCESS..........................................................................................15

3.1 Process................................................................................................................ 15 3.1.1 Stage 1 - Problem or Opportunity Identification and Feasibility................ 17 3.1.2 Stage 2 - Alternatives to the Undertaking (Concept Alternatives) ............. 24 3.1.3 Stage 3 - Alternative Methods of Carrying Out the Undertaking

(Preliminary Design Alternatives)............................................................... 26 3.1.4 Property Acquisition ................................................................................... 32 3.1.5 Stage 4 - Preferred Undertaking (Detail Design) ........................................ 33 3.1.6 Stage 5 - Implementation and Monitoring.................................................. 35

4.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION...................................................................................39

4.1 Definition and Purpose....................................................................................... 39 4.2 Various "Publics" to be Consulted ..................................................................... 39

4.2.1 Review Agencies......................................................................................... 40 4.2.2 Involvement of the MOE ............................................................................ 41 4.2.3 General Public and Special Interest Groups ............................................... 41

4.3 Guidelines for Consultation Programs ............................................................... 42 4.3.1 Developing a Program................................................................................ 42 4.3.2 Public Consultation Methods ...................................................................... 43 4.3.3 Notification ................................................................................................. 44

4.4 Procedures for Public Consultation.................................................................... 45 4.4.1 Level of Effort............................................................................................. 45 4.4.2 Group B: Environmental Study Report (ESR)............................................ 46

4.5 Conflict Resolution............................................................................................. 50

GO TRANSIT CLASS EA DOCUMENT, DECEMBER 2003 Page ii

5.0 ELEVATING PROJECT STATUS ........................................................................53 5.1 Elevating Project Status...................................................................................... 53 5.2 Opportunities for Elevating Project Status ......................................................... 54 5.3 Procedures for Part II Orders ............................................................................ 54 5.4 Responsibility of the Affected Party .................................................................. 55

6.0 DOCUMENTATION..............................................................................................57

6.1 Environmental Study Report (ESR) ................................................................... 57 6.1.1 ESR Format and Content ............................................................................ 57

6.2 Revisions and Addenda to the ESR.................................................................... 63 FIGURES Figure 1.1 GO Transit System Map ....................................................... Follows page 6 Figure 3.1 The Planning and Design Process....................................... Follows page 16 APPENDICES A. Main Revisions and Phase-in B. Objects of GO Transit C. Project Activities D. Potential Environmental Impacts and Suggested Mitigation Measures E. Public Consultation Methods F. Review Agencies to be Contacted and When G. Suggested Notices H. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act I. Procedures for Monitoring, Amendment and Review of this Class EA Document J. Calculation of Construction Cost K. Glossary

GO TRANSIT CLASS EA DOCUMENT, DECEMBER 2003 Page iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) Document provides GO Transit with an approved planning procedure, to: 1) Fulfil the requirements of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (EA Act); 2) Assess, at an appropriate level, the potential natural, social, cultural, economic and

technical impacts of a project; and, 3) Provide guidelines for a workable, consistent and efficient approach to meeting the

Class EA planning and documentation requirements. In accordance with provisions of the EA Act, this Class EA Document was approved in December 2003 by the Minister of the Environment. This approval allows GO Transit to undertake projects categorized as Group A or B without requiring Individual Environmental Assessment (Individual EA) approvals, provided that the methodology outlined herein is followed. The process for five-year reviews of the Class EA Document is outlined in Appendix I. Description of Projects The types of projects covered by this Class EA Document are detailed in Section 2.0, and include: 1) The construction of new commuter rail stations, bus terminals, or storage yards; 2) Expansions of existing commuter rail stations, bus terminals, storage and

maintenance facilities, or yards; 3) Extensions to existing rail routes; and, 4) Rail infrastructure improvements. Operational improvements are also included (e.g., special event service changes, short-term changes in mode, emergency repairs). Environmental Categories and Documentation Requirements GO Transit carries out projects associated with a range of environmental impacts. The level of effort required for the assessment and documentation of a particular project depends on the severity and significance of the impacts. To ascertain the appropriate level of effort required, a project is classified into one of three Class Groups: Deemed Approved - Group A These projects are associated with either positive environmental impacts, or negative

impacts that are insignificant or readily mitigable. There are no Class EA requirements to fulfil for Group A projects, only internal documentation requirements for the project file.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

GO TRANSIT CLASS EA DOCUMENT, DECEMBER 2003 Page iv

Environmental Study Report (ESR) - Group B Projects which may result in significant (yet mitigable) environmental impacts fall in

Group B. Documentation of the full planning process is required to be completed and submitted to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE), and the public record for review.

Individual Environmental Assessment - Group C Projects that have the potential to result in significant environmental impacts and

that GO Transit does not routinely undertake. The status of a particular project may be raised from one group to another within the Class (re-Classification), or from the Class process to an Individual EA (a Part II Order). A change in status may be initiated by GO Transit, MOE, or any agency, group, or individual (refer to Section 5.0). Circumstances that could lead to a change in status include the potential for public controversy and/or adverse environmental effects greater than initially anticipated. Projects having far-reaching, unpredictable, or significant and immitigable impacts are not considered Class projects. They fall into Group C and require an Individual EA (refer to Section 2.2.3). Individual EAs are beyond the scope of this document. Procedures for carrying out an Individual EA can be obtained from the Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch (EAAB), MOE. The Class Process This Class EA Document outlines a process, illustrated in Figure 3.1, that integrates GO Transit's project development and implementation process with the requirements of the EA Act. There are five stages to the process: 1) Problem or Opportunity Identification and Feasibility; 2) Alternatives to the Undertaking (Concept Alternatives); 3) Alternative Methods of Carrying Out the Undertaking (Preliminary Design

Alternatives); 4) Detail Design; and, 5) Implementation and Monitoring. Approved projects (Group A) and Individual EAs (Group C) are carried through this class process only to the point where the decision is made as to its appropriate EA group categorization. Consultation GO Transit recognizes that interaction with all stakeholders is integral to the Class process. The principal goal of a public participation program is to exchange information with all stakeholders to ensure that informed decisions are made. Guidelines are provided in Section 4.0 to help in developing appropriate consultation programs.

GO TRANSIT CLASS EA DOCUMENT, DECEMBER 2003 Page 1

1.0 OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE OF THE CLASS EA 1.1 Introduction This document is referred to as a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA)

Document. It describes what a Class EA is, the group of undertakings included in this class, the purposes of the undertakings, and the process by which the undertakings must be carried out in order to satisfy Ontario's Environmental Assessment Act (EA Act).

This Class EA Document is a commitment by GO Transit to a consistent line of

action for projects1 which:

• Stem from a common need; • Usually are similar in nature; • Usually are limited in scale; • Share the same process of planning, design and construction; and, • Result in predictable, relatively minor or mitigable adverse environmental

condition changes.

In general, the types of projects covered by this Class EA Document include: 1) The construction of new commuter rail stations, bus terminals or storage

yards; 2) Expansions of existing commuter rail stations, bus terminals, storage and

maintenance facilities or yards; 3) Extensions to existing rail routes; and, 4) Rail infrastructure improvements. Operational improvements are also included (e.g., special event service changes,

short-term changes in mode, emergency repairs). 1.2 Environmental Assessment Principles and Responsibilities

The Environmental Assessment Act, as amended by the Environmental Assessment and Consultation Improvement Act, 1996, S.O. 1996 c. 27, and Schedule E and F of the Red Tape Reduction Act, 2000, S.O. 2000 provides for the protection, conservation and wise management of the environment in Ontario by providing an accountable, logical and reproducible process of decision making. The EA Act lays out a planning process and encourages environmental protection within the context of a broadly defined environment.

1 Project and undertaking are used interchangeably.

OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE OF THE CLASS EA Section 1.2


The term “Environment” is applied in a broad sense and includes the natural, social, cultural, built and economic environments. The formal definition of the environment is included in the glossary of this document. In applying statutory requirements to undertakings, the EA Act identifies two types of environmental assessment planning and approval processes:

• Individual Environmental Assessments (Part II of the EA Act) – those projects

for which a Terms of Reference and an individual environmental assessment are carried out and submitted to the Minister of the Environment for review and approval; or

• Class Environmental Assessments (Part II.1 of the EA Act) – those projects

which are approved subject to compliance with an approved class environmental assessment process with respect to a class of undertakings. Providing the approved process is followed, a proponent has complied with Section 13 (3) (a) of the EA Act.

Whether carrying out Individual or Class EAs, the key principles of successful environmental assessment planning under the EA Act include:

• Consultation with affected parties early in and throughout the process,

such that the planning process is a cooperative venture . The proponent should seek to involve potentially affected parties as early as possible, so that their concerns can be identified and addressed before irreversible decisions are made. Early consultation allows for improved understanding of environmental concerns before the undertaking is selected and focuses the planning on matters of concern. Potentially affected parties include other government agencies, municipalities, the general public, potentially affected property owners, interest groups and First Nations.

• Consideration of a reasonable range of alternatives, both the functionally

different “alternatives to” and the “alternative methods” of implementing the solution. The “Do Nothing” alternative, which provides a benchmark for the evaluation of alternatives, must be considered.

• Identification and consideration of the effects of each alternative on all

aspects of the environment (i.e., the impact on the natural, social cultural, technical and economic/financial environment). The level of detail will vary depending primarily on the significance of the effect and the stage of the study.

• Systematic evaluation of alternatives in terms of their advantages and

disadvantages, to determine their net environmental effects. The planning process must include distinct points where alternatives are evaluated and the net environmental effects are identified. The decision-making process should



be phased, narrowing progressively to a preferred alternative. The process must recognize the dynamic nature of environmental decision-making, must be sensitive to changing conditions and new information, and must be flexible enough to deal with them.

• Provision of clear and complete documentation of the planning process

followed, to allow “traceability” of decision-making with respect to the project. Documentation should set out the approach, and the way in which the principles of environmental assessment planning were followed in the planning process.

1.2.1 Relationship of Class EAs to EA Act and Specific Groups of Undertakings

An approved Class EA Document describes the process that a proponent must follow for a class or group of undertakings in order to meet the requirements of the EA Act, and is sometimes referred to as a “parent” Class EA. It is a method of obtaining an approval under the EA Act and provides an alternative to carrying out individual environmental assessments for each separate undertaking or project within the class. Sub-section 14(2) of the EA Act identifies the requirements for inclusion in a “parent” Class EA. Once the “parent” Class EA is approved under the EA Act, all projects of the type included in the class have pre-approval under the EA Act, provided they are carried out in accordance with the commitments made in the “parent” Class EA and any additional requirements specified in the EA Act approval.

1.2.2 Responsibility for Compliance with the EA Act

The Class EA process is a self-assessment process. In all situations where the Class EA process is applicable to a project, it is the responsibility of the proponent to ensure that the planning process as set out in the Class EA Document is undertaken. If a proponent incorrectly determines that the Class EA does not apply, or if a proponent selects the incorrect Group of projects into which a project is deemed to fall, it is the responsibility of the proponent to rectify the matter and meet the requirements of the Class EA process. Failure to follow the process outlined in this document is a breach of the EA approval under which this Class EA was authorized and, therefore, places the proponent in contravention of the EA Act. Offences and penalties are dealt with in Section 38 of the EA Act. Staff of the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) enforce compliance with requirements of the EA Act. Non-compliance, or failure to apply the approved process in the intended manner, may result in:

• Fines; • MOE revisiting the EA approval of a specific project; • The Minister of the Environment (the Minister) issuing a Part II Order,

thereby requiring the proponent to carry out individual environmental

OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE OF THE CLASS EA Section 1.2.2


assessments for those projects which previously had been subject to the Class EA process.

This document does not provide exhaustive direction on how to manage complex projects. First and foremost, the Class EA provides the framework for environmental assessment planning of GO Transit projects to fulfil the requirements of the EA Act. It is neither an all inclusive “checklist” nor a detailed “how to” manual for proponents, project managers or stakeholders. It establishes principles and certain minimum mandatory requirements and has been set up as a self-assessment process which is flexible enough to allow GO Transit to meet the needs of specific projects, while ensuring that the requirements of the EA Act are met.

1.3 Background GO Transit was subject to the EA Act when it was enacted in 1976. In 1981, GO

Transit received approval for four Class EAs. Prior to their expiry in 1985, a re-evaluation was conducted and resulted in the amalgamation of the four documents into one Class EA Document. The combined Class document was approved in February, 1988 and was termed the GO Transit Environmental Assessment Class Document. Subsequently, a re-evaluation of the 1988 document (as amended in May 1991) was conducted in 1991 and 1992. Input related to the effectiveness and success of the 1988 document was received through consultation with review agencies and the public. The document was treated as an Individual Environmental Assessment (Individual EA) and was approved by the Minister of Environment and Energy in December 1995. A re-evaluation of the 1995 document was conducted in 2001 and 2002 resulting in the current document, which was amended and approved by the Minister of the Environment in December 2003. GO Transit will amend the procedures described in this document in accordance with any new procedures as prescribed by reforms to the EA Act (refer to Appendix I).

1.4 Purpose of Class EA Document The approval of this Class EA Document sets out a self-assessment planning process

by which projects are planned, designed, documented and constructed in accordance with the process and conditions described herein to meet the requirements of the EA Act. The most practical implication is that a class project need not undergo the Ministry of Environment (MOE) circulation and review required of Individual EA submissions, nor is there required project-specific approval by the Minister of the Environment. In approving a Class EA Document, MOE in effect, delegates to GO Transit EA Act approval of projects covered by the Class EA Document under the assumption that GO Transit has followed the procedures described therein.



The intent of the document is to specify a planning process appropriate to projects of various complexities and types. If, after the involvement of interested parties, all issues are resolved prior to filing of the project documentation, no review by MOE is required and the project is considered approved. The Part II Order provision provides all parties with unresolved concerns, an opportunity to ask the Minister of the Environment to order an Individual EA and possible hearings on a project-specific basis.

The process outlined in this document provides an approved approach for GO Transit, with the assistance and input of government ministries and agencies, and the public, to undertake a relatively extensive examination of the:

• Rationale for an undertaking; • Alternatives to the undertaking; • Alternative methods of carrying out the undertaking; • Associated environmental impacts; and, • Proposed mitigation measures.

This approach allows for a thorough examination of a project without the lengthy review and costs associated with an Individual EA. This is important as GO Transit services offer many environmental benefits.

Since public funds are employed in conducting environmental studies to make

changes in GO Transit's services and facilities to serve the public, and since GO Transit has extensive experience in addressing the types of projects included in this Class EA Document, the process outlined in this document serves the public by using human and financial resources efficiently while ensuring that environmental concerns are examined and properly addressed.

The objectives of this Class EA Document are to:

1) Provide a process whereby GO Transit can fulfil the EA Act requirements for the types of projects described herein, while optimizing the use of time, money and personnel;

2) Demonstrate GO Transit's commitment to environmental management by

ensuring that the natural, social, cultural, economic and technical impacts of projects are taken into consideration in the planning, design and implementation stages, and that measures to mitigate negative impacts are implemented;

3) Ensure appropriate consultation opportunities are provided for the public and

to inform interested individuals, groups and agencies wishing to participate in the planning and implementation of a project of these opportunities and their role(s) within the process; and,



4) Provide a process which is compatible with GO Transit's approach to the planning, design and implementation of projects, and to document the same as guidelines for GO Transit Project Managers and staff to ensure the process is carried out in a workable and consistent manner between projects.

1.5 The Proponent: GO Transit The Greater Toronto Transit Authority (GTTA), which uses the name "GO Transit"2

for its operations, is an agency of the Province of Ontario. GO Transit's mission is to provide an inter-regional passenger transportation service at a level, frequency and quality consistent with Provincial objectives, within the service area as defined in the GO Transit Act, 2001. As such, it undertakes a wide range of activities associated with the implementation of inter-regional passenger rail and bus service principally in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

GO Transit is subject to the transportation policy of the Province of Ontario, as

established from time to time and within a framework provided for by the planning documents of the various levels of municipal government, as well as provincial government policy.

The “objects” (i.e., objectives) of GO Transit as defined by the GO Transit Act, 2001 are outlined in Appendix B. The manner in which the objectives incorporate provincial government, other agency and inter-agency objectives, and how they are translated into specific projects, is discussed in Section 3.1.1, Stage 1 (Problem or Opportunity Identification and Feasibility).

Although GO Transit's bus routes, and to a much lesser degree its rail routes, are

continuously being revised or expanded, Figure 1.1 provides the reader with a good indication of the service provided and the locations of existing stations and terminals.

Specific up-to-date route and schedule information may be obtained by contacting

GO Transit (refer to your telephone directory), or by writing to: GO Transit 20 Bay Street Suite 600 Toronto, Ontario M5J 2W3

2 Throughout the remainder of this document, "GO Transit" will be used to identify the operator of the

commuter facilities and services and the agency responsible for the commitments made in this document.



1.6 Directory of Class EA Document This document is organized in six sections each outlining a different component of

the overall process. Section 2.0 - Project Descriptions and Classification Section 2.0 describes the types of projects covered under this Class EA and their

specific requirements. There are three possible classifications: Group A (deemed approved); Group B

(Class EA); or, Group C (Individual EA). Individual EAs require project-specific approval pursuant to the EA Act. The provisions described in this document apply to the other two groups.

Section 3.0 - Planning Process Section 3.0 describes the planning and design process. It includes discussions of

Problem or Opportunity Identification and Feasibility, Concept Alternatives, Preliminary Design Alternatives, Detail Design, and Implementation and Monitoring.

The alternative solutions to a particular problem (referred to as "alternatives to the undertaking" in the EA Act) are termed Concept Alternatives in this Class EA Document. How to identify and assess the environmental impacts of the Concept Alternatives are discussed. Appendix D assists in the identification of impacts and provides possible mitigation strategies for various impacts.

The EA Act requires that "alternative methods of carrying out the undertaking"

be evaluated. These types of options are termed Preliminary Design Alternatives in this Class EA Document and are also described in Section 3.0. Again, Appendix D assists in the identification of impacts and suitable mitigation measures.

The final sub-sections provide information on how a project proceeds through

preliminary design, through detail design, to construction or implementation. Monitoring requirements for each project are discussed.

Figure 3.1 is a flow chart of the overall process. It will provide the reader with a good idea of the general approach and requirements, but must be read in conjunction with the text.



Section 4.0 – Public Consultation Section 4.0 outlines the requirements for public and agency consultation for Group

A and B projects. The various publics to be consulted are discussed, as are suggested methods for effective consultation (refer also to Appendix E), and developing consultation programs.

The timing of required and discretionary contacts with the public and review

agencies is described in the text and is also noted on the flow chart for easy reference (Refer to Figure 3.1). A listing of the potential review agencies to be contacted, and under what circumstances, is provided in Appendices D and F.

Suggested contents of letters and notices to the public or agencies are provided in

Appendix G. Information that must be included in the mandatory notices is provided in the text of Section 4.0.

Section 5.0 - Elevating Project Status There may be times when the net potential environmental effects of a project are

greater than anticipated, resulting in an inappropriate project classification. In these cases, there are opportunities provided in the Class EA to re-classify a project to a higher status within the Class process, or invoke a Part II Order (i.e., undertake an Individual EA). These provisions are described in Section 5.0.

Section 6.0 - Documentation An Environmental Study Report (ESR) must be completed for all Group B projects.

Group A projects do not require formal documentation. The requirements and format for the ESR are detailed in Section 6.0. Appendices In addition to the Appendices mentioned through this section, there are a number of

others covering topics such as: phase-in provisions; and the differences between the 1995 document and this document. All Appendices are listed in the Table of Contents.


2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS AND CLASSIFICATION 2.1 Introduction The EA requirements for GO Transit projects are specific to the type and nature of

the project. Any project may be classified into one of the following three categories: Group EA Requirement A Class EA - Deemed Approved (no further requirements) B Class EA with an ESR C Individual EA In order to determine which group a project falls into, projects are first compared to

two sets of Project Descriptions (described in Sections 2.2.1 and 2.2.3). These descriptions determine whether the project requires an Individual EA (Group C), or is automatically approved (Group A). If an Individual EA must be conducted, Sections 3.0 through 6.0 of this document do not apply. If a project is in Group A by virtue of being on the Approved List (Section 2.2.1), it is deemed approved and has no further EA requirements to fulfil. A project not deemed to fall within Group A or Group C, and which is included in the definition of Group B projects cited in Section 2.2.3, shall be subjected to the full procedural requirements of this Class EA Document.

The Project Activities listed in Appendix C indicate the nature of specific activities

associated with a project, and their relationship to the environment. Consequently, they assist in predicting the nature, type, and extent of environmental impacts. This knowledge allows for a determination of the level of analysis required to ensure that the project may be properly assessed, and if approved, carried out safely with any appropriate mitigating measures or procedures.

2.2 Project Descriptions and Classification Rationale for Class Projects Although this Class EA process delineates Group A and B projects based on

environmental impact, Group C projects are identified as requiring an Individual EA based solely on a Project Description. The rationale for the boundary between Group C projects and Class projects is based on the premise that Class projects:

• Stem from a common need; • Usually are similar in nature and limited in scale; • Share the same planning, design and construction process; and, • Result in predictable, relatively minor or mitigable adverse environmental

impacts.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS AND CLASSIFICATION Section 2.2


Group C projects, requiring an Individual EA, are projects which GO Transit does not routinely undertake. Therefore, they are not consistent with the intent of the Class EA process, and generally have the potential to be associated with significant environmental impacts. For example, a new rail line, regardless of length, is a Group C project. The potential for impact stems from the large topographic coverage (and associated biophysical impacts) of a new rail line generally, and from the potential socio-economic impacts of the project. Moreover, this is not an undertaking that GO Transit would typically carry out.

Two types of activities (i.e., new terminal or station, and extended rail routes) are considered Group C projects only if they are of a size larger than a specified cut-off limit. Although such arbitrary cut-offs do not necessarily correspond with the magnitude or significance of environmental impacts, they continue to be used on a limited basis in this Class EA Document because they generally indicate the scale of project with which GO Transit has experience.

For example, the bus and rail terminals constructed to date by GO Transit range in

size from approximately 2 ha (5 ac) to 10 ha (25 ac). In the event that a large1 terminal were to be proposed, because it falls outside the realm of what GO Transit typically undertakes, it would be considered a Group C project.

Major route extensions are defined as those of 50 km (30 mi) or more in length.

Although arbitrary, this value is included to provide Project Managers with guidance. It must be stressed that in confirming whether the 50 km cut-off is appropriate in a given situation, each project must be considered on its own merits with regard to its project-specific impacts (refer also to Project Definition sub-section below).

Project Definition Considered individually, some elements of projects may not result in significant

environmental changes and consequently would be classified as Group A activities. However, when all elements are considered together, the overall project may merit Group B or Group C status. For this reason, the terms of reference for projects must be defined so as to permit effective assessment.

In defining the scope of a project, to avoid piecemealing, the Project Manager

should be mindful of the following: 1) A project should include: all components required to solve the identified

problem or to address the need or opportunity; or, all elements being implemented as a package.

1 For guidance for Project Managers, 'large' is defined as 12 ha (30 ac) in size.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS AND CLASSIFICATION Section 2.2


2) A project must be independently justifiable and viable. If its utility or financial feasibility would fail if a related or adjacent project did not proceed, the project is probably a component of a larger project and should not proceed through the Class process as a separate project.

These considerations do not preclude the possible need to protect for future

development and/or land acquisition of property adjacent to an existing or proposed facility. In other words, the Class EA process does not constrain GO Transit to purchasing only the area of land required for a current proposal. GO Transit must be allowed to take advantage of an opportunity to acquire land or rights to develop land which could be used at some future time once a seed facility is built. Further details related to property acquisition are provided in Section 3.1.4.

For all situations described, a project planned and documented as a single Class EA

may be subsequently subdivided into several components to make project implementation more manageable.

Sub-sections 2.2.1 through 2.2.3 describe the types of projects which fall in Groups

A, B and C. 2.2.1 Approved List - Deemed Approved (Group A) Project Descriptions The projects listed below are operational in nature or involve typical construction

projects. Group A projects occur on a day-to-day basis. They address problems or opportunities which typically arise suddenly and must be addressed quickly, in order for GO Transit to maintain a given level of service. Projects on the Approved List are Group A projects and are, therefore, deemed approved subject to consideration of potential environmental issues, if any.

In addition, any undertaking not specifically listed in Group C, and any undertaking

listed in Group B where the estimated construction cost is $ 3.5 million or less (refer to Appendix J for a definition of construction cost), can be included in Group A, subject to consideration of potential environmental issues. Without restricting in any way whatsoever the generality of the foregoing, the undertakings noted below are listed as examples (refer to Section 3.1.1, Stage 1, Step 3 for further instructions).

GO Transit can elevate (refer to Section 5.1 for details) a Group A project to a more rigorous EA process if the potential environmental effects and/or the level of anticipated concerns are deemed significant enough to warrant a higher level of assessment. In addition, Group A projects would still be subject to consideration of applicable permits and approvals, including potential environmental impacts and mitigation considerations as required by other legislation and as outlined in Appendix D (e.g., Fisheries Act, Navigable Waters Protection Act, Ontario Heritage Act, etc.) and would, therefore, require consultation with the relevant agencies. Therefore, all proposed undertakings (including Group A projects) will be reviewed

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS AND CLASSIFICATION Section 2.2.1


to identify required or potential federal, provincial and municipal approvals (refer also to Section 3.1.1, Stage 1, Step 3).

Terms which are in italicized bold font have particular meanings within the context

of this Class EA Document and reference should be made to the Glossary (Appendix K) to accurately distinguish between project descriptions.

a) Service Changes and Operational Changes on existing Commuter Rail

Route or Commuter Bus Route. b) Temporary bus and rail service to special events, or on non-regular routes. c) Short-term change in mode on existing route. - could involve replacement of rail service with bus, and vice versa. d) Building and property Operations and Maintenance, including but not

limited to: - Parking lot and lighting rehabilitation; - Building rehabilitation or replacement; - Facility surveillance, control systems; etc. e) Improvements to or expansion of existing commuter Rail Station or Bus

Terminal, including Commuter Service Facilities. f) New, Extended or Expanded Commuter Bus Route or Bus Route

Extension. g) Emergency repairs to an existing facility (resulting from flood, fire, tornado,

etc). Although most emergency works may be exempt from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), there may still be a requirement for federal regulatory approvals, either for the emergency works themselves, or more likely, for any remedial works that may follow (refer to Appendix F).

h) Replacement of an existing facility which is destroyed as a result of a

disaster or catastrophe and which would not substantially change the use or capacity from that of the destroyed facility.

i) Revisions to existing trackwork, relocated or new switches or signal systems

when limited to existing line. j) Acquisition or lease of existing bus or rail storage and light maintenance

facilities already being used for these purposes and thus not substantially altering existing uses.

k) Provision of bus bays, bus stopping lanes, bus access lanes, or shelters for

bus stops.



l) New, Modified or Expanded Yard or Terminal, or Minor Track Addition, not solely for commuter rail purposes where the facilities are constructed on GO Transit's behalf, and the planning, design and construction is the responsibility of a federally regulated railway.

m) Modified Storage or Maintenance Yard facilities.

2.2.2 Class EA (Group B) Project Descriptions Examples of the types of projects carried out by GO Transit that are considered

Class projects are listed in this sub-section. Terms which are in italicized bold font have particular meanings within the context of this Class EA Document and reference should be made to the Glossary (Appendix K) to accurately distinguish between project descriptions.

The following are examples of the types of works which may be identified as Class

projects and therefore requiring the fulfilment of the Class EA process and provisions:

a) New commuter Rail Station, Bus Terminal, and/or ancillary Commuter

Service Facilities which in total is less than 12 ha (30 ac) in area. - Terminal may include a major Transfer Station or Intermodal

Station. - In the case of a Rail Station, may include modifications or additions

to track within the Station area. b) Rail Route Extension, less than 50 km (30 mi). - May include trackwork, including mainline, sidings, switches and

signals, Storage Yard, and new Stations. c) Construction or modification of track or signal systems required to increase

the commuter rail service (including a change to All-Day-Service) on an existing rail corridor, including such activities as:

- Construction of one additional mainline or passing track; - Modification of existing mainline track or signal systems; - Construction along short sections of one or more tracks to maintain

continuity of existing corridor; - Construction, reconstruction or widening of structures; - Construction and/or relocation of Storage Yard facilities; - Construction of additional switches. d) Expanded Maintenance or Storage Yard and service facilities for commuter

rail or bus service.



2.2.3 Group C Project Descriptions Terms which are in italicized bold font have particular meanings within the context

of this Class EA Document and reference should be made to the Glossary (Appendix K) to accurately distinguish between project descriptions.

Project Descriptions of Group C activities include: a) New or extended Commuter Rail Line. - Involves construction of a new rail corridor. b) New Commuter Rail Route, or rail Route Extension longer than 50 km (30

mi). - May include trackwork, including mainline, sidings, switches and

signals. c) New commuter Rail Station, Bus Terminal, and/or ancillary Commuter

Service Facilities which in total is 12 ha (30 ac) or greater in area. - Terminal may include major Transfer Station or Intermodal

Station. - In the case of a Rail Station, may include modifications or additions

to track within the Station area. d) New Maintenance Yard and facilities for commuter rail or bus service.

e) New Storage Yard and facilities for commuter rail or bus service.

BeverlyK

BeverlyK

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3.0 PLANNING PROCESS This section describes the process that GO Transit will follow to arrive at the point

of project categorization and then details the planning process for Group B projects, to ensure that environmental considerations are duly addressed at each stage of project decision-making. The process integrates GO Transit's project development and implementation process with the requirements of the EA Act. Approved projects (Group A) and Individual EAs (Group C) are carried through the Class EA process only to the decision point as to the appropriate Class EA Group.

All proposed undertakings (including Group A projects) will be screened to identify

required or potential federal, provincial and municipal approvals (refer to Appendix F for a general listing of applicable legislation, policies and guidelines, and Appendix H for the implications of federal approvals). Such requirements will be identified and the appropriate approval application process initiated as early as possible in the process to limit the potential for downstream delays due to approval application review.

3.1 Process The flow chart in Figure 3.1 illustrates the planning and design process associated

with this Class EA. The shading in Figure 3.1 indicates those stages which are generally internal to GO Transit. For full details, reference should be made to the appropriate sections of the text, as noted in each of the boxes in the flow chart.

The stages of the Class EA process, and the steps within each stage, are outlined in

this Section. In general, all stages apply to Group B projects. Stage 1: Problem or Opportunity Identification and Feasibility A project comes into being in response to a "need" to take an action to address either

a problem or an opportunity. There are three steps in this Stage: 1) Problem or Opportunity Identification and Needs Analysis;

2) Identify Feasible Alternatives; and 3) Categorization.

Each of these steps are described fully in Section 3.1.1. Stage 2: Alternatives to the Undertaking (Concept Alternatives) There are seven steps to this Stage which is detailed in Section 3.1.2. The steps are: 1) Develop Concept Alternatives;

PLANNING PROCESS Section 3.1 (Stage 2)


2) Initial Notice; 3) Analysis and Evaluation of Concept Alternatives; 4) Reconsideration of Problem and Possible Solutions; 5) Selection of preferred Concept Alternative (preliminary); 6) Discretionary Public Contact; and, 7) Selection of preferred Concept Alternative. Once it has been determined that the project is a Class project, and the preferred

Concept Alternative has been selected, the design components (Preliminary Design and subsequently Detail Design) of the Class EA process begin.

Stage 3: Alternative Methods of Carrying Out the Undertaking (Preliminary

Design Alternatives) Preliminary Design is a stage carried out for any construction project so that

feasibility can be confirmed; equipment, property requirements and construction problems can be identified and mitigated/allowed for; preliminary costs can be established; and, the full scope of the engineering works and impacts may be identified. This meshes with the Class EA process requirement of assessing and evaluating alternative methods of carrying out the undertaking.

Preliminary Design involves the investigation of all aspects of the undertaking in

sufficient detail to ensure that it can be implemented as designed with the cost and consequences as determined. Environmental concerns are addressed throughout this Stage. There are ten steps in the Preliminary Design Stage. They are:

1) Development of Preliminary Design Alternatives; 2) Data Collection and Impact Prediction; 3) Analysis and Evaluation of Preliminary Design Alternatives; 4) Public and Review Agency Contact (discretionary); 5) Selection of the preferred Preliminary Design Alternative; 6) Reassessment of Project Status; 7) Refine Design (if required); 8) Public and Review Agency Contact (discretionary); 9) Documentation; and, 10) Submission of ESR. These steps are described in Section 3.1.3. The purchase of property often follows

the completion of the Preliminary Design Stage, but may precede the submission of the ESR. This permits the property acquisition process to proceed concurrently with the Detail Design Stage. For further details related to property acquisition, refer to Section 3.1.4.

PLANNING PROCESS Section 3.1 (Stage 4)


Stage 4: Preferred Alternative (Detail Design) Normally, a project proceeds to Detail Design once all steps of the Preliminary

Design Alternatives Stage, including the submission of the ESR, have been completed. However, it is possible where scheduling requirements make it necessary, to begin Detail Design after the Preliminary Design has been selected (after Stage 3, Step 6) as described in Section 3.1.3.

There are two steps in Detail Design (refer to Section 3.1.5 for further details): 1) Design; and,

2) Prepare Contract Documents. Stage 5: Implementation and Monitoring There are three steps associated with this Stage, full details of which are provided in

Section 3.1.6: 1) Other Approvals; 2) Tendering and Construction; and, 3) Monitoring. A significant time lapse (i.e., 5 years or more) may occur between the filing of the

ESR and the implementation of the project. The means of addressing this situation is presented in Section 6.2 of this document.

The following sub-sections describe each stage of the process in detail. 3.1.1 Stage 1 - Problem or Opportunity Identification and Feasibility Step 1: Problem or Opportunity Identification and Needs Analysis Both problems and opportunities for GO Transit can arise from a number of

sources, namely:

• GO Transit itself through its responsibility for day-to-day operations, policy making and short-range planning;

• Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) may recommend certain

GO Transit undertakings through long range planning and broad policy directives;

• Regional and/or area municipalities requesting changes or improvements

to the interface with GO Transit (i.e., fare integration or service coordination). As part of their own planning mandate, municipalities often consider GO Transit with respect to its transportation service role as

PLANNING PROCESS Section 3.1.1 (Stage 1 – Step 1)


well as urban form and integrated land use/transit considerations. As a result, municipalities, through the Planning Act (Official Plans and Secondary Planning exercises) and following public review, have from time to time designated a site for development as a future GO Transit Commuter Service Facility;

• The Railways, in operating the rail service on the railways' trackage; and,

• The public may express concerns or ideas for change.

Typically, GO Transit proposes an undertaking to respond to one or more of

these sources. An opportunity to implement a service improvement may arise in relation to

other activities in the vicinity. These could include an opportunity to participate in a joint or cooperative project, temporary availability of a suitable facility or right-of-way, or development of new technology to enhance service.

Most commonly, the need for a project results when a Commuter Service

Facility exhibits a service deficiency (i.e., a problem) and requires improvement to accommodate existing or future commuter traffic. The construction of a new facility or the expansion of an existing one is undertaken for the purpose of correcting or accommodating one or more of the following:

a) Insufficient Passenger Capacity Existing or projected capacity deficiency of any component of the

commuter service, including train service, station facilities, amenities, station access, etc.

b) Inadequate Service Quality Facilities or service may require improvement to provide comfortable,

safe and convenient commuter service. c) Insufficient Interface with Transportation Network Effective commuter service may be hampered by insufficient links

with other elements of the transportation network. This might include interface with local transit services, parking for commuter patrons, bicycle and pedestrian access.

d) Inadequate Interface with Municipal Land Use and Land Use Plans Changing conditions in the community may limit the effectiveness of

an existing commuter facility, or provide an opportunity for improved integration in the community.



e) Service Demands from Market As the urbanized area grows it may be appropriate to introduce

service to areas not previously covered. f) New Technology New and improved equipment may be placed in service to improve

the quality and/or capacity of bus and/or rail services. Some modification or expansion of the existing infrastructure and/or operations may be required to accommodate this new technology.

g) Maintenance or Other Support Requirements Facilities may need to be constructed, expanded or modified to

provide support to the commuter service. This could include maintenance of fixed facilities, rail equipment or buses.

Depending on the type of deficiency, a Needs Analysis may be conducted to

ascertain the degree of a problem, and the subsequent extent of the solution necessary. For minor problems, an informal review by GO Transit of the situation may suffice. At the other extreme, a long range planning study for a GO Rail corridor may be conducted to identify impending capacity problems and the range of improvements necessary. Municipalities and other relevant agencies may provide input into the Needs Analysis, depending on the scope of work.

The Needs Analysis defines the objective(s) of the project, which might

include: • Extent of capacity deficiency or projected demand to be served; • The expected benefits from a service improvement opportunity; and/or, • The nature of an existing deficiency to be corrected.

The Needs Analysis would make use of:

• Review of other related planning studies; • Project history, local area and regional Official Plans, provincial policy

statements and any prior documentation leading up to the project; • Current information with respect to commuter surveys and counts,

demand forecasts, condition of facilities, design standards, adjacent land use, and environmental constraints and/or opportunities; and,

• Definition of the undertaking.

As part of a Needs Analysis, a projection of the demand for the service may be required. GO Transit estimates demand for proposed facilities based on



existing travel demand, municipal and provincial population and employment projections, GO service to be provided, relationship to other transportation network elements, relevant planning documents and other specific conditions that apply to the particular project. Prior experience with other GO facilities provides a basis for some aspects of the projection. The complexity of the demand analysis will vary depending on the extent of change anticipated as a result of the project.

Typically, changes in ridership, due to the infrastructure improvements

addressed by this Document, include three components:

• Shifts in travel patterns (e.g., from one station to another) by people already travelling on GO and other parallel transit facilities;

• Travellers who switch from other modes, such as automobile, to GO rail

or bus service, due to improved service or convenience; and,

• New trips made on GO services in areas experiencing population growth.

All three types of change are assessed, where appropriate, in estimating demand and GO Transit finds itself serving these changes in demand.

The above description of how GO Transit identifies problems or opportunities

and how it carries out a Needs Analysis serves as a generic outline of the process followed for its projects. As the specifics of each project differ, a precise description of the planning process followed for every GO Transit undertaking is not possible within this Document. Documentation of the specific framework within which each project is planned will be included in that project's ESR (refer to Section 6.0). This ESR documentation will include, where appropriate, the broad overall planning context, the Needs Analysis and demand projections, and the identified problem or opportunity.

Step 2: Identify Feasible Concept Alternatives

The prime objective of this step is to generate viable alternative concepts which solve the identified problem or develop an available opportunity, and to focus the following steps and stages on viable solutions only. The range of alternatives considered at this stage will reflect to a large extent GO Transit's current Business Plan. This long-range plan will have regard for the environmental benefits of public transit, namely: • Resource and energy savings; • Reduced need for new or expanded road networks;



• Reduced air emissions and associated air quality and health impacts; • Reduced traffic congestion and accidents; • Lower average noise levels; and, • In combination, a generally improved quality of life.

GO Transit's consideration of feasible Concept Alternatives is limited by: 1)

its mandate to provide inter-regional bus and rail passenger transportation and auxiliary services; indirectly, 2) its reliance on the railways as service suppliers; and, 3) the rail infrastructure and operational constraints.

The Class EA process allows the complexity of a problem or opportunity to

determine or limit the range of Concept Alternatives. Examination of Concept Alternatives will indicate whether the problem or opportunity is simple and the possible solution(s) limited, or complex, thus requiring a wider range of options to be studied.

Concept Alternatives for a specific problem/opportunity could be drawn

from the following examples: a) Do Nothing No improvements or changes would be made directly to solve the

problem(s) identified. This alternative would limit capacity to that of existing facilities or service. This would require passenger volumes exceeding the capacity to find other travel options.

The decision to Do Nothing can be taken at any time during the

planning and design process if and when it is determined that the costs of the undertaking, both financial and environmental, significantly outweigh the benefits.

b) New or Expanded Commuter Rail Service Expansion of the existing service could include construction of a new

commuter rail station, increasing line capacity by adding more coaches, trains, tracks or by increasing the number of trips without increasing the number of trains.

c) New or Expanded Commuter Rail Station or Bus Terminal An existing commuter rail station or bus terminal could be expanded

or a new commuter rail station or bus terminal could be constructed to serve more commuters. This could also involve the consideration of various sites as separate Concept Alternatives.

d) New or Expanded Bus Service This alternative might include the construction of new terminals and

bus service and storage facilities.



e) New or Expanded Support Facility A facility could be built or expanded to store or maintain bus or rail

equipment and vehicles, or to accommodate support or office functions.

f) Introduce New Technology New technology such as double-decker rail coaches, articulated

buses, or alternative fuels could be introduced to improve service or operating efficiency.

g) Operational Change in Bus or Rail Service This might involve schedule, frequency of service, equipment or

operating procedures. h) Introduce or Adjust Fares or Pricing Policies Ridership could be encouraged or discouraged and commuter

patterns modified through pricing policies. i) Consider an Alternative Involving Another Agency An alternative could be identified which appears viable, yet may not

be within GO Transit's sphere of responsibility or capability. If this alternative were to be preferred, it would be referred to the appropriate agency for consultation. If no response were forthcoming within a reasonable period of time and the problem is having a negative impact on GO Transit operations, GO Transit should advise the appropriate agency and then proceed with the examination of an alternative that is within GO Transit's responsibility and capability.

Within the general Concept Alternatives identified above, there may be sub-

alternatives representing significantly different approaches to resolving the problem. For example, several candidate sites for a new facility may exist. These will be treated as Concept Alternatives.

The extent of external agency involvement at this feasibility stage depends

upon the complexity of the problem to be resolved. Normally, in the feasibility assessment, only directly affected agencies will be contacted for their input. As CN Rail or CP Rail, in many cases, are the owners of the track on which GO Transit operates, if a proposed solution entails rail modification, these agencies will be consulted with respect to the opportunities and constraints involved. In a project involving track work, the railways will be asked to develop and compare the feasibility of potential alternatives.

The extent of evaluation of the potential alternatives varies with the

undertaking, ranging from short and informal to lengthy and extensive,



possibly involving feasibility studies. This stage may involve some preliminary engineering work (often referred to as pre-feasibility) if the problem is likely to be complex. Many potential projects never reach the Class EA stage because GO Transit chooses not to proceed further, for various reasons such as feasibility, cost, priorities, potential environmental impacts, etc. Only those alternatives determined to be feasible are carried forward to be developed and investigated further in the Concept Alternatives Stage.

Step 3: Categorization Several feasible alternatives will exist at this stage. Generally, all will be of

a similar scale and either suited or not to a Class treatment. This is determined by comparing the Concept Alternatives with the types of projects listed in the Group A Approved List (Section 2.2.1) and the Group C Project Descriptions (Section 2.2.3). One of four scenarios will exist:

1) All the options proposed are Group C project(s). In this case, an

Individual EA will be initiated and the Class EA process discontinued.

2) All of the options proposed are on the Group A Approved List. In

this case, the project is deemed approved regardless of the option selected. There are no further EA requirements to fulfil. However, there may be other municipal, provincial and/or federal approvals that need to be obtained (refer to Section 3.1.6, Step 1 and Appendices D, F and H).

3) The options represent a mix of projects, but do not include any

Group C projects. The Project Manager will proceed to the Concept Alternatives Stage of the Class EA process.

4) The options represent a mix of projects, including some found in the

Group C Project Descriptions. In this case, the Project Manager will proceed to the Concept Alternatives Stage of the Class EA process. When the preferred Concept Alternative (preliminary) is selected, the appropriateness of continuing with the Class EA process will become apparent. If the preferred Concept Alternative (preliminary) is one that occurs on the Group C Project Description list, the project should be considered an Individual EA and the Class process should be discontinued.

If the preferred Concept Alternative (preliminary) is a Class EA

activity (i.e., a Group B project), the undertaking would then become subject to the requirements of this Class EA. In addition, if it involves capital expenditure, it is also subject to other overlapping



and parallel processes including the capital planning, project management, design, construction and commissioning. Management approvals allowing the project to proceed are obtained at various points in the different processes.

If a Group B undertaking has undergone a public consultation

exercise under the Planning Act process, further public notice in the context of this Class EA must still be provided. Similarly, if the preferred Concept Alternative is a Group B project costing less than $3.5 million and regardless of whether or not public consultation has taken place through, for example, a municipal planning exercise for this project, a suitable public notice (refer to Sections 4.4, 5.1 and Appendix G) will be prepared notifying the public that GO Transit is undertaking this project as a Group A.

A short report (roughly 2 pages) will then be prepared documenting

the following: • The purpose, problem or opportunity being addressed; • The planning process that was followed and any anticipated

municipal process, including public consultation undertaken by GO Transit or any other public agency that has been undertaken directly or indirectly on GO Transit’s behalf;

• Alternative solutions considered and evaluated or an explanation of why alternatives are not readily available;

• The preferred solution and its physical location and dimensions; and,

• Mitigation measures and commitments made during the planning process.

This report will be kept on file and if required, forwarded to the

Ministry of the Environment’s Environmental Assessment & Approvals Branch.

Where projects initially identified as potential “Group B undertaken as Group A” are deemed to have potential environmental effects, they will be recategorized as Group B.

3.1.2 Stage 2 - Alternatives to the Undertaking (Concept Alternatives)

For Group B Projects Step 1: Develop Concept Alternatives From the Problem Identification Stage will emerge a range of feasible Concept

Alternatives including the Do Nothing option. In the Concept Alternatives Stage, each of the alternatives will be developed to the extent necessary to evaluate them on



the basis of technical requirements and natural, social, cultural and economic environmental criteria.

Step 2: Initial Notice An initial Notice would be given to the Regional EA and Planning Coordinator of

the appropriate MOE Regional Office, the public and other review agencies (refer to Section 4.0) of the status of the study and the categorization of the project. This initial notice is mandatory and will provide the first gauge of public interest.

Step 3: Analysis and Evaluation of Concept Alternatives The preferred Concept Alternative (preliminary) is selected through a systematic

evaluation of the alternatives based on an assessment of their social, cultural, economic, technical and natural environmental constraints, opportunities, and effects. The effectiveness of the Concept Alternatives in meeting the project objective(s) identified in the Needs Analysis step is a key factor in the evaluation. The level of detail associated with the evaluation, leading to the selection of a preferred Concept Alternative (preliminary), depends again on the complexity of the problem under consideration.

Where complex problems are being considered and several Concept Alternatives are

feasible, the factors considered in the evaluation and selection process would include:

• An inventory of the existing natural, social, cultural, economic and technical

environments; • An assessment of the net impacts (including consideration of mitigation

measures) of each alternative on the natural, social, cultural, economic and technical environments; and,

• Public and review agency concerns, either anticipated or obtained through

consultation. Step 4: Reconsideration of the Problem and Possible Solutions At this point, GO Transit will determine the appropriateness of the classification of

alternatives, and consider whether the preferred Concept Alternative (preliminary) should continue with the Class EA process for Group B projects, or undergo a more detailed evaluation, resulting in a change to a higher classification (refer to Section 5.0).

If it is determined that the project is a Group B project, it moves into the public

domain (i.e., proceed to Step 5).



Step 5: Selection of Preferred Concept Alternative (Preliminary) On the basis of the preliminary evaluation (from Step 3), a preferred Concept

Alternative (preliminary) will be recommended by the Project Manager. Step 6: Public and Review Agency Contact (discretionary) If several viable concepts have been considered and it is felt that public input is

necessary or would be useful at this time (i.e., there is public interest in the project), the Project Manager may also arrange for public input through a Public Information Centre or other medium. This would provide an opportunity for public input before the preferred Concept Alternative is finally selected (refer to Section 4.4.2).

Step 7: Selection of Preferred Concept Alternative Following consideration of the factors outlined in Step 3, and review agency and

public comments, the preferred Concept Alternative will be selected. Understandably, as in any planning and design process, trade-offs will undoubtedly be made during these selections. This being the case, it is possible that the preferences of one or more of the external agencies or public interests will be prevailed over by other considerations. GO Transit will make these trade-offs after having considered all input, and, through the continuing consultative process with the external agencies, will explain the rationale for the trade-offs.

3.1.3 Stage 3 - Alternative Methods of Carrying Out the Undertaking (Preliminary

Design Alternatives) Step 1: Development of Alternatives In the development step, projects may include new commuter rail stations, bus

terminals, rail route extensions or new tracks and signals. Therefore the development of Preliminary Design Alternatives will have to reflect realistic options for the individual project. The alternatives may include some combination of the following:

a) Alternative locations for a new station or terminal; b) Alternative building sizes and associated functionality; c) Construction of Parking Lots; - Including various designs accommodating different numbers of parking

spaces and Kiss ‘n’ Ride facilities d) Access Improvements; - Including improvements to various intersections and/or accesses e) Alternative layouts for transit interface between Rail and Bus; f) Alternative locations and configurations for tracks, sidings, storage yards,

signals; and/or, g) Alternative alignments and configurations for rail route extensions.

PLANNING PROCESS Section 3.1.3 (Stage 3– Step 1)


Each of these options may also entail sub-options because of property requirements. Alternative project designs and layouts may be considered in order to minimize the need to acquire property, to maximize the utility of the remaining property, and/or to minimize the effects on adjacent property and property owners.

The alternatives should be developed to a level of detail such that:

1) The Project Manager, review agencies and the public are able to ascertain the extent of projected impact(s) on their interests; and,

2) A fair comparison of alternatives may be conducted.

Step 2: Data Collection and Impact Prediction The evaluation of alternatives will be based on a comparative analysis of their

individual net impacts. Net impacts are the residual impacts, once mitigation measures have been put in place. The first steps in this process are: 1) to inventory the existing natural, social, cultural, economic, and technical environmental conditions; and, 2) predict the effects of the project on those environmental features identified.

Subsequently, mitigation measures will be developed to counter adverse impacts or

enhance positive impacts, and the remaining net impacts will form the basis for the final evaluation.

Data Collection The inventory of the existing environment will include natural, social, cultural,

economic and technical information, and project-specific opportunities and constraints. The environmental setting will influence the potential environmental issues and impacts, as a comparable change may have significantly different effects in different settings. GO Transit will be sensitive to the project-specific circumstances and environmental setting when defining the scope of the environment to inventory. Detailed environmental data related to a specific environmental feature (e.g., noise survey of surrounding area because of proximity to a residential neighbourhood; or stream water quality and fish habitat assessment because of crossing of a coldwater fishery) will be collected. In such cases, the appropriate review agency(ies) should be contacted to ascertain the criteria around which the data need be collected.

Information related to the existing environment can be obtained from:

• A review of relevant background material; • Experience gained from projects in a similar setting; • Field inspection and surveys; and,



• Input received from review agencies and the public in the Concept Alternatives Stage, and where necessary, additional contacts to clarify any concerns.

Impact Prediction Following data collection, the potential impacts of the alternatives on the various

environmental components must be predicted. In some cases, impact prediction will involve the identification and prediction of future needs. Appendix C assists in identifying the project activities.

The extent, magnitude, incidence and significance of each potential impact will be

detailed. The level of detail required must be sufficient to enable accurate impact predictions, consideration of effective mitigating measures, and subsequently an assessment of net impacts. It may happen that the detailed assessment at this time makes evident impacts which were either overlooked, underestimated or overestimated earlier.

For some impacts, appraisal can be accomplished through the use of aerial photos,

maps and other reference materials, supplemented by field work. In other instances, where background material is lacking, field work will be a major component of this step. Appendix D serves as a guide to the components of the environment that might be affected by various types of projects and construction activities. Appendix D covers the potential range of concerns for various environmental settings and proposed improvements. It is not an exhaustive checklist by which the quality of an environmental assessment is measured.

Mitigation A critical ingredient to the determination of net impacts is the degree to which

negative impacts can be minimized and positive impacts enhanced. On the basis of these net effects, the alternatives can then be compared.

In some cases, the Preliminary Design Alternatives themselves may be tailored to

mitigate environmental impacts. Other mitigation measures may be "add-on", such as: sound attenuation measures; appropriate handling of surface runoff; and, visual screening. Typical mitigation measures corresponding to specific environmental concerns are described in Appendix D.

Where only one means of mitigation can be identified, an analysis will be

undertaken to determine whether it is justified in terms of environmental and engineering costs and benefits. Where more than one solution seems workable for a particular impact, this analysis will be comparative in nature to aid in determining the most effective, efficient and practical solution.

Design of mitigation or best management practices for any specific project must take

into account:



• The magnitude, incidence and significance of any particular impact; • The appropriateness of any particular protective measure; • The environmental setting of a project; and, • New mitigation methods and technology.

Mitigation related to specific construction techniques, including those requested by review agencies, will be taken into account by GO Transit in Detail Design (Section 3.1.5 and Appendix D).

Step 3: Analysis and Evaluation of Preliminary Design Alternatives An analysis and evaluation are done by comparing the needs with the benefits, costs,

functional characteristics and natural, social, cultural, economic and technical environmental implications for each of the Preliminary Design Alternatives. At this stage, environmental impacts often are similar for all alternatives. If this is the case, further evaluation of alternatives will be based on factors with significant differences (e.g., functional factors). The rationale for placing more importance on certain criteria will be documented in the ESR.

The following factors will be considered in this analysis and evaluation: a) Effectiveness in solving the identified need or problem(s) and achieving

stated objective(s); b) Compatibility with existing and future transportation systems' planning

policies; c) The potential net environmental effects (i.e., after mitigation) and

compatibility with a given setting considering present and future land uses (i.e., agriculture, the built environment, etc.);

d) Property and equipment requirements; and, e) Cost analysis (including maintenance). Any public input or comments from external contacts would be included in these

assessments. A preferred Preliminary Design Alternative (preliminary) would then be selected. The decision is made by GO Transit and is based on public and review agency input, the evaluation carried out in Step 3, accepted environmental and engineering practices, and the judgment, training and experience of the senior staff involved.

Step 4: Public and Review Agency Contact (discretionary) Following the analysis and evaluation of the Preliminary Design Alternatives, there

is a discretionary point of contact for the public and review agencies (refer to Section 4.4.2), depending on the level of public interest in the project.



Step 5: Selection of Preferred Preliminary Design Following consideration of the factors outlined in Step 3, the receipt of comments

and the incorporation of these as appropriate into the evaluation, a preferred Preliminary Design will be selected. Selection of the most acceptable Preliminary Design Alternative results from consideration of the environmental effects, input received, accepted environmental and engineering practices and the training and experience of the senior staff recommending and reviewing the potential project.

Step 6: Reassessment of Project Status In order to confirm that the level of planning is still appropriate, a reassessment of

the project category must be carried out. As the project is carried through to Preliminary Design, impacts which were overlooked or not anticipated in the Concept Alternatives Stage may become apparent, or more detailed information related to project impacts may become available. At this point, GO Transit will consider whether the project should continue with the Class EA process as a Group B project, or undergo a more detailed evaluation, resulting in a change to a Group C category (refer to Section 5.0).

Step 7: Refinement (if required) On receipt of the detailed engineering and environmental data, minor adjustments

may be made to the Preliminary Design. This could include parking layout, structural configuration and access locations. Drainage and structural requirements are specified at this time. Property requirements are finalized. This step may also be required to refine the extent or responsiveness to mitigation of specific impacts.

If new alternatives, or significant changes to previous alternatives arise due to the

complexity of the project, then the options would need to be re-evaluated. Step 8: Public and Review Agency Contact (discretionary) If a new alternative is considered, or a change is made to a previous alternative, the

Project Manager must determine whether it is necessary to advise the agencies, and obtain comments (refer to Section 4.4.2). If the change is significant and there is public interest in the project, affected agencies and the public should be notified.

Step 9: Documentation Formal documentation of the Class EA process will appear in the ESR (refer to

Section 6.1).



Step 10: Submission & Notice of Completion (mandatory) The final step in the Preliminary Design Stage for Group B projects is the filing of

the final documentation. The ESR shall be placed on the public record at GO Transit offices for a period of 45 calendar days where it will be available for inspection by interested parties. Affected Regional and/or District offices of the MOE, and review agencies that have been involved throughout the process and have expressed an interest in receiving the ESR, will be sent their own copy.

A mandatory notice indicating completion of the ESR and its filing on the public

record shall be placed in the newspaper(s) and issued to parties who have indicated an interest in remaining apprised of the project's progress (refer to Section 4.4.2 and Appendix G, letter #8 for details). The notice shall indicate the Class EA category of the project and the right of any party to request from the Minister of the Environment, during the review period, a Part II Order to elevate the project to a Group C category (refer to Section 5.0).

Property expropriation (refer to Section 3.1.4), site preparation and grading, and

project construction may not begin until after the review period and the resolution of a Part II Order request(s), if any. This does not preclude the following activities from taking place during the review period, albeit at the risk to GO Transit:

• Legal surveys, field investigations, site surveying where these can be done

without site clearing; • Archaeological surveys (where they can be done without construction taking

place simultaneously); • Property negotiations and acquisition (refer to Section 3.1.4); and, • Applications for other approvals.

To further facilitate resolution of issues with affected stakeholders, GO Transit may, at their option, extend the ESR review period if they feel that the additional time acquired in doing so will improve the chances of the conflict being resolved without a Part II Order request. This measure is recognized as a potential means of making the overall process more efficient (i.e., averting the expenditure of resources to address a Part II Order request by spending nominal additional time in the ESR review period). In this event, GO Transit will advise the party with the concern that negotiations will continue for a mutually acceptable specified time period, following which, if the issues remain unresolved, the party may make a Part II Order request to the Minister of the Environment within a further 7 calendar days.

If no Part II Order requests are received during the 45 calendar days, and if Detail

Design (refer to Section 3.1.5) has proceeded to an advanced stage, construction may begin once the review period ends, and other required approvals have been obtained.

PLANNING PROCESS Section 3.1.4


3.1.4 Property Acquisition In order to efficiently operate its services and to expediently address commuter

handling deficiencies, GO Transit may acquire and dispose of property as long as it does so in accordance with the requirements of this document and/or in accordance with the specific requirements of an Individual EA. At any time, GO Transit may also acquire land in hardship situations as defined in the Glossary in Appendix K.

When considering acquiring a parcel of land, GO Transit will directly contact the

property owner of the subject parcel. In some cases, adjacent property owners will also be contacted. For example, where a property purchase and subsequent construction of a GO Transit facility would have significant impacts on the character of a neighbourhood (e.g., through or in a residential area), adjacent owners would be notified. On the other hand, where an adjacent landowner is not proximal to the subject parcel (because the subject parcel is only one piece of a larger parcel of land), and the intended use is compatible with existing land uses, GO Transit may determine that it is neither necessary nor appropriate to contact adjacent property owners when property negotiations are proposed. In most cases, however, GO Transit overstates their property requirements at the beginning of the process. In so doing, the property owners, adjacent to the parcel ultimately acquired, are notified.

GO Transit may option land and/or lease property rather than purchase property if

such arrangements are financially preferable to GO Transit in light of budget and other considerations. These arrangements will be taken into consideration during the Preliminary Design Alternatives Stage and, if applicable to the preferred Design, will be noted in the ESR.

It is possible that at any given time GO Transit may own undeveloped property in

the immediate vicinity of an existing Commuter Service Facility and/or the potential site for a new facility. This could and does occur when GO Transit must acquire a parcel of land greater than it requires for its immediate needs (refer to Section 2.2) but is unable to quickly dispose of the remaining property in a cost efficient manner due to the relative unattractiveness of the lands to potential buyers because of such factors as land location, size, shape and zoning.

GO Transit will take into consideration any properties owned by GO Transit during

the Preliminary Design Alternatives Stage. However the selection of the preferred Preliminary Design will be based on the net environmental effects and not solely on property ownership considerations.

The purchase of property often follows the completion of the Preliminary Design

Stage, but may precede the submission of the ESR. This permits the property acquisition process to proceed concurrently with the Detail Design Stage (refer to Section 3.1.5). Once the preferred Preliminary Design Alternative is selected, property requirements for vehicle movements, parking, buildings, etc., are known. Property acquisition for Group B projects is desirable at this point so that detail

PLANNING PROCESS Section 3.1.4


design may be undertaken with the assurance that the property is indeed available, and therefore, detail design efforts will not have been wasted (refer also to Refinement of Preliminary Design, Section 3.1.3, Step 7 and Section 4.4.2, Fourth Opportunity). It is recognized that property acquisition prior to the 45 calendar day public review period and opportunity for a Part II Order request(s) would be at GO Transit's own risk.

In the case of Group A projects, the purchase of property can follow categorization,

(refer to Section 3.1.1, Stage 1, Step 3).

In the event a Group B project is changed to a higher categorization (i.e., Group C - refer to Section 5.0), the purchased land may or may not ultimately be able to be used and/or re-sold.

Alternately, there exists the possibility that GO Transit, having acquired property at

the end of the Preliminary Design Alternatives Stage, may decide, either alone or in consultation with external agencies, that based on information received or generated during the Detail Design Stage, the environmental disadvantages of the undertaking outweigh all advantages. In this case, GO Transit may sell the property it acquired during the Preliminary Design Alternatives Stage and seek another solution to its problem.

3.1.5 Stage 4 - Preferred Undertaking (Detail Design) Step 1: Design Normally the project would move into the Detail Design Stage immediately

following Preliminary Design, however, it may be delayed as other activities such as property acquisition can determine the implementation schedule. In some cases, the preliminary design work may show that conditions anticipated during earlier planning work have not been realized, and that the need for the project is not as advanced as expected. Also, preliminary design work may show that there are potential environmental disadvantages which outweigh the advantages of the project. In either case, it is possible at this point to decide to maintain existing conditions, at least temporarily, and not to advance to the Detail Design Stage.

If significant change(s) occur between the Preliminary and Detail Design Stages

(refer to Sections 3.1.6 and 6.2), a review of previous documents may be necessary to ensure that the information is still valid and up-to-date. The engineering and environmental information will be updated if required. Additional data may be required for Detail Design such as soils and foundation investigations, design of structures, location of utilities, requirements for illumination, signals and signs, ground surveys and property information.

If Detail Design has been reached without having conducted Step 7 of Stage 3

(Refinement of Preliminary Design Alternatives, Section 3.1.3), design refinement

PLANNING PROCESS Section 3.1.5 (Stage 4 - Step 1)


would be undertaken at this time in Stage 4. Drainage requirements and structural design would be detailed and property requirements finalized.

A further opportunity for review agency consultation is provided at this point, if

required (refer to Section 4.4.2). This opportunity will generally be used only for those agencies that earlier on in the process indicated a need to be involved at the Detail Design Stage.

If negative environmental impacts are not anticipated, the Detail Design process will

be quite straightforward. It is possible, however, that unanticipated impacts may become apparent during Detail Design. This may require that design oriented mitigation measures be incorporated into the contract documents; or, that some changes be made to the operational design; or both.

Should unanticipated impacts arise, GO Transit will consult with those external

agencies identified as having an interest in the impacts to determine appropriate mitigating measures.

Step 2: Prepare Contract Documents GO Transit's capital works are carried out by contracts let by competitive tender and

the contractor is normally the low bidder. Specifications and special provisions in the contract and any relevant legislation bind the contractors' method of operation.

Some construction operations have potential for environmental impact and, where

these can be anticipated in the Preliminary Design Stage, special provisions will be written into the contract. They will spell out what can or cannot be done during specific operations. The significance of impacts associated with the methods of carrying out the undertaking at the construction stage will be assessed and remedial measures will be identified where appropriate for implementation during construction. These may include:

• Prohibition of stockpiling material or parking equipment on part of the site if

there is the possibility of unnecessary visual intrusion; • Measures to prevent and mitigate erosion of excavated material onto adjacent

properties or into adjacent water bodies; • The use of machines specially equipped for noise control, or well-maintained

equipment with up-to-date noise emission control features; • Measures to control dust and debris, and to provide protection against hazardous

conditions such as trenches and other excavations; and, • Construction during particular time periods to minimize effects on natural

ecosystem processes (e.g., fish spawning), the transportation network and/or adjacent landowners or tenants.

Specific environmental measures for the critical areas identified earlier and

documented in the ESR will be defined in detail. Potential solutions related to



specific construction techniques to minimize detrimental impacts will be detailed at this time.

As part of the earlier consultative process, external agencies may have proposed

specific mitigating measures to be included in the contract documents. Where GO Transit is required to, or made a commitment in the ESR to include these measures, the interested agency will have an opportunity to provide input in determining the wording of the special provision. The contract may require notification of the agency prior to commencement of a particular construction phase or activity to allow for monitoring by the agency.

3.1.6 Stage 5 - Implementation and Monitoring Step 1: Other Approvals The Class EA process does not in any way supersede, or make unnecessary, the need

to fulfil obligations and requirements associated with other approvals and/or permits. Often, permits will require a fair level of detail and thus, projects will normally be at, or through, the detail design stage before other approvals are sought. Permits from some agencies are granted for a limited period of time only. In general, this does not create a problem for GO Transit (e.g., expiry of approvals, need for addendum) as these other approvals will be obtained only immediately prior to construction commencing.

Once the Class EA process has been completed, any other required approvals or

permits must be obtained before the project proceeds to tender (refer to Appendix D). Federal requirements may include the federal environmental assessment process (refer to Appendix H).

Step 2: Tendering and Construction The actual construction is generally undertaken by a contractor who is supervised by

GO Transit or its agent. The agent is normally a professional consulting engineer or architect. The contractor is required to perform his work in accordance with the contract documents and specifications developed during the Detail Design. The contractor's adherence to those documents is checked by the field agent. The work is supervised so that unforeseen conditions are dealt with in a manner consistent with the protection, conservation and wise management of the environment. Refer also to Project Monitoring (Section 3.1.6, Step 3).

Where a problem arises that has not been identified prior to construction, it will be

addressed on site by GO Transit or its agent. Depending on the circumstances, this may include notice to, and requests for assistance from, appropriate review agencies. If the condition is significant, an addendum to the ESR will be written (refer to Section 6.2). During construction two situations may occur which could cause



deviations from commitments made in the ESR: a) contractor’s method of operation; or, b) an unforeseen occurrence.

a) Contractor's Method Of Operation The contractor may follow the contract documents explicitly but by his

method of operation cause other environmental problems to develop. GO Transit's agent will discuss problems of this nature with the contractor who will alter his operations to avoid potential damage to the environment. Alternatively, the agent may choose to advise GO Transit of the problems and GO Transit will direct an alteration in the contractor's operations.

The agent is present at the job site often enough to ensure that the contract is

being adhered to. If it is considered desirable by GO Transit and the external agencies concerned about specific construction activities or contract requirements, the terms of the contract document or the terms of the supervisory contract between GO Transit and its agent could require that the agent be present at the job site during certain construction activities.

b) An Unforeseen Occurrence Occasionally a situation develops during the course of construction which

has not been covered in the contract documentation. When this occurs GO Transit's field agent will notify GO Transit and an appropriate course of action will be developed. If this modification requires a change in the ESR, the change will be made according to Section 6.2.

In some cases environmental sensitivities may be suspected to exist; or they

may be known to exist, but their significance may not be known prior to construction. An example is the suspected presence of an archaeological site. In cases such as this, GO Transit in conjunction with the relevant agency or agencies (in this case, the Ministry of Culture; MOE; and, perhaps others) may wish to provide for such a contingency in the contract specifications. This would involve stating in the construction contract what is to be done in the event of a discovery. The wording of the specification would be developed by GO Transit and the Ministry of Culture. Other contingencies would be handled in a similar manner.

Step 3: Project Monitoring Although to fall within the Class, projects must share general characteristics and

impacts, projects and the environmental settings within which they occur are never duplicated. There will be instances where a project-specific environmental setting has not been frequently encountered previously. In such a case, a monitoring program is especially important to ensure that actual impacts approximate predicted impacts, and that mitigative measures are effective.



To assess the effectiveness of its environme ntal mitigating measures, GO Transit will make sure that:

1) Individual and combined mitigating measures are providing the expected

control and/or protection; 2) Additional mitigating measures are provided, as required, for any unforeseen

environmental problems that may arise during construction; and, 3) The monitoring program provides sufficient recommendations so that it will

serve as a good reference for the best approach in dealing with environmental concerns in future projects.

The method to be employed for monitoring construction and operation, and

suggested mitigation measures will be documented in the ESR (refer to Section 6.1.1).

GO Transit ensures implementation of mitigation measures and any key design

features is consistent with any earlier commitments made to external agencies. GO Transit will carry out an environmental monitoring program that is a combination of the following three types:

1) General On-Site Environmental Control A general on-site inspection will be conducted by GO Transit construction

staff, or agents thereof, to ensure that: a) methods identified in the ESR for addressing environmental concerns are being carried out properly; and, b) any unexpected environmental problems are identified and addressed immediately. GO Transit routinely carries out this type of monitoring for all its projects. Where supervision is carried out by its agents, provisions will be included in the contract requiring strict compliance to the approved design and monitoring requirements.

2) Monitoring of Project-Specific Environmental Concerns For projects involving sensitive environmental areas (e.g., waterbodies,

ESAs) or issues, or projects that utilize new, innovative, or large-scale mitigation measures, intensive monitoring will be carried out by GO Transit staff or agents thereof. The detail design stage will usually identify whether specific environmental concerns warrant intensive monitoring. The ESR (or addenda) will document any specific commitments made to address the environmental concern or issue (e.g., specific monitoring requirements and procedures, submission of any field monitoring reports, manner in which unexpected environmental effects identified by the monitoring program will be addressed).



3) Evaluation of Environmental Control Methods Utilized This type of monitoring involves surveillance of mitigation techniques under

varying field conditions as well as an evaluation of the effectiveness of the mitigation measures to identify how well environmental concerns were estimated, how well the proposed measures worked, the potential for technical improvement, and overall, the effectiveness of the monitoring program. This will provide a good knowledge base for improving the type and application of mitigation methods employed by GO Transit.

Monitoring of the Class EA program is described in Appendix I.


4.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION 4.1 Definition and Purpose Consultation is the process whereby interested and/or affected individuals,

organizations, and review agencies provide input to the decision-making process. It is an integral component of the Class EA process and a requirement of the EA Act. An effective public participation program allows both the proponent and members of the general public to benefit from an interactive process that will result in better planning and informed decision-making.

The objectives of consultation are to: 1) Inform and involve the public and review agencies about the need for the

project, possible alternative solutions, and the decision-making process including points where affected parties can influence decisions;

2) Help ensure that the proponent is fully informed of public and review agency

concerns, related initiatives, potential alternatives, sources of information, and approvals required before decisions are made; and,

3) Identify and resolve issues to the extent possible between GO Transit and the

affected parties before the ESR is completed, as well as; identify points of agreement that can form the basis for mediation.

In the Concept Alternatives Stage, once a project is classified as a Group B project,

GO Transit will assess the project-specific needs for a public involvement program. The nature of such a program will be tentatively determined at this point, based on the guidelines outlined in Section 4.3.1. Some projects will be of such small scale that public involvement over and above mandatory notifications is not warranted, but GO Transit will be flexible and provide for involvement if the need arises.

4.2 Various "Publics" to be Consulted There are a number of public and agency groups and/or individuals that may wish to

participate in the planning and design of a particular project, including the following:

• General public: individual citizens who may be directly affected by, or interested in, a project.

• Special interest groups: public and/or private interest groups specially created

or mandated to address concerns related to a project. • Aboriginal communities: aboriginal communities will be consulted if (i) the

project is located on, goes through, or is in close proximity to an aboriginal community, such as a First Nation reservation, and areas where they have

PUBLIC CONSULTATION Section 4.2


traditionally carried out activities such as hunting and trapping; (ii) the project affects land that is subject to an unresolved First Nation land claim; or (iii) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the project would result in impacts to an archaeological site relating to Canada’s aboriginal heritage. Refer to Appendix F for First Nations to be contacted for projects in GO Transit’s service area

• Government review agencies: federal, provincial, and municipal agencies and

authorities who may have an interest in a project and/or have been designated to review EAs. A list of review agencies and the situations in which they may wish to be involved in GO Transit activities is included in Appendix F.

• Ministry of the Environment : MOE is the agency responsible for administering

the EA Act.

4.2.1 Review Agencies An integral component of any consultation program for projects of this Class is the

input provided by government review agency representatives and elected officials. These representatives are consulted for technical information at various phases of the study and have the opportunity to comment on the project proposals.

Interested and potentially affected review agencies are canvassed during the Concept

Alternatives Stage for an indication of their interest and desired level of involvement. Appendix F, while not exhaustive, provides a list of possible agencies to be contacted under the circumstances characteristic of GO Transit activities. Any project where the planning, design, construction and operation are the responsibilities of a Railway, or on Railway property, should include continuing consultation and representation of the appropriate Railway representatives.

An example of an initial notification letter is contained in Appendix G. All agencies

thus informed are responsible for advising GO Transit staff of any concerns/issues related to the project. Agencies will be requested to formally declare their wish to be further involved and/or the nature of their involvement in the project.

Those agencies indicating a wish to participate will be contacted individually as

required for input or advice on specific factors, including natural, social, cultural, economic and technical environmental concerns. Alternatively, a team arrangement will be considered where formal discussion and/or presentation of study findings at key points in the planning and design process will be undertaken. There may be instances where an "ad hoc" committee of review agency interests could assist in a number of areas, for example in ensuring consistent responses to concerns, or in developing mitigation measures.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION Section 4.2.1


Agencies indicating an interest will continue to be involved throughout the project; in short, their involvement is not a one-time-only involvement. This is in part because most projects are iterative in nature.

In addition, any agency having an interest in a project who, by error or omission on

its own or GO Transit's part, initially fails to become involved in a project will be welcome to participate at any time after the commencement of the project.

4.2.2 Involvement of the MOE There are two types of contact with MOE:

1) MOE as a review agency providing advice on the technically mandated areas of the Ministry. The Regional EA and Planning Coordinator of the appropriate MOE Regional office is the ministry contact for projects carried out under a Class EA process. The MOE Regional office should be the first contact for not only technical information, but advice on and questions concerning the Class EA process; and,

2) MOE as the administrator of the EA Act (EAAB). The EAAB is the contact

regarding GO Transit’s “Parent” Class EA Document (e.g., issues involving approval of the Class EA Document).

Contacts with MOE's Regional and/or District offices will be made, as required,

throughout the study in the same manner as described in Section 4.2.1 for other external contacts. Technical information, advice on the application of other environmental legislation (e.g., Environmental Protection Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Pesticides Act), and specific environmental data or input will be sought through these channels.

The role of the EAAB is limited to the administration of the EA Act: the review and

approval of this Class EA Document; the review and processing of requests for Part II Orders; advice as requested by GO Transit; and, monitoring and evaluation of GO Transit's Class EA program. The GO Transit Class EA process is a self-assessment process and the EAAB will not normally be contacted on a project-specific basis.

4.2.3 General Public and Special Interest Groups All directly or potentially affected individuals or groups should be notified and given

the opportunity to have input to any Group B project. All reasonable efforts will be made to notify those interested. Various means of notification exist and may be utilized. As a minimum, an advertisement will be placed in appropriate newspaper(s).



Parties with whom GO Transit may enter into property negotiations will be contacted in all instances, usually directly by phone or letter (refer to Section 3.1.4).

It is GO Transit's responsibility to determine the most suitable and effective means

of involving the potentially affected public. The methods employed will vary according to the complexity, sensitivity, and scale of the project, as reflected in the list of Project Activities (refer to Appendix C). Where a project affects an entire corridor, there will be certain sections where public interest or environmental concerns are greater than along other sections. The Project Manager will exercise discretion as to who should be contacted, and by what means. The methods may vary from section to section along the corridor, depending on need. Those to be contacted could include: adjacent property owners; current transit riders; immediately adjacent residents; naturalist groups; Chambers of Commerce; individual business interests; residents' associations, etc. Consultation methods are discussed further in Section 4.3.2.

Members of the public invited to participate in a specific project will be requested to

make known their wish to be further involved either by phone or in writing. Only those indicating such an interest need be directly notified of further consultation opportunities. It is the role and responsibility of the public to advise GO Transit staff of any comments or concerns regarding the project in a timely fashion. This will enable the incorporation of public input to the decision-making process. The party should work with GO Transit at resolving any issues or concerns. Objector(s) should only request intervention from the Minister of the Environment after the ESR has been filed (refer to Section 3.1.3, Step 10 and Section 5.0).

4.3 Guidelines for Consultation Programs 4.3.1 Developing a Program The following steps are guidelines to be used in developing and implementing

consultation programs.

1) Establish the needs and objectives of the public consultation program. Clearly identify those decisions that require public input.

2) Determine which public and review agencies are relevant for the specific

project. The various review agencies and their corresponding legislation and areas of interest, are listed in Appendix F.

3) Determine the manner in which input will be incorporated in the planning

process. 4) Determine appropriate consultation techniques in light of the identified needs

and objectives and the affected/interested publics (e.g., disseminate



information, monitor public response, issue resolution, or detailed problem solving). Appendix E provides guidance in this regard.

5) Maintain the visibility of a public consultation program. While this may

entail the expenditure of additional resources, it is beneficial to the project and overall public relations to advise the public of the status of a project at regular intervals over inactive periods.

6) Ensure that proper notice is given for all consultation opportunities in terms

of information content and provision of adequate response time. 7) Background/information materials prepared for review by the public (e.g.,

newsletters, working papers) shall be written in readily understandable language as opposed to technical jargon, to facilitate understanding and promote useful and informed feedback.

8) Advise the public that all concerns raised will be treated seriously, and will

be fully documented. 9) The proponent and its agent(s) should be flexible in implementing and

conducting a consultation program that is suited to project-specific needs. GO Transit operations play an important role in the movement of people within and

between municipalities. As such, the public consultation program will be developed in consultation with all affected regional and local municipalities. This is normally undertaken prior to the Initial Notice being given in the Concept Alternatives Stage. The GO Transit Project Manager, having considered the guidelines above, will establish a tentative program and will notify the affected municipalities of it approximately four weeks prior to the Initial Notice to the public. This provides sufficient time in the case that the municipalities have concerns or require that it be brought to their respective Councils' attention

4.3.2 Public Consultation Methods There are a variety of techniques available that can be used to consult with the

general public and special interest groups. Methods of public consultation include, but are not limited to:

• Open houses/public information centres; • Public meetings (presentation; question and answer period); • Workshops/seminars/round table discussions; • Public advisory groups/liaison committees; • Brief meetings/presentations to an interest group; • Field trips/site visits; • Letters; • Telephone calls;



• Personal visits; • Surveys/questionnaires; • Newspaper advertisements/inserts; • Radio/television announcements; • Media presentations; • Newsletters/fact sheets/information packages; • Exhibits/notices placed in prominent locations (e.g., library, supermarket,

community centre); and, • Municipal publications.

The method selected by a Project Manager will vary depending on a wide range of

factors, including: the type of input being sought; the complexity of the project; and, the stage of the project. Interactive techniques, such as drop-in centres or open houses are typically used by GO Transit to inform the general public. Additionally, information collected during the study may be made available to the public through informal means such as telephone or letter exchanges. Contact with review agencies or groups is usually by letter or through workshops and steering committee meetings.

Appendix E lists a number of consultation methods, evaluated against criteria such

as expertise required, audience size, and problem solving value. It can be used as a guide to determine appropriate method(s) for a specific project throughout its various planning stages.

4.3.3 Notification There is no one, "right" way of notifying the various publics for all projects. What

may be suited to one situation will be excessive in different circumstances, yet insufficient in another case. The Project Manager will determine the most appropriate means of notifying the public, based on his/her judgement and experience, the needs of the project, consultation with municipalities, and the experiences of other Project Managers in similar situations. Several methods for notifying the public may need to be used in combination at any one point of contact. This combination may be tailored and modified to suit the needs/objectives of subsequent points of contact/notification.

The following are some general guidelines to assist Project Managers in this regard. Potentially interested parties (e.g., local residents, businesses and community

groups, adjacent property owners), will be notified of the project by newspaper advertisement, as a minimum.

Notification to review agencies will be direct and formal, initially taking the form of

a letter to introduce the project, establish technical contacts and establish protocols for information transfer, which may be followed up with an introductory meeting and subsequent information sessions.



If a notice is to be followed by an information session of some kind, the notice will provide the details of the session. It is essential that adequate notice be provided at least 15 calendar days in advance of the session. Public meetings or information centres are the usual methods of 'formal' consultation used by GO Transit. Meetings may also be held with individual residents or community associations.

4.4 Procedures for Public Consultation Described below are guidelines for public consultation for Group B projects only.

Group C projects are subject to an Individual EA and are beyond the scope of this document. Descriptions of the requirements for such projects may be obtained from the MOE. Projects that are classified as Group A are deemed approved, and as such have no mandatory requirements for consultation with the public and review agencies. However, the Project Manager may elect to notify potentially affected publics and municipalities of a Group A undertaking where circumstances warrant it.

In the case of a Group B project undertaken as a Group A, GO Transit will provide suitable public notice regarding undertaking the project as a Group A initiative (refer to Appendix G for sample letter/notice #2). In addition, GO Transit will document the rationale for taking this approach in a brief report (refer to Section 3.1.1, Stage 1, Step 3) and keep the report on file, and if required forward to the EAAB of the MOE (refer also to Section 5.1 and Appendix G).

Each of the contacts for Group B projects is described in the following subsections.

In Appendix G are suggested contents of notices/letters for the public and/or review agencies.

4.4.1 Level of Effort The number and timing of the contacts with the public and review agencies is

flexible so that GO Transit may be responsive to project-specific needs. The flow chart in Figure 3.1 illustrates six possible points of contact. GO Transit is not required to undertake all six contacts for all projects, nor are they restricted in the number of contacts with the public or review agencies to these six points. Contacts may occur at any time during the study for the purposes of information exchange and/or follow-up in response to specific requests.

Of the six possible contacts shown on the flow chart (Figure 3.1), only the first and

the fifth are mandatory. The need to undertake a discretionary contact is a decision taken by the Project Manager and is initially considered when the public consultation program is developed (refer to Section 4.3.1). The ESR (refer to Section 6.1) would need to document the rationale behind the decision for the consultation program undertaken and why certain, if any, discretionary contacts were not taken. The frequency, nature, and timing of contacts depends on the complexity of a project which is a function of the following criteria:



1) The nature of controversial or sensitive public issues; 2) The extent of property required for the project; 3) The number of property owners affected by the project; 4) The extent of federal, provincial, and/or municipal concerns; 5) The nature of direct and indirect effects on the technical, natural, social,

cultural and economic environments; 6) The number of feasible Concept Alternatives available; and, 7) The number of feasible Preliminary Design Alternatives available. Of these, the most relevant to deciding whether or not to undertake a formal (i.e.,

face to face) contact are those relating to public or agency interest(s). In general, interest in a project is related to the extent and magnitude of environmental impacts, and the range and characteristics of the alternatives proposed. Therefore, when initially establishing a public consultation program, the Project Manager should use potential interest as the primary indicating feature for the need to hold formal contact(s), and environmental impacts and number of alternatives as secondary indicators. For example, in the Concept Alternatives Stage, regardless of whether there is a single feasible alternative or a range of ten alternatives, if significant interest is shown through the Initial Notice or other means, it would be advisable to provide for "formal" two-way information exchange.

4.4.2 Group B: Environmental Study Report (ESR) For all Group B undertakings, GO Transit will endeavour to provide an effective and

efficient program of public participation. At a minimum, there are two mandatory points of contact with the public and review agencies, with four other points of discretionary opportunities for input. Figure 3.1 illustrates these contact points and indicates which are mandatory and which are discretionary.

First Contact (Mandatory): Initial Notice At the beginning of the Concept Alternatives Stage, a mandatory public

announcement of the study will be made and a letter or information package sent to review agencies. In the case of MOE, the contact will be the Regional EA and Planning Coordinator of the appropriate Regional Office. Municipalities will have been contacted before this point (refer to Section 4.3.1). Consultation with the public and review agencies at this time will assist GO Transit in refining the problem definition, as well as ensuring that appropriate Concept Alternative(s) are identified. Information about the project will be made available by advertising in the local media (e.g., newspaper). This may be supplemented by direct contact with local residents.



The three main objectives of the Initial Notice are to: 1) Advise the public and review agencies that the study has started, and provide

project related information to these parties so that they can determine their level of concern and desired involvement;

2) Gauge the level of interest in the project to: a) Confirm the appropriateness of the public consultation program

planned, or to modify it accordingly in consultation with the affected municipalities; and,

b) Determine whether or not "formal" contact with the public at this time is appropriate (refer to Second Opportunity for Contact);

3) Acquire comments and information in order to: a) Enable selection of the preferred Concept Alternative; and, b) Identify agencies and members of groups of the public who wish to

remain involved. The Initial Notice will include the following (refer to Appendix G, letters/notices #3

and #4):

• Description of undertaking and other options if available; • Purpose of project (description of problem that it will solve or opportunity it will

address); • Description and map of the study area; • Statement of the intent to proceed with a Class EA; • Description of Class EA process; • Opportunities to comment and for further public consultation; • Information on location and availability of background material relating to the

study, if applicable; • Name, address, and title of contact person(s); and, • Request interested parties to so advise GO Transit within four weeks of

notification.

It may also be useful to request project-specific information from MOE and/or review agencies at this point to aid in the identification, evaluation, and selection of the preferred Concept Alternative.

If the response to the Initial Notice is such that a second, "formal" contact is not

warranted, the preferred Concept Alternative can be selected four weeks following the Initial Notice.

Second Opportunity for Contact (Discretionary): Review of Concept Alternatives The response to the Initial Notice from the general public, special interest groups,

and review agencies will provide the Project Manager with an indication of whether



a formal contact (e.g., Public Information Centre) is required at this time. A period of approximately four weeks following the Initial Notice allows for concerns to be heard through a number of communication channels. These may include direct responses to the Notice or indirect responses through elected officials, municipal staff, or from staff or their consultants working on related studies.

If there are several viable Concept Alternatives, a "formal" contact may be beneficial

by providing a forum for discussing local sensitivities and gathering information to assist in the analysis and evaluation of the alternatives. The formal contact would be held before any final decision is made concerning the preferred Concept Alternative.

If the Project Manager feels an Information Centre (or other forum, as appropriate)

would be beneficial at this time, the public and review agencies will be notified of the details of the formal contact. This notice will generally be given through local media. Where individuals or agencies responded to the Initial Notice and asked to be kept apprised, they will be directly contacted by letter (refer to Appendix G, letter #5).

The preferred Concept Alternative can be selected a minimum of four weeks

following this second contact, if one is made. Third Opportunity for Contact (Discretionary): Preliminary Design Alternatives The third possible point of public consultation follows the identification of

Preliminary Design Alternatives. In general, if a Class project warrants only one "formal" contact (e.g., Information Centre), this is where it normally takes place. This contact point provides a forum to further identify and/or discuss potential impacts and local sensitivities. To facilitate feedback, a preliminary preferred design may be put forward. The information gathered will assist in the analysis and evaluation of alternatives, resulting in the selection of the preferred Preliminary Design.

Public meetings or information centres are the usual methods of consultation used by

GO Transit at this Preliminary Design Stage. Local residents, interested agencies, etc. (i.e., those who asked to be kept involved) will be informed of the selected Concept Alternative, the Preliminary Design Alternatives under consideration, the preferred Design Alternative (preliminary) and the anticipated impacts of the Design Alternatives (refer to Appendix G, Letter #6).

Fourth Opportunity for Contact (Discretionary): Refinement of Preliminary

Design If required, due to the complexity of the project, its associated impacts, or changing

conditions, a fourth point of consultation with the public and review agencies can follow the further refinement, assessment, and, evaluation of alternative methods during the Preliminary Design Stage (refer to Appendix G, letter #7).



"Formal" contact with the public and review agencies at this time (e.g., Information Centres) allows for further public discussion and re-evaluation of the refined Design Alternatives before a final selection is made. At this point, it is useful to provide information to the public as to how their previous input has been incorporated into the planning process to date.

Once a Preliminary Design has been selected and after any property requirements

have been confirmed, individual property owners affected by the proposed property acquisition will be contacted so that negotiations to acquire the property can proceed (refer to Section 3.1.4).

Fifth Opportunity for Contact (Mandatory): Submission of ESR For each Group B project that proceeds through the Class EA process, an ESR will

be prepared. The ESR will be placed in the public record at the offices of GO Transit where it will be made available for review for 45 calendar days.

Notification to the public and participating review agencies of the completion of the

ESR will consist of a public notice in local newspaper(s) and a letter to interested/affected review agencies and municipalities. The notice/letter will include the following information:

• Description and map showing location of the proposed undertaking; • The status of the project under the EA Act (i.e., the project is being conducted as

a Group B undertaking within the context of the GO Transit Class EA process, which has statutory approval under the EA Act by Order-in-Council);

• That the ESR has been placed in the Public Record and the location where it can be reviewed;

• The addresses to which, and the date by which written comments or requests for a Part II Order must be received (within 45 calendar days of notification);

• That resolution of any issues/concerns should be raised first with the proponent; and

• The public’s rights with respect to the Part II Order provisions.

Participating review agencies and individuals who have asked to be kept advised directly of project progress will be notified directly by letter (refer to Appendix G, letter #8).

Sixth Opportunity for Contact (Discretionary): Detail Design In some cases, projects may be so complex that impacts cannot be fully defined until

detail design plans are in place. In this case, a sixth opportunity for consultation with



the public and review agencies exists, following the submission of the ESR, in the Detail Design Stage.

Normally, this contact will be limited to those individuals and agencies to whom

commitments of follow-up were previously made. For example, a review agency may have indicated that they have no concerns with the selected alternative but would like to be involved in the discussion of details of proposed mitigation measures to address areas within their mandate. The means of contact will vary from project to project but usually will be informal in nature (e.g., phone calls, small group meetings - refer to Appendix G, letter #9).

In other circumstances, this sixth opportunity may be used if a time lapse occurs

between the Preliminary and Detail Design Stages which results in the need to modify the design or the proposed environmental protection measures as documented in the ESR. It may be necessary to contact appropriate agencies/potentially interested parties at this point to ensure a proper assessment is made of the implications of the modifications (refer to Sections 3.1.6 and 6.2).

During all stages of consultation, standard public notification (i.e., newspaper

advertisements), comment sheets used to gather information at Public Information Centres, and formal GO Transit acknowledgment of, or responses to public comments will contain an advisement as to rights under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (refer to wording in Appendix G notices #2, #4, #6, #7, #8, #9 and #10).

4.5 Conflict Resolution As described in the previous sections, although there are set points where notice will

be given or formal contact made with the public, information exchange also takes place as applicable between the set points of contact.

With some projects, different priorities will exist between various stakeholders and

GO Transit. GO Transit undertakes to establish channels of communication that are open to, and accessible by the public, whereby these differences should be able to be minimized. An effective consultation program will be employed which invites all inputs, including differences of opinion, and through an information exchange geared to the needs of all stakeholders, is able to address the needs of most parties. GO Transit will undertake to resolve any conflicts prior to filing an ESR.

It is both GO Transit's and the affected parties' desire that informed decisions and

wise choices are made. To achieve these ends, both parties have responsibilities. It is the affected party's responsibility to convey their concern(s) to GO Transit as early in the process as possible. Upon learning of such concern(s) GO Transit should advise the party of the means by which they will consider whether the concern can be accommodated.



While the process is at an early stage, GO Transit may effect this communication exchange as the Project Manager sees fit. If a single individual is involved, phone calls would likely be adequate. If hundreds of attendees of an information centre have concerns--most, similar in nature to one another--the Project Manager may consider a less individualized response (e.g., personalized form letters).

In any event, in usual circumstances, it is not necessary to keep the EAAB apprised

of these consultations (through copies of letters, for example). The EAAB will become involved only when a Part II Order request is received during the 45 day review period for the ESR.

It is important that GO Transit keep careful records of any consultation or

correspondence activity to: 1) Maintain an up-to-date consultation program file and to ensure that any

commitments made are honoured; 2) Be able to fully document the process in the ESR; and, 3) Make this record available to the EAAB, MOE, as requested, should

conflict(s) escalate and become unresolvable. As the process progresses, it may become evident that in spite of sincere attempts to

resolve outstanding concerns, it may not be possible to satisfy all parties. In this case, these parties will be reminded of their right to request a Part II Order during the 45 calendar day review period. It would be premature for a Part II Order request to be made before the ESR is filed because GO Transit will continue to work towards addressing the concern up to the filing of the documentation and throughout the review period. (Refer to Section 5.0 for full details on the Part II Order provision).

Indeed, GO Transit may at their option extend the review period if they feel that the

additional time acquired in doing so will improve the chances of the conflict being resolved without a Part II Order request. This may be favoured by the Project Manager, when for no fault of the individual or party, the concern was not raised with GO Transit until late in the planning process. In this event, GO Transit will advise the party with the concern of the above provision allowing for the extension of the time lines and that negotiations will continue for a mutually acceptable, specified time period, following which, if the issues remain unresolved, the party may make a Part II Order request to the Minister of the Environment within a further 7 calendar days.

There may also be instances where an objection is raised during the 45 calendar day

review period for the first time. Often such queries result from a misunderstanding, or a person only just having been made aware of a project. These concerns can usually be readily addressed. Nevertheless, because the review period has started, and technically an individual's rights will expire at its conclusion, the party will be advised of their Part II Order rights.



If a party comes forward following the completion of the process, GO Transit will attempt to accommodate their concerns, if feasible. This may include agreeing to carry out more detailed work during Detail Design. However, with the expiry of the review period, the project planned according to the Class EA becomes approved.


5.0 ELEVATING PROJECT STATUS There are various circumstances within which the category of a project may be

elevated. This chapter describes such circumstances, as well as the opportunities and procedures for initiating an elevation in project status.

5.1 Elevating Project Status The status of Group A projects, including Group B projects undertaken as Group A

projects, cannot be changed, except by GO Transit voluntarily. Where projects initially identified as potential Group B undertaken as Group A are deemed to have potential environmental effects, they will be recategorized as Group B.

The status of Group B projects can be elevated by one of two means: 1) A Re-Classification incrementally elevates the status of a project to the next

highest category, outside the range of Class projects (i.e., from Group B to Group C - refer to Sections 3.1.2, Step 4 and 3.1.3, Step 6).

2) A Part II Order by the Minister of the Environment under the provisions of

s. 16 of the EA Act elevates the status of a project from within the Class process to an Individual EA (i.e., from Group B to Group C).

Compliance with a Part II Order can be initiated either voluntarily by GO Transit,

or as required by the Minister of the Environment (the Minister) based upon a request by any party or upon the Minister’s own initiative.

Requests for re-classification or a Part II Order can be made by:

• A review agency; • Aboriginal communities; • A special interest group; or, • An individual member of the public.

Circumstances that could lead to either project re-classification to a higher category

by GO Transit or the granting of a Part II Order by the Minister include:

• The potential net environmental impacts are greater than were anticipated when the project was initially classified (Section 3.1.1, Step 3); and/or,

• Public controversy is significantly greater than was expected, and no

satisfactory resolution can be reached between GO Transit and the affected party or parties.

ELEVATING PROJECT STATUS Section 5.2


5.2 Opportunities for Elevating Project Status A party having a concern with a project should bring it to the attention of GO Transit

early in the planning process when there is greater flexibility and opportunity to deal with identified concerns. GO Transit will provide opportunities for all affected parties to express their concerns (refer to Section 4.4.2), and will strive to resolve all concerns through ongoing conflict resolution (refer to Section 4.5).

Requests to the Minister for Part II Orders on Group B projects may only be made

following publication of notice to the public and review agencies that the ESR has been placed in the Public Record (Notice of Completion), and must be received by the end of the 45 calendar day review period (refer to Section 5.3). Notice will include the public’s legal right to request a Part II Order. Requests received after the 45 calendar day review period will not be considered. Part II Order requests can also be made during the ESR addendum review period (described in Section 3.1.3, Step 10).

5.3 Procedures for Part II Orders Section 3.1.3 Stage 3 – Step 10 and Section 4.4 of this Class EA Document describe

the conditions under which a request may be made to the Minister of the Environment for a Part II Order under the EA Act.

In this regard, GO Transit is responsible for advising stakeholders of their legal rights under the EA Act. Failure to satisfy this requirement may result in the Minister ordering an additional period of public review, with the appropriate public notification, or could result in the Minister accepting a Part II Order request after the 45 calendar day review period.

The following steps outline the procedure that will be followed once a Part II Order

request has been received.

1) On receipt of the written request for a Part II Order, the Minister or EAAB shall inform GO Transit that such a request has been received, and acknowledge receipt of the request to the objector(s).

2) Upon receipt of a Part II Order request, the EAAB will ask GO Transit to

identify the issues and concerns in the Part II Order request and provide information as to how those issues and concerns have been, are being, or will be addressed to assist in MOE’s evaluation of the request. Expropriation and construction activities must be deferred while a decision regarding a request for a Part II Order is pending. However, GO Transit may continue with activities that are normally allowed prior to completion of the 45 calendar day public review period (refer to Section 3.1.3, Stage 3, Step 10).



Where GO Transit requests, prior to the commencement of the 60 calendar day review/decision period, that the EAAB review of a Part II Order request be deferred, the 60 calendar day period will begin the day following the end of the deferral period. GO Transit will give the EAAB written notification of the deferral period having ended.

When the deferral is being requested by GO Transit during the 60 calendar day review/decision period, the review will resume for the remainder of the 60 calendar days beginning the day following the end of the deferral period. GO Transit will give the EAAB written notification of the deferral having ended.

3) The Minister, within 60 calendar days of having received the necessary

information from GO Transit, will decide to do one of the following, per the provisions of s. 16(6) of the EA Act:

a) Grant a Part II Order request; b) Deny the request for a Part II Order with or without conditions; or, c) Refer the matter to mediation.

While the Minister may make a decision to refer matters to mediation, he or she will still be required to make a final decision about Part II Order requests once the mediation process has been completed. The Minister may extend the period of the time for making the decision to 90 calendar days by written notice to GO Transit and the person requesting the Part II Order. The time period for making a decision on the request for a Part II Order may also be extended to such a later date as the Minister and GO Transit agree to in writing. GO Transit shall not proceed with the implementation of the project until a decision is made by the Minister.

4) If the Minister orders that an individual environmental assessment be

prepared for the project, GO Transit may: a) Complete the Individual EA; or, b) Defer or cancel the project. 5.4 Responsibility of the Affected Party Submission of Part II Order Requests The party submitting a request for a Part II Order, or re-classification to a Group C

undertaking, must provide reasons for which an Individual Environmental Assessment is warranted/requested. The requester(s) shall describe the reasons for



wanting a Part II Order, which may involve reference to any or all of the items set out below:

• Environmental impacts of the project and their significance; • Adequacy of the planning process; • Feasibility of other alternatives (within GO Transit's control) to project; • Adequacy of the public consultation program and the opportunities for input; • Involvement of the affected party in the planning of the project; • Details of any discussions or correspondence between the affected party and GO

Transit; • Nature of the specific concerns that remain unresolved; • Benefits of requiring the proponent to undertake an Individual EA; and, • Other matters considered relevant.

Withdrawal of Part II Order Requests

Where a Part II Order request has been made, and GO Transit has addressed the

concerns triggering the request to the satisfaction of affected stakeholders and/or MOE, it is the responsibility of the requestor to withdraw the request. Part II Order withdrawals should be made in writing to the Minister and should be copied to GO Transit. The Director of the EAAB may accept and may act upon such withdrawals on behalf of the Minister.


6.0 DOCUMENTATION One of the key principles of successful planning under the EA Act is a clear and

complete record of the decision-making process, the evaluation criteria, and the weighting of the criteria or the reasoning behind the various trade-offs made. Documentation of the planning and design process, followed for Group B projects is, therefore, a mandatory requirement of the Class EA.

For Group A projects, no documentation is required for the purposes of formal

public review. However, the results of the planning process should be maintained and filed in GO Transit's project file. For Group B projects undertaken as Group A projects, a brief (2-page) report will be prepared during project categorization in Stage 1 of the Class EA process and kept on file and, if required, forwarded to the EAAB of the MOE (refer to Section 3.1.1 Stage 1, Step 3).

6.1 Environmental Study Report (ESR) An ESR shall be prepared for every Group B project. It can be prepared when the

preferred Preliminary Design has been selected and design work has progressed to the point where the details of any environmental protective measures to be incorporated in the construction package have been developed.

6.1.1 ESR Format and Content In general, the ESR shall provide a complete account of the planning process

followed. It will coordinate all pertinent environmental data and describe recommended mitigation. It will be available for review by the public at GO Transit’s Head Office. Review agencies that have been involved throughout the process and have expressed an interest in receiving the ESR will be sent their own copy. Contract documents and specifications will be finalized as per the protective measures and construction techniques outlined in the ESR.

The outline for the ESR which follows is a suggested format only. It is not

necessary to use the exact headings, order of presentation and content presented here. The outline provides guidance on the type of information which would make the ESR meaningful and which the public and government reviewers are likely to expect be included. The content of the ESR will depend on project-specific conditions, and the issues and concerns which GO Transit addressed during project development and planning.

A straightforward project with little public interest can be documented fairly briefly

in an ESR. A more complicated, controversial project which has involved a number of detailed studies, extensive data collection and has raised special interest or concern with the public would warrant a more comprehensive, lengthy, and detailed ESR.

DOCUMENTATION Section 6.1.1


Whatever format the ESR takes, the Project Manager shall ensure that the language and terminology used, and the explanations given of technical matters considered, can be readily understood by a lay person.

The following suggested Table of Contents for the ESR provides a chronological

reporting of the planning and design behind the project. Table of Contents Executive Summary Chapter 1 - Introduction and Background Chapter 2 - Problem Statement and Study Area Chapter 3 - Alternatives to the Undertaking (Concept Alternatives) Chapter 4 - Alternative Methods of Carrying out the Undertaking

(Preliminary Design Alternatives) Chapter 5 - Project Description Chapter 6 - Implementation and Monitoring Appendices Executive Summary This short summary provides an overview of the project and should include:

• A brief description of the problem or opportunity (i.e., Need); • The preferred solution; • The Justification for the project; • A brief description of the public consultation program and the principal concerns

raised by the public and review agencies; • The principal environmental impacts of the project; and, • The mitigating measures to be employed to offset them.

Chapter 1.0 - Introduction and Background The following matters should be described in this chapter:

• An explanation of the Class EA process and the purpose of an ESR; • Rationale for developing this project under the Class EA provisions; • Introduction to the history of the project and issues which have led to the

identification of the problem or opportunity; • Brief description of the project and the rationale behind why it best solves the

problem or addresses the opportunity; • The project team (names, affiliations, roles and inputs of GO Transit team

members, Steering Committee, consultants, sub-consultants, special advisor, etc.);

• Time frame over which the planning for the project has been undertaken; • Proposed construction and implementation schedule; and,



• Organization of remainder of document.

Chapter 2 - Problem Statement and Study Area This chapter should present the process and decisions taken during the Problem

Identification and Feasibility Stage. Generally, the following matters would be included:

• Detailed description of the problem or opportunity; • A description of the identified deficiencies that are being addressed (refer to

Section 3.1.1. of this document); • Need for the project (referencing Needs Analysis, if any); • The identification and relationship of previous or concurrent studies related to

the problem and undertaken by GO Transit, MTO, local or regional municipalities, or others;

• Purpose of the project (aims and objectives); and, • Extent, nature and timing of input by CN Rail, CP Rail, MTO, local and regional

municipalities and others. In so doing, the study area and existing conditions will be described and discussed.

In this or other sections of the ESR, as appropriate, the following details of the existing environment should be covered:

• Natural Environment (physiography, vegetation, soil, water, air, wildlife, fish

habitat, etc.); • Socio-Economic (land use, cultural activities, heritage and archaeological

resources, noise, vibration, aesthetics, past activities and future projects in the study area, costs, funding, etc.); and,

• Transportation (present traffic and/or ridership volumes, level of service, maintenance and storage concerns, track signals and switches, operational problems, railroads, utilities, drainage, geotechnical, municipal transit services, etc.).

Chapter 3 - Concept Alternatives The work undertaken through the Concept Alternatives Stage should be described in

this chapter. If a Justification Report has been prepared for the project, reference should be made to it. Information to be included in Chapter 3 would be:

• Description of each Concept Alternative; • The extent to which each of the Concept Alternatives solves the problem or

addresses the opportunity; • Descriptions and references to the investigations into and inventories of the

natural, social, cultural, economic and technical environments and the assessment of impacts of the alternatives;

• Possible mitigating measures and their effectiveness;



• The net effects of each of the Concept Alternatives on the natural, social, cultural, economic and technical environments;

• The comparative advantages and disadvantages of each of the Concept Alternatives (i.e., Justification);

• The evaluation process employed, including the criteria used and their relative weights or importance; and,

• The decision-making process used to select the preferred Concept Alternative.

Details of the public and review agency consultation carried out during this Stage should also be described, including:

• The type of public involvement; • Rationale for discretionary contacts not taken; • Number of meetings, if any, and attendance; • Notification methods; • Review agencies contacted; and, • Details of concerns raised and the manner in which GO Transit responded to

these concerns.

Chapter 4 - Preliminary Design Alternatives This chapter should document the work undertaken in the Preliminary Design

Alternatives Stage. The discussion will include:

• Identification and description of the Preliminary Design Alternatives considered; • The extent to which the alternative designs address the solution to the problem; • Detailed description of the existing natural, social, cultural, economic and

technical environments; • The net effects on the natural, social, cultural, economic and technical

environments of each of the alternative designs; • Details of the possible mitigating measures and their effectiveness; • The advantages and disadvantages of the alternative designs; and, • The evaluation and decision-making process used to select the most appropriate

design.

Through this Stage there are two discretionary points of public contact and a third mandatory point when the ESR is submitted. These should be described, if appropriate, including such details as:

• The manner in which public and review agencies were notified or invited to

provide input; • Which public, special interest groups or review agencies were contacted, and

why;



• Rationale for discretionary contacts not taken; • The number of meetings held, if any; and, • The issues or concerns raised by the public and review agencies and the manner

in which they were incorporated into the evaluation of the Preliminary Design Alternatives.

Chapter 5 - Project Description The details of this chapter will vary, depending on whether Detail Design has started

or is able to start in the near future. In any case, a detailed description of the project should be provided, detailing:

• Engineering characteristics of the undertaking; • Location plans; • The lands to be affected by property acquisition; and, • Permanent mitigating measures to be employed to offset long-term or permanent

effects, including: storm water management; permanent erosion control measures; environmental restoration/rehabilitation/enhancement; noise abatement measures; and, air quality management (i.e., siting considerations).

In addition, other required federal, provincial and municipal permits and approvals will be identified with respect to their purpose in terms of the types of environmental effects to be prevented, mitigated or compensated for (refer to Appendix F for a general listing of applicable legislation and Appendix H for the implications of federal approvals). Such requirements will be identified and the appropriate approval application process initiated as early as possible in the process to limit the potential for downstream delays due to approval application review.

A tabular summary of environmental concerns and commitments to mitigation, future investigations and consultation with stakeholders will be prepared and included in the ESR.

Chapter 6 - Implementation and Monitoring Matters to include:

• Implementation schedule; • Construction activities--taking of water for dust control, movement of erodible

soil, drilling, blasting, construction activity adjacent to bodies of water; • Mitigating measures associated with construction activities and/or short-term

effects of project; • Anticipated hours of work, duration of construction and timing constraints for

construction; and,



• Methods for disposal of waste materials, and the control of nuisances, e.g., dust, noise, vibration, visual impacts.

This chapter should also describe the monitoring program developed during the

planning process, to be carried out during and after construction. Where appropriate (refer to Section 3.1.6), the program should monitor and review the environmental impacts predicted and the commitments made to mitigation throughout the planning and design process. The following items, for example, should be included:

• Purpose of the monitoring program; • Outstanding commitments, if any, to review agencies or public, and the manner

in which they will be fulfilled; • Key impacts to be monitored; • Monitoring requirements during construction and operation of the facility; • The period during which monitoring will be necessary; • The frequency and timing of surveys, the location of the monitoring site(s) and

the methods of data collection, analysis and evaluation; • The content, manner and form in which records of monitoring data are to be

prepared and retained; • Where and for how long monitoring records and documentation will be on file;

and, • The manner in which unexpected environmental effects identified by the

monitoring program will be addressed.

Appendices1

• Maps and plans; • Press releases and notices; • Public and review agencies contacted; • Submissions, input and opinions received from the public and review agencies; • Reports of studies undertaken on various elements of the environment; • Level-of-service, ridership and capacity statistics; • Pertinent correspondence; and, • Other detailed material referenced in the ESR.

1 If numerous, the contents may be listed while indicating where the complete contents are available

for viewing.

DOCUMENTATION Section 6.2


6.2 Revisions and Addenda to the ESR For the following reasons, it may not be feasible to implement a project in the

manner outlined in the ESR:

1) A significant time lapse (i.e., more than five years) occurs between the submission of the ESR and the commencement of construction of the project (refer to Section 3.1 Stage 5);

2) A concern that was not addressed in the ESR, is raised during the 45

calendar day ESR review period;

3) Unforeseen circumstances exist or develop at the time of construction; or, 4) The problem/opportunity, planning solution or selected design, as

originally identified or as outlined in the ESR, may change significantly enough prior to construction to affect the environmental impacts of the project.

If one of these situations occur, consultation will be sought with the affected parties

in order to determine the significance and resolution of any project modification. In the first instance, where five or more years have elapsed since the ESR was filed,

GO Transit will review the planning and design process and the current environmental setting to ensure that the project and the proposed environmental protection and mitigation measures are still valid.

If it is necessary to revise the project significantly, GO Transit will record the review in an addendum to the ESR. The addendum will include descriptions of: • Current environmental practices and standards; • Any new, relevant information; • Circumstances necessitating any change(s); • The nature of the changes(s); • Any positive impacts resulting from the change(s); and, • Appropriate measures to mitigate adverse condition changes. In the second case, where a concern has been raised during the 45 day ESR review period, an addendum will be prepared which will describe:

• The concern(s) or information brought forward during the review period; • The nature of any change(s) to the project and/or design necessitated by the new

information; • The parties affected by the change(s); • The environmental implications of the change(s); • Any positive impacts resulting from the change(s); and,



• Appropriate measures to mitigate adverse condition changes.

In the third situation, where unforeseen circumstances exist or develop during construction, the addendum will describe:

• The nature of the unforeseen circumstance(s); • The environmental impacts arising; • The implications to the implementation of the project as it was described in the

ESR; • The parties affected; and, • Proposed measures to mitigate adverse environmental condition changes.

In the fourth instance, where the problem/opportunity, planning solution or selected design, as originally identified or as outlined in the ESR, has changed significantly, the addendum will describe:

• The nature and scope of the change in the problem or opportunity; • The alternative planning solutions available to address the problem or

opportunity, and the selected alternative; • The design changes associated with the preferred planning solution; • The environmental impacts associated with the selected design; • The affected stakeholders and the manner in which potential concerns

identified through supplementary consultation are being addressed; and • Proposed measures to mitigate adverse environmental condition changes. The addendum will be filed on the public record at GO Transit’s Head Office for a 30 calendar day review period. GO Transit will provide notification of this filing to all potentially affected and previously interested individuals and agencies (refer to Appendix G for sample letter/notice #10). Where GO Transit deems project changes to be significant, broader public notice of the addendum filing (i.e., newspaper advertisement or other medium with wide spread publication) will be provided. Copies of the addendum will be made available upon request. In the first, second and fourth cases described above, Part II Order provisions can be triggered during the ESR Addendum review period. However, in the event that an addendum is prepared as a result of an unforeseen circumstance during construction, notification will be made as described above, without consideration being given to a change in project classification (i.e., Part II Order requests cannot be made). Work on those portions of the project which are not the subject of the concern(s) raised, may proceed throughout the review period. GO Transit will bring the proposed changes directly to the attention of any potentially affected agency. It is anticipated that an agency directly affected by such a change would be involved in developing the details of the change(s) and, therefore, would be aware of the addendum before it was made.



Where the addendum is the result of a significant time lapse (i.e., 5 years) between the original ESR and construction, a concern raised during the 45 calendar day ESR review period, or where the problem/opportunity, planning solution or selected design, as originally identified or as outlined in the ESR, has changed significantly, Part II Order requests may be initiated during the 30 calendar day addendum review period (refer also to Section 5.0). During the addendum review period, no work shall be undertaken that will adversely affect the specific matter under review. As discussed in Section 4.5, the review periods are flexible and can be lengthened to allow for conflict resolution at GO Transit's option, either formally, or informally as circumstances warrant.

GO TRANSIT CLASS EA DOCUMENT, DECEMBER 2003

APPENDIX A

Main Revisions and Phase-In

MAIN REVISIONS AND PHASE-IN APPENDIX A


A-1

Main Revisions This Class EA Document is the result of a re-evaluation of the 1995 document. The changes constitute an Amendment within the meaning of Appendix I of the 1995 Class EA. The 1995 process has been retained with some revisions to several key aspects of the Class EA process. These areas were identified through GO Transit's working experience with the existing Class EA Document and through discussion with MOE staff who had identified some concerns with the process and some elements that required modifications due to changes to environmental assessment legislation and general procedures. The main changes involve the following: • Ensuring that appropriate levels of resources are applied to satisfy the requirements of

the Ontario EA Act by applying a more realistic categorization for minor projects with negligible environmental impacts.

• Clarification on how project cost is to be calculated. • Revisions associated with documentation and public notification process to be

followed for Group B projects undertaken as Group A. • Clarification in the property acquisition section outlining the relevant process for

Group A projects, as this is not covered in the 1995 version of the Class EA Document.

• Accounting for changes to federal environmental assessment legislation and guidelines affecting GO Transit undertakings.

• Improvements to the effectiveness of the annual monitoring process. • Modification of terminology and procedures as a result of changes in provincial

environmental assessment legislation and general procedures. Each of these main items is discussed below. Ensuring that an appropriate level of resources are applied to satisfy the requirements of the EA Act by a applying a more realistic categorization for minor projects with negligible environmental impacts: The expansion of existing GO Stations typically involves the addition of parking spaces. Such expansions are usually of negligible environmental impact and of little concern to the local community. Rather, an expansion is usually implemented to solve a GO service capacity problem, which may be adversely affecting the local road network. Therefore, this new document has recategorized station expansions as Group A projects. Similarly, modifications to storage and maintenance facilities have been recategorized as Group A undertakings.



A-2

Clarification of how project costs are to be calculated: In the 1995 Class EA Document, there is no definition of how project costs are to be calculated to assess them against the cost criterion for categorization. In the absence of such guidance, GO Transit project managers have usually included every aspect of a project in the total cost. Typically, project costs have included buildings, security and communication systems, etc., many of which do not exhibit any environmental impact. In this new document, a description of how project cost is to be calculated is included for clarification purposes. This clarification involves the exclusion of ancillary components and those that are thought to have no environmental impact. Public process to be followed for Group B projects undertaken as Group A: For Group B undertaken as Group A projects, the new Class EA Document establishes a new process by which Public Notification is undertaken following categorization. This process includes the preparation of a short (2 page) report, which is submitted to MOE upon request, documenting the planning process followed and the rationale for categorization, as well as direction for preparing a Public Notice to allow the community to comment on the project. In the planning of a new GO Rail station, a local municipality may identify the need for a new station, normally through a Secondary Plan exercise which will include public consultation and consideration of alternative sites. This effort, while being done under the Planning Act rather than the EA Act, is recognized in this new Class EA Document as being a valid part of the planning process for GO Transit. Any municipal planning process that has taken place can be included in the documentation prepared for Group B projects that are undertaken as Group A projects. These projects can include new stations costing less than $3.5 million. Clarification of point of categorization for minor projects: A related issue for minor projects, (i.e., Group A) when project categorization is to be determined with respect to property acquisition. This is not defined in the 1995 Class EA Document. In this new document it is stated that categorization is to be determined prior to or at the point of property acquisition. Accounting for changes to federal environmental assessment legislation affecting GO Transit undertakings: The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), enacted in January 1995, replaced the federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process Guidelines Order. There are GO Transit undertakings that may require federal approvals, or that otherwise will trigger application of CEAA. Similarly, the names, mandates, policies and environmental assessment requirements of some federal agencies with which GO Transit may interact on its projects (principally the former National Transportation Agency, now the Canadian Transportation Agency) have changed and must be accounted for. Improve the effectiveness of the annual monitoring process: The major new elements to be addressed in accordance with MOE recommendations are: appropriateness of the categorization of the undertakings; effectiveness of environmental



A-3

mitigation measures applied to project types; effectiveness of public consultation requirements and procedures; and common problems, issues and concerns that may arise from project to project. The existing GO Transit annual reports to MOE will be enhanced with this information. Modification of terminology and procedures as a result of changes in environmental assessment legislation and general procedures: Administrative modifications to the Class EA Document are required to address changes in the mandates/names of provincial ministries and related legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines. Phase-In: Projects that were initiated prior to this document coming into effect will follow the provisions of the 1995 Class EA Document. A project is considered 'initiated' if an initial Public Announcement, with respect to the project, has been made as per Stage 2 of the Planning and Design process (refer to Section 3.1.2 Stage 2).


APPENDIX B

Objects of GO Transit

OBJECTS OF GO TRANSIT APPENDIX B


B -1

As stated in Section 4.(1) of the GO Transit Act, 2001, the objects of GO Transit are: (a) To operate or cause to be operated a regional transit system1 serving the regional

transit area and from time to time serving municipalities not in the regional transit area2 under agreements between GO Transit and the other municipalities;

(b) To operate or cause to be operated local transit systems or parts of such systems

within the regional transit area under agreements between GO Transit and the municipalities within which each local transit system is operated; and

(c) To facilitate the integration of the operation or design of the regional transit system

and local transit system, including facilitating the integration of routes, fares and schedules.

In addition, Section 4.(2) of the GO Transit Act, 2001 states: “The Minister may by regulation prescribe additional objects of GO Transit.”

1 “Regional transit system” means the passenger transportation system that is operated principally to

provide transportation, including commuter services, within the regional transit area. 2 “Regional transit area” means the area to be prescribed by the Minister by regulation.


APPENDIX C

Project Activities

PLANNING ACTIVITES APPENDIX C


C-1

Planning Activities Transportation Planning: • Changes in regional travel patterns • Effects on local traffic patterns, circulation and parking • Consistency with Official Plans, municipal by-laws and standards • Existing and planned land uses • Impact on amount, density and distribution of development • Energy consumption • Air emissions impacts on regional air quality, including potential to reduce carbon

dioxide emissions • Consideration of approved provincial Policy Statements and Guidelines • Impact on heritage resources Site and Biophysical Survey: • Disturbance and/or damage to vegetation • Impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitat • Impacts on watercourses and floodplains • Impacts on fisheries and other aquatic life • Impacts on wetlands • Impacts on woodlands • Impacts on significant portions of habitat of rare, vulnerable, threatened and endangered

species/species at risk • Impacts on Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) • Impacts on breeding birds Soil and/or Hydrogeological Testing: • Vegetation removal or disturbance by coring or drilling equipment • Disposal of drilling fluids • Equipment noise • Interference with ground water • Environmental audit for excavated material and disposal of material • Impact on archaeological resources Facility (buildings, roads, rail lines, etc.) Siting: • Effects on local traffic patterns, circulation and parking • Consistency with Official Plans, municipal by-laws and standards • Existing and planned land uses • Previous land uses (potential contamination) • Pedestrian access impacts • Impact on prime agricultural areas and prime agricultural land • Impacts to cultural heritage landscapes • Impact on watercourses • Impacts on drainage, including ground water • Impacts on ESAs, wetlands, forested areas, etc. • Long-term local air quality impacts



C-2

Site Preparation and Construction Activities Operation of Equipment: • Noise and vibration • Use, storage and/or disposal of fuels • Erosion and dust • Effect(s) of air emissions on local air quality • Effects of leaks of hydrocarbons on groundwater and surface water quality • Impact on archaeological resources through soil compression Clearing and Grubbing: • Removal of vegetation • Loss of wildlife habitat • Loss of natural heritage features • Disturbance to, or incidental take of, migratory birds or their nests and eggs • Degradation of aesthetics in public areas • Impacts to cultural heritage landscapes • Potential sheet erosion • Soil instability • Contamination from herbicides used for vegetation control Building Demolition or Construction: • Effects on microclimate, including air movement and snow deposition • Impacts to cultural heritage resources • Effects on on-site or nearby aquatic and/or terrestrial environments • Environmental audit for hazardous material in existing buildings to be demolished Road Building or Parking Lot Construction: • Increased storm water runoff, including contaminants • Manufacture and use of asphalt • Erosion and sedimentation • Impact on nearby watercourses • Impact on fish habitat • Damage and/or removal of trees and other vegetation • Impacts to cultural heritage resources • Impact on soil stability • Accumulation in soil of chlorides and heavy metals from melting snow Tunnels/Underground Structures: • See Cut and Fill, Grading, Excavating; Road Building or Parking Lot Construction; and,

Landscaping Pedestrian Overpass: • Impacts to cultural heritage landscapes • Aesthetic impacts



C-3

Cut and Fill, Grading, Excavation: • Erosion • Damage and/or removal of trees and other vegetation • Wildlife habitat loss • Disturbance to, or incidental take of, migratory birds or their nests and eggs • Effect on drainage patterns • Interference with ground water regime • Siltation of watercourses • Slope and/or soil instability • Impact on archaeological resources • Blasting and drilling impacts, if any: noise, blast shock • Impacts on watercourses and floodplains Stripping/Replacing Topsoil: • Erosion • Nutrient leaching • Destruction of vegetation in stockpile areas • Wind erosion of stockpiles • Siltation of watercourses Stream Crossing: • Erosion • Effect on bank stability • Impacts on floodplains • Siltation of watercourse • Disturbance and/or destruction of aquatic life, including harmfully affecting fish or fish

habitat • Disturbance and/or destruction of wildlife passage • Removal and/or disturbance of vegetation • Impact of materials disposed of and/or stored near watercourse • Significantly interferes with the public right to navigation Channelling/Dredging, Drainage Alteration: • Scouring if the new channel is narrower than the old stream bed • Downstream flooding if the new channel is straighter and permits higher flow velocity • Erosion and sedimentation • Impact of dredged material not removed from water or adjacent banks • Disposal of material on land adjacent to water • Drainage or other impacts on wetland habitat • Effects on groundwater characteristics • Disruption and/or alteration to surface water drainage pattern and/or stream flow

characteristics • Disturbance of vegetation • Interference with wildlife and/or harmfully affecting fish or fish habitat • Significantly interferes with the public right to navigation



C-4

• Impacts to cultural heritage landscapes and archaeological resources Fencing: • Removal and/or disturbance of vegetation • Obstruction to wildlife movement • Impact on soil stability Waste Generation/Management (construction): • Pollution of watercourses through accidental spills • Potential contamination by dredged materials or fill Effluent Discharge (construction): • Impact on water quality • Potential contamination of sediments • Impact on fish or fish habitat and other aquatic life Burning: • Impact on local air quality • Potential ignition of nearby fuels or other combustible materials • Potential habitat loss • Potential erosion • Destruction and/or disturbance of vegetation Dust Control: • Soil, water, and air contamination from the use of chemicals • Damage to ground cover Landscaping: • See also Cut and Fill, Grading, Excavation; and, Clearing and Grubbing • Potential erosion and soil instability between times of clearance and revegetation • Impact of species selection on transpiration and wildlife • Impact on cultural heritage landscapes Operation and Maintenance Activities Operation of Equipment (including trains and buses): • Noise and vibration impacts • Disturbance to wildlife • Use, storage and/or disposal of fuels • Effects of air emissions on local air quality Parking Lot and/or Road Maintenance: • Increased storm water runoff • Light pollution, glare control



C-5

Building and Grounds Maintenance: • Landscaping - potential erosion and soil instability between clearance and revegetation • Potential contamination from the use of herbicides • Impact on built heritage and cultural heritage landscapes Re-Surfacing: • Manufacturing and use of asphalt • Noise and vibration from equipment • Temporary impact on traffic operations • Dust and fumes • Storm water drainage pattern De-icing, Snow Removal and Disposal: • Damage to vegetation and wildlife exposed to high chloride levels from application and

in proximity to snow disposal areas • Erosion • Soil contamination by heavy metals at snow disposal sites near sensitive land uses (e.g.,

prime agricultural lands, rural residential/wellheads, wetlands) • Discharge and leaching of effluent with high chloride levels into natural watercourses

and/or storm water management systems Fuel and Chemical Use/Storage: • Pollution of watercourses through accidental surface spills • Rupture of tanks and seepage of fuel into ground water • Fire • Air pollution • Accidental spills and drift of herbicides or pesticides Waste Generation/Management (operation): • Pollution of watercourses through accidental spills Effluent Discharges (operation): • Impact on fish and other aquatic life • Impact on water quality • Potential contamination of sediments Site Decommissioning Activities Site Decommissioning: • See Operation of Equipment, Waste Generation/Management (Construction Activities) Facility Demolition: • See Operation of Equipment, Building Demolition, Waste Generation/Management

(construction Activities)



C-6

• Impacts to built heritage resources Site Abandonment: • Demolition of surface structures • Scrap removal • Equipment burial • Stabilization of dumps • Rehabilitation/restoration of site • Impacts on wildlife exposed to residual contaminants in the groundwater and soils • Effects on air quality during demolition of surface structures • Effects of buried infrastructure on subsurface soils and groundwater


APPENDIX D

Potential Environmental Impacts and Suggested Mitigation Measures


D-1

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN

TYPICAL MITIGATION MEASURES

APPLICATION, WHERE/WHEN

SELECTED APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES,

GUIDELINES AND RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES

A. PERMANENT - AFTER CONSTRUCTION

1.0 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

1.1 Air – Climate

Effects of structural design or vegetation removal on snow accumulations adjacent to station/terminal

Design such that accumulations do not occur or occur where vehicles and pedestrians will not be impeded.

Where facility is in an area prone to blowing snow.

Environmental Protection Act

• Ministry of the Environment • Health Canada

Suspended particulate matter (dust) and vehicle emissions from the permanent facility/ operations

Compliance with air quality regulations. Appropriate site selection.

As general practice.

Carbon sink depletion caused by vegetation removal

Compensate by providing appropriate vegetation elsewhere.

Where substantial areas of vegetation are removed.


D-2







1.2 Soil

Depletion of aggregate and other earth resources

Avoid sites of aggregate and mineral reserves.

Zones of economic aggregate and mineral occurrence.

Environmental Protection Act (Regulation 347 (as amended by 558)) Aggregate Resources Act Municipal Act Provincial Policy Statement Canadian Environmental Protection Act (federal) Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)

Increased concentration of contaminants (e.g. heavy metals, petrochemicals, salt, etc.)

Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing materials. Build impervious dikes around oil, fuel, and chemical storage areas. Install impervious liners. Provide spill control material and procedures.

As general practice related to waste generation, classification, handling, transportation and storage.

• Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Natural Resources • Ministry of Agriculture and Food • Fisheries & Oceans Canada (FHM/CCG) • Environment Canada

"Scarring" of significant landforms

Avoid unique features. Designation of unique feature, i.e., landmark.


D-3







1.3 Surface Water

Increased sedimentation and turbidity of water bodies near station/ terminal

Provide permanent vegetation cover. Use best management practices to establish soil stability (bioengineering, sodding, seed mulch, rip rap, gabions, etc.).

On final trimmed slopes. On embankments. On steep drainage channels.

Fisheries Act (federal) Navigable Waters Protection Act (federal) Canadian Environmental Protection Act (federal) Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act Public Lands Act Conservation Authorities Act Drainage Act Ontario Water Resources Act Application of Sediment and Water Quality Guidelines to Lakefilling Environmental Protection Act Provincial Policy Statement Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)

Ponding effects, flooding on adjacent property

Use appropriate sized culverts; porous backfill; and tile drains. Provide detention storage areas; catchbasins; ditches; improve conveyance; remove constrictions.

Where adjacent lands could be adversely affected.

• Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Natural Resources • Ministry of Agriculture and Food • Fisheries & Oceans Canada (FHM/CCG) • Environment Canada • Health Canada

Placement of fill material in water bodies/flood plains

Avoid placing fill and structures in flood plain. Ensure material meets provincial guidelines for in-water disposal.

Disposal of excess fill.


D-4







1.3 Cont’d

Increased concentration of contaminants

Use best management practices to prevent salt, sand, hydrocarbons and hazardous materials from entering any waterbody via spills, runoff or direct discharge.

New or modified watercourse crossings

Obstruction of waterway navigation

Maintain navigable opening. Modified watercourse crossings.

1.4 Groundwater

Water storage capacity reduced due to vegetation removal

Preserve as much vegetation as possible. Revegetate with indigenous species.

Near groundwater users. Canadian Environmental Protection Act (federal) Environmental Protection Act Fisheries Act (federal) Ontario Water Resources Act Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act Public Lands Act Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Provincial Policy Statement Environmental Code of Practice for Underground Storage Tank Systems (federal) Containing Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Product (CCME) Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)


D-5







1.4 Cont’d


Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing, salt, sand, and hazardous materials. Provide spill control material and procedures. Ensure adequate provision of containment techniques.

As general practice. • Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care • Ministry of Natural Resources • Conservation Authorities • Environment Canada • Fisheries and Oceans Canada

1.5 Stormwater

Increased volume of runoff

Use Stormwater Management Practices (SWMP) to achieve zero increase in post-development flows.

Provide treatment of runoff from impervious surfaces using best management practices (e.g., enhanced swales with rock checks; infiltration/exfiltration).

New impervious surfaces.

New or enhanced ditchlines.

Environmental Protection Act Ontario Water Resources Act Public Lands Act Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan MOE Stormwater Management Practices Planning and Design Manual Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)

• Fisheries & Oceans Canada (FHM) • Environment Canada • Ministry of Natural Resources • Conservation Authorities • Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Agriculture and Food


D-6







1.6 Vegetation

Removal of significant species

Revegetate with new indigenous plantings or natural regeneration.

Avoid displacement of or damage to any species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), or affecting their critical habitat.

For erosion control and maintenance of significant species; where safety and drainage to be maintained.

Endangered Species Act Crown Timber Act Species at Risk Act (SARA) (federal) Canada Wildlife Act (federal) Migratory Birds Convention Act (federal) Provincial Policy Statement Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)

Effects of accumulated heavy metals, salts, etc.

Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing salt, sand, and hazardous materials. Provide spill control material and procedures.

As general practice. • Ministry of Natural Resources • Conservation Authorities • Environment Canada

New/increased exposure of forest edge with resultant effects of blow-down and/or sun-scald

Avoid woodlots and similar areas.

Significant areas for wildlife habitat.


D-7







1.7 Wetlands

Drainage impairment

Avoid wetland areas; use appropriate backfill material.

In or adjacent to wetlands. Fisheries Act (federal) Canada Wildlife Act (federal) Migratory Birds Convention Act (federal) Environmental Protection Act Endangered Species Act Species at Risk Act (SARA) (federal) Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Provincial Policy Statement Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)

Disturbance/loss of habitat for fish and wildlife, and other aquatic life

Avoid filling in waterfowl staging areas. Restore substrate. Provide compensation measures.

Significant areas of fish and wildlife habitat.

• Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Natural Resources • Conservation Authorities • Fisheries & Oceans Canada (FHM) • Environment Canada


D-8







1.7 Cont’d

Change in water quality, temperature


Near watercourses.

1.8 Fish and Aquatic Life

Removal/change in the character of vegetated areas

Choose suitable site for stream diversions. Restore stream substrate. Replace vegetation with indigenous species.

Areas serving as habitat and food supply.

Environmental Protection Act Endangered Species Act Fisheries Act (federal) Policy for the Management of Fish Habitat (1986) (federal) Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)

Water chemistry changes (reduced water quality, increased temperature of nearby waterbodies having value as habitat)

Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing salt, sand, and hazardous materials. Use chemicals/methods other than salt for ice control. Provide spill control material and procedures.

Near watercourses. • Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Natural Resources • Conservation Authorities • Fisheries & Oceans Canada (FHM) • Environment Canada

New habitat due to plantings of new vegetation

Use indigenous species adapted to the project site.

Where plantings have been proposed for landscaping or other mitigative purposes.


D-9







1.9 Wildlife

Change in character of vegetated areas (impacts on significant portions of habitat of rare, vulnerable, threatened and endangered species/species at risk)

Restore/replace soil. Replace vegetation with indigenous species adapted to the project site.

Avoid siting facilities in areas that provide habitat for wildlife listed under the Endangered Species Act and the Species at Risk Act (SARA), require clearing of significant woodlots or that could result in permanent obstruction to wildlife movement.

Areas serving as habitat and food supply.

Environmental Protection Act Endangered Species Act Species at Risk Act (SARA) (federal) Canada Wildlife Act (federal) Migratory Birds Convention Act (federal) Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Provincial Policy Statement Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)

Reduced water quality of nearby surface water


Areas near watercourses having value as wildlife habitat.

• Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Natural Resources • Conservation Authorities • Environment Canada

New habitat due to plantings of new vegetation

Use indigenous species only, adapted to the project site.

Where plantings have been proposed for mitigative or landscaping purposes.


D-10







1.9 Cont’d

Draining of minor staging areas

Maintain existing groundwater regime. Avoid wetland areas. Use appropriate backfill material. Restore habitat or compensate.

Trenching or excavating.

2.0 LAND AND RESOURCE USE

2.1 Land Use

Effects on land use plans and policies

Ensure project falls within broader transportation policies of provincial government. Maintain and provide effective communications regarding project decisions with relevant agencies (including regional, municipal planning staff) to determine adequate measures.

Throughout planning. Planning Act Ontario Planning and Development Act, 1994 Provincial Policy Statement Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act/Plan Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan

Pressure for new growth resulting from improved services (greater density/ intensity of land use than previously anticipated)

Maintain and provide effective communication regarding project decisions with relevant agencies to determine adequate measures.

As required. • Ministry of Municipal Affairs • Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Energy • Niagara Escarpment Commission • CN Rail • CP Rail


D-11







2.1 Cont’d

Fragmentation of designated areas (e.g. special planning areas, ESAs)

Maintain and provide effective communication regarding project decisions with relevant agencies to determine adequate measures.

As required.

2.2 Agriculture Removal of

productive farmland; loss of property may lead to reduced productivity and viability of farm operations

Avoid designated prime agricultural areas, and when it is demonstrated that prime agricultural areas cannot be avoided, ensure that adverse effects are minimized. Locate and design facilities so as to minimize land requirements that result in loss of productive farmland.

In prime agricultural areas. Municipal Act Drainage Act Line Fences Act Provincial Policy Statement Nutrient Management Act Environmental Protection Act

Disruption of field access, farm machinery, and animal movements on roads to the storage/ maintenance facility

Provide alternative access points. Consult with landowners regarding access re-routings.

In prime agricultural areas. • Ministry of Agriculture and Food • Ministry of the Environment


D-12







2.2

Cont’d

Effects on crops of heavy metals, salts, etc. from surface runoff

Establish and enforce chemical handling standards. Provide for emergency clean up and soil replacement.


2.3 Cultural Heritage Resources

Disturbance, alteration, demolition or destruction of built heritage resources, cultural heritage landscapes and/or archaeological resources having significant historical, archaeological, architectural or economical value

Avoid impacts to designated or identified cultural heritage structures, sites and areas. Appropriate mitigation for built heritage and cultural heritage landscape resources include (from most to least preferred): avoidance, protection, use of compatible development, monitoring to address unforeseen impacts, documentation prior to creation of impacts, and salvage/relocation.

Where appropriate with respect to heritage resources.

During heritage/archaeological assessment in planning phase and immediately prior to/during construction.

Historic Sites and Monuments Act (federal) Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act (federal) Provincial Policy Statement Ontario Heritage Act Niagara Escarpment Development Act/Plan • Ministry of Culture • Parks Canada/Federal Heritage Buildings

Review Office • Historic Sites and Monuments Board of

Canada • Local Architectural Conservation

Advisory Committee (LACAC) • Municipal Heritage Committee • Local Historical Board • Conservation Authorities • Niagara Escarpment Commission • Local Aboriginal Communities


D-13







2.3 Cont’d

Appropriate mitigation for archaeological resources include avoidance, fencing, buffering or excavation and recording/documentation by a licensed archaeologist.

During construction use appropriate measures to reduce harmful effects of potential impacts (e.g., vibration, alterations in water table, etc.).

Unwanted increase in public access and potential vandalism.

Fence off designated areas to prevent public access.

During heritage/archaeological assessment prior to/during construction.

3.0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC

3.1 Noise

Increase in noise and/or vibration levels due to expanded size or use of storage and maintenance facilities; expansion of terminal closer to homes, institutional uses, buildings of

Construct noise barrier where appropriate and economically feasible. Use buildings as barriers through site layout planning. Design site and building for acoustical performance. Use appropriate noise, vibration control measures where available.

Where substantial noise will be experienced in an adjacent residential or institutional area. Where substantial attenuation is possible.

Environmental Protection Act • Ministry of the Environment • Transport Canada • CN Rail • CP Rail • Health Canada


D-14







3.1 Cont’d

historic or architectural significance, etc.; increased use of buses, private vehicles, and trains

3.2 Aesthetics

Expansion facilities inconsistent with/disrupts character of area

Preserve existing amenities as much as possible.

Landscape access points, site periphery and in vicinity of buildings with trees and shrubs.

As general practice. Where suitable.

Niagara Escarpment Development Act/Plan Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Municipal By-laws

Design and site structures to blend with adjacent buildings form and materials.

• Niagara Escarpment Commission • Local Municipalities • Regional Municipalities • Ministry of Municipal Affairs


D-15







3.2 Cont’d

Impacts to/of vegetation adjacent to sidings, rail lines, rear lot lines, access points or within expansion area caused by removal, relocating of utilities, stream improvements and/or culverting

Minimize vegetation removal. Revegetate with new plantings (replacement and/or indigenous species); compensate. Choose suitable/compatible sites for relocation. Restore/replace soil.

For erosion control and where safety and drainage to be maintained. Where removal of vegetation exposes new views and/or disrupts/inconsistent with the character of the area.

Adjacent residents, non-residents, recreationists, tourists, transit users exposed to new views

Opportunities for landscaping improvements.

Where suitable.

Effect of odours resulting from operations

Use approved waste disposal site. As general practice.


D-16







3.2 Cont’d

Effect of high intensity lighting

Provide physical/vegetative barriers or design to minimize intrusion.

Near residential areas.

3.3 Recreational

Effects on pedestrian linkages between recreation area and community due to expansion of facilities

Maintain continuity of pedestrian walkway system as much as possible. Provide crosswalks, sidewalks at access points.

Where suitable. Conservation Authorities Act Navigable Waters Protection Act (federal) • Ministry of Tourism and Recreation • Conservation Authorities • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (CCG)

Effects on recreational (boating) use of waterways

Maintain navigable opening. New or modified waterway crossings (navigable).

3.4 Transportation

Railway impacts (e.g., potential effects on existing and proposed clearance requirements, rail operations, etc.)

Consult with railway regarding permanent measures. Ensure access for emergency response vehicles/personnel. Coordinate future short/long term planning.

As general practice. Canada Transportation Act (federal) Railway Safety Act (federal) Provincial Policy Statement Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act Commuter Service Act Shortline Railways Act GO Transit Act, 2001


D-17







3.4 Cont’d

Effects of modifications to transit and road access (e.g. turning movements, number and location of access points, etc.)

Identify perma nent alternative access points. Ensure access for emergency response vehicles/personnel.

Identify traffic impacts and mitigation options.

Consult with public regarding permanent access routes.

As general practice. • Canadian Transportation Agency • Transport Canada • Ministry of Transportation of Ontario • Regional Municipalities • Local Municipalities

3.5 Health and Safety

Effects on: existing wells due to salt in runoff; well yield and water quality due to changes in surface and subsurface drainage; subsurface sewage disposal systems due to changes in groundwater elevation

Provide vegetative and/or mechanical erosion control methods. Maintain existing groundwater regime through engineering design. Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing materials. Provide emergency spill response control material and procedures. Avoid adverse soil conditions.

Projects adjacent to well sites, exposed aquifers.

Environmental Protection Act Public Health Act Fire Protection and Prevention Act Railway Safety Act (federal) Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan • Environment Canada • Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care • Ministry of Community Safety and

Correctional Services (Office of the Fire Marshal)

• Transport Canada • Health Canada


D-18







3.5 Cont’d

Effects due to alteration in noise and vibration levels, and air quality

Landscape and/or use vegetative barriers to reduce effects. Provide appropriate distance setbacks.

Where suitable.

Inadequate emergency response access

Ensure adequate access for fire department/police services.


Effects on safety and security for patrons and the general public

Provide transit interfacing; designated waiting area; railings; appropriate signage, adequate lighting. Design facilities in accordance with regulatory requirements.


3.6 Quality of Life

Removal of residences within expansion area

Coordinate removal program to minimize inconvenience. Purchase property at market value.



D-19







3.6 Cont’d

Community perception of increased vehicular and patron movements

Provide traffic control devices. Effective public consultation program to ensure those interested develop an accurate understanding.

Vehicle routing modifications to minimize disruption to intra-community pedestrian mobility.

Where suitable. Where suitable.

Landscape to screen traffic movements in and out of station facility.

Disruption of social ties between different parts of a community, or its services due to removal of buildings, homes, businesses, etc.

Effective public consultation program to minimize disruption and confirm that better alternatives are not available.

In developed areas with established residences, industries, businesses, etc.

Accessibility for the disabled

Provide railings; ramps; handicapped parking spaces in close proximity to facility; curb cuts; power doors; elevators; adequate waiting areas.

Where suitable.


D-20







3.7 Economic

Loss of tax base and employment opportunities due to displacement of businesses, industries and residents

Minimize requirement for additional land. When additional land is required, maximize use of underutilized or vacant property.

Increased tax base and employment and development opportunities now accessed by expanded GO Transit services/facilities.

To be consistent with municipal planning efforts. This information represents, in part, the municipal input to a project’s need and/or justification.

Provincial Policy Statement • Ministry of Municipal Affairs • Regional Municipalities • Local Municipalities

Perceived effects on residential property values when GO services locate nearby

Provide effective public consultation program to ensure those affected develop accurate understanding of property value impacts and scope of project.

To be consistent with municipal planning efforts. This information represents, in part, the municipal input to a project's need and/or justification.


D-21




SELECTED APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, POLICIES, GUIDELINES AND RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES

B. TEMPORARY - DURING CONSTRUCTION

1.0 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

1.1 Air

Dust Control dust on site by methods such as watering, using calcium chloride, planting vegetation temporarily, using wind control structures (e.g. tarpaulin on trucks), etc. Hose down trucks leaving construction site. Clean mud off road surfaces adjacent to construction site.

Where adjacent land uses could be adversely affected.

Environmental Protection Act (Regulation 346) Highway Traffic Act Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)

• Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Health and Long-term Care • Ministry of Transportation of Ontario • Health Canada

Exhaust emissions from idling vehicles

Avoid unnecessary engine idling. Ensure proper equipment maintenance.

Where adjacent land uses/natural vegetation could be adversely affected.


D-22






1.2 Soil

Erosion of cut slopes and fill materials prior to stabilization

Avoid areas with high erosion potential. Schedule activities to the most stable ground conditions and low water levels. Install wind control structures.

Prior to construction.

Environmental Protection Act (Regulation 347 (as amended by 558)) Canadian Environmental Protection Act (federal) Aggregate Resources Act Niagara Escarpment Development Act/Plan Fisheries Act (federal) Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)

Minimize duration of soil exposure by sodding, seeding (straw mulch), or hydroseeding as soon as possible after cut slopes are at grade.

During Construction • Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Natural Resources • Niagara Escarpment Commission • Conservation Authorities • Ministry of Agriculture and Food • Fisheries & Oceans Canada (FHM) • Environment Canada


D-23






1.2 Cont’d

Encroachment on steep unstable slopes

Stabilize slopes using compaction, gravel blankets, sodding, seeding (straw mulch), hydroseeding, and other vegetative erosion controls. Minimize vegetation clearing. Avoid trenching parallel to the fall of a slope. Avoid highly erodible soils.

During construction.

Erosion by wind and water

Stabilize slopes using compaction, gravel blankets, sodding, seeding (straw mulch), hydroseeding, and other vegetative erosion controls. Minimize stream crossings and install adequate crossings. Provide buffer zones along water bodies. Divert runoff from exposed soil. Provide energy dissipators at sewer outfalls to keep runoff velocities low.

Erodible soils in excavations; cut and fill areas; stockpiles; cut slopes; areas near watercourses.

Sheet/channel erosion resulting in rills, gullies

Utilize flow checks (e.g. sand bags, rock check dams, gabion baskets, silt fences and traps).

In ditches, downstream of erodible sites (e.g. earth cuts, embankment slopes).


D-24






1.2 Cont’d

Increased concentration of contaminants (e.g. heavy metals, petrochemicals, salt, etc.)

Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing materials. Build impervious dikes around oil, fuel, and chemical storage areas. Install impervious liners.


Provide spill control material and procedures. Properly store and dispose of materials containing oil, chemicals, fuel, and other hazardous material. Supervise oil and fuel extractions from storage areas.

Fuel trucks at properly designed fuelling stations at the required distance away from watercourses.

Soil compaction Avoid rutting by vehicles. Schedule construction to minimize soil disturbance (e.g. winter). Use vegetation, gravel in roads. Use vehicles with low bearing pressure. Stop activities when ground conditions give rise to severe soil profile disruption.

Throughout construction.


D-25






1.2 Cont’d

Mixing of topsoil with subsoil

Strip and stockpile topsoil separate from subsoil.

Generally in areas of undisturbed soils.

Loss of topsoil resource

Stockpile during construction and reuse.


Excavation and disposal

Compliance with appropriate provincial policies and regulations.

Where disposal of excavated materials is required.

1.3 Surface Water Increased

sedimentation and turbidity of waterbodies

Use best management practices to enhance protection of waterbodies (e.g., hydroseed and/or straw mulch; temporary seeding; mulch and crimp; sodding; erosion control blanket). Preserve existing vegetation, maintain or provide buffer strips, sediment traps, interceptor ditches, settling ponds. Provide barriers (e.g., straw bales, silt fences, temporary check dams; sand or pea gravel bags, settling ponds).

Construction activities near or within streams; on slopes; and, drainage channels. Collect sediment either within or before entering drainage channel. On embankments. On steep drainage channels.

Fisheries Act (federal) Navigable Waters Protection Act (federal) Provincial Policy Statement Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act Public Lands Act Conservation Authorities Act Drainage Act Ontario Water Resources Act Application of Sediment and Water Quality Guidelines to Lakefilling Environmental Protection Act MOE Guidelines on Evaluating Construction Activities Impacts on Water Resources Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)


D-26





B. TEMPORARY - DURING CONSTRUCTION 1.3

Cont’d Use filter cloth/clay seal with rip

rap; interlocking blocks.

Stage construction activities.

During biologically critical periods.


Diversion, construction, or channelization of watercourses resulting in streambank erosion

Provide erosion control measures such as gabions, energy dissipators, rock fill, splash pads/pools.

Near river crossings, outfalls.

Ponding effects on adjacent properties

Grade at high point of property line. Appropriate use of culverts, porous backfill and tile drains. Schedule activities for stable ground conditions Provide detention storage areas, catchbasins, ditching; improve conveyance; remove constrictions to reduce the possibility of flooding.

Where adjacent lands could be adversely affected.


D-27






1.3 Cont’d

Placement of fill material in waterbodies/flood plains

Avoid placing fill and structures in flood plain.

Disposal of excess fill. Construction within river valleys.


Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing materials. Provide spill control material and procedures. Avoid adverse soil conditions. Implement disinfection techniques in concert with fisheries requirements.


Restriction of flows Rehabilitate/improve stream by removing constrictions. Increase culvert sizes.

Construction activities near or within stream.


D-28






1.4 Groundwater

Draining of organic areas - hydrologic effects

Avoid wetland areas; maintain existing water levels; use appropriate backfill material.

Construction activities in or adjacent to wet areas or wetlands.

Canadian Environmental Protection Act (federal) Fisheries Act (federal) Environmental Protection Act Ontario Water Resources Act Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act Public Lands Act Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Provincial Policy Statement Niagara Escarpment Development Act/Plan MOE Guidelines on Evaluating Construction Activities Impacts on Water Resources Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)

Reduced groundwater quantity through construction dewatering

Locate construction activities away from groundwater users and water-bearing formations. Use proper dewatering techniques. Use granular material and fill.

Construction activities near groundwater users. Construction dewatering.

• Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care • Ministry of Natural Resources • Niagara Escarpment Commission • Conservation Authorities • Environment Canada • Fisheries and Oceans Canada


D-29






1.4 Cont’d

Truncation of shallow aquifers and springs; interference of flows

Undertake hydrogeologic investigations to identify such areas in advance. Reduce depth of cuts.

Areas of shallow groundwater.


Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing salt, sand, and hazardous materials. Provide spill control material and procedures. Ensure adequate provision of contaminant techniques.


1.5 Stormwater

Increased volume of runoff

Utilize SWMP methods for water quality and quantity control. Ensure adequate provision for on site storage (e.g., retention ponds - wet/dry). Minimize flow velocities by lining erodible soils with rough surfaces (e.g., rip rap, brush).

New, impervious surfaces. Fisheries Act (federal) Navigable Waters Protection Act (federal) Conservation Authorities Act Drainage Act Ontario Water Resources Act Environmental Protection Act MOE Guidelines on Evaluating Construction Activities Impacts on Water Resources Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)


D-30






1.5 Cont’d


1.6 Vegetation

Removal / disturbance of significant species; planting of new (exotic) species where none existed previously

Revegetate with new plantings (replacement and/or native species adapted to the project site). Replace topsoil. Protect sensitive areas. Use annuals that die out later.

For erosion control and maintenance of significant species; disturbed areas requiring restorative work; where safety and drainage to be maintained.

Canada Wildlife Act (federal) Migratory Birds Convention Act (federal) Endangered Species Act Crown Timber Act Species at Risk Act (SARA) (federal) Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Provincial Policy Statement Niagara Escarpment Development Act/Plan Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)


D-31






1.6 Cont’d

Mortality/stress due to drainage changes, sediment deposition, construction equipment movement

Avoid displacement of or damage to any species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), or affecting their critical habitat.

Avoid poorly drained areas. Use roadbed and backfill materials appropriately. Revegetate using indigenous species able to survive the new conditions.

During construction • Ministry of Natural Resources • Conservation Authorities • Niagara Escarpment Commission • Environment Canada

Effects of accumulated heavy metals, salts, etc.

Monitor and use precaution when landfilling, construction refuelling, operating and storing.



D-32






1.7 Wetlands

Drainage impairment

Schedule activities to minimize effects (e.g., in winter). Maintain existing groundwater regime. Avoid wetland areas. Use appropriate backfill.

During construction. Environmental Protection Act Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation (federal) Endangered Species Act Species at Risk Act (SARA) (federal) Provincial Policy Statement Niagara Escarpment Development Act/Plan Fisheries Act (federal) Canada Wildlife Act (federal) Migratory Birds Convention Act (federal) Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)

Streambank erosion, sedimentation

Preserve existing vegetation, maintain or provide buffer strips, sediment traps, interceptor ditches, erosion control blanket, etc.

Collect sediment either within or before entering waterbodies.

• Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Natural Resources • Niagara Escarpment Commission • Conservation Authorities • Fisheries & Oceans Canada (FHM) • Environment Canada


D-33






1.7 Cont’d

Disturbance/loss of habitat for fish and wildlife, and other aquatic life

Stage work to non-critical times. Avoid filling in waterfowl staging areas. Restore substrate. Compensation measures.

During construction.

Soil disturbance Minimize access. Confine activities to designated areas.


Change in water quality, temperature

Avoid dewatering directly into sensitive waterbodies. Minimize tree removal. Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing salt, sand, and hazardous materials. Provide spill control material and procedures. Supervise for leaks.

Near watercourses.

1.8 Fish and Aquatic Life

Removal/change in the character of vegetated areas

Choose suitable site for stream diversions. Restore stream substrate. Replace vegetation with indigenous species. Stage work to avoid biologically critical periods.

Construction activities in vegetated areas serving as habitat and food supply.

Environmental Protection Act Endangered Species Act Species at Risk Act (SARA) (federal) Fisheries Act (federal) Policy for the Management of Fish Habitat (1986) (federal) Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal)


D-34






1.8 Cont’d

Water chemistry changes (reduced water quality, increased temperature of nearby water bodies having value as habitat)

Avoid dewatering directly into sensitive waterbodies. Minimize tree removal. Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing salt, sand, and hazardous materials. Use chemicals/methods other than salt for ice control. Provide spill control material and procedures. Supervise for leaks.

Near watercourses. • Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Natural Resources • Conservation Authorities • Fisheries & Oceans Canada (FHM) • Environment Canada

Increased disruption to fish survival and spawning and breeding activities

Stage work to non-critical periods. Use culverts, fish ladders, etc. to maintain/encourage fish movement. Relocate fish from habitat temporarily isolated by the work to contiguous habitat.

Any works in and around water.

1.9 Wildlife

Change in character of vegetated areas (impacts on significant portions of habitat of rare, vulnerable, threatened and endangered

Restore/replace soil. Replace vegetation with indigenous species adapted to the project site. Stage work to avoid biologically critical periods.

Avoid disturbance to, or incidental take of, migratory birds or their eggs.

Construction activities near areas serving as habitat and food supply.

Environmental Protection Act Endangered Species Act Species at Risk Act (SARA) (federal) Canada Wildlife Act (federal) Migratory Birds Convention Act (federal) Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001


D-35






1.9 Cont’d

species/species at risk)

Avoid site preparation and construction activities in areas that provide habitat for wildlife listed under the Endangered Species Act and the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Environmental Code of Good Practice for General Construction (federal) • Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Natural Resources • Conservation Authorities • Environment Canada

Reduced water quality of nearby surface water

Avoid dewatering directly into sensitive waterbodies. Minimize tree removal. Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing salt, sand, and hazardous materials. Provide spill control material and procedures. Supervise for leaks.

Watercourses having value as wildlife habitat.

Draining of minor staging areas

Maintain existing groundwater regime. Avoid wetland areas. Use appropriate backfill material.

Trenching or excavating.


D-36






2.0 LAND AND RESOURCE USE

2.1 Land Use

Physical changes in layout due to property loss (to institutional, commercial, industrial, recreational, and residential uses)

Compensate by providing similar land use elsewhere. Landscape in advance.

In areas within or adjacent to institutional, commercial, industrial, residential, or public open space.

Planning Act Ontario Planning and Development Act, 1994 Provincial Policy Statement Parkway Belt West Plan Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan • Ministry of Municipal Affairs • Ministry of the Environment • Niagara Escarpment Commission • CN Rail • CP Rail • Transport Canada


D-37






2.2 Agricultural

Removal of productive farmland; loss of property may lead to reduced productivity and viability of farm operation

Locate and design facilities to minimize land requirements (e.g. deck parking) and construction disturbance.

In prime agricultural areas.

Municipal Act Drainage Act Line Fences Act Provincial Policy Statement Nutrient Management Act Environmental Protection Act

Disruption of field access, farm machinery and animal movements on roads accessing the storage/ maintenance facility

Provide alternative access points at critical times.

In prime agricultural areas. • Ministry of Agriculture and Food • Ministry of the Environment

Disturbance to crops, livestock, people by noise, dust, and contaminants

Use noise, vibration, and dust control measures.


Effects on crops of heavy metals, salts, etc. from surface runoff

Establish and enforce chemical handling standards. Provide for emergency clean up and soil replacement.



D-38






2.2 Cont’d

Disruption of tile and surface drainage systems

Stage construction work. Restore tile and surface drainage system.


Mixing of topsoil and subsoil

Strip and stockpile topsoil. Separate from subsoil.

Generally in areas of undisturbed soils.

Soil compaction Avoid rutting by vehicles. Schedule construction to minimize soil disturbance (e.g. winter). Use vegetation, gravel in roads.


2.3 Cultural Heritage Resources

Disturbance, alteration, demolition or destruction of built heritage resources, cultural heritage landscapes and or archaeological resources having significant historical, archaeological, architectural or economical value

Avoid designated sites. Relocate if necessary. Use appropriate measures to reduce harmful effects of potential impacts (e.g., vibration, alterations in water table, etc.).

Record/salvage information on known features to be removed.

Contingency planning for unforeseen impacts to archaeological resources included in contract documents.

Where appropriate with respect to heritage resources. During cultural heritage assessment prior to/during construction.

Prior to construction. Construction tender and monitoring periods.

Ontario Heritage Act Niagara Escarpment Development Act/Plan Historic Sites and Monuments Act (federal) Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act (federal)

• Ministry of Culture • Niagara Escarpment Commission • Parks Canada/Federal Heritage

Buildings Review Office • Historic Sites and Monuments Board

of Canada • Local Architectural Conservation

Advisory Committee (LACAC)


D-39






2.3 Cont’d

Unwanted increase in public access and potential vandalism

Fence off designated areas to prevent public access.

During heritage/archaeological assessment prior to/during construction.

• Municipal Heritage Committee • Local Historical Board • Conservation Authorities • Local Aboriginal Communities

3.0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC

3.1 Noise

Increase in noise and vibration levels

Limit construction period to daytime hours. Utilize special noise reduction equipment on construction machinery. Provide distance setbacks. Use noise and vibration control measures. Designate routes and parking and waiting areas for construction vehicles.

Where substantial noise will be experienced during construction in adjacent residential or institutional areas. Where substantial attenuation is possible. Where feasible.

Environmental Protection Act • Ministry of the Environment • Transport Canada • CN Rail • CP Rail


D-40






3.2 Aesthetics

Effect of relocating utilities on vegetation

Choose suitable/compatible sites for relocation. Restore/replace soil. Replace vegetation with indigenous species.

As general practice. Niagara Escarpment Development Act/Plan Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Municipal By-laws

Effect of stream improvements or culverting on vegetation

Minimize vegetation removal. Stage construction to avoid biologically critical periods. Replace vegetation with indigenous species.

As general practice. • Niagara Escarpment Commission • Local Municipalities • Regional Municipalities • Ministry of Municipal Affairs

3.3 Recreational

Disruption to tourism industry

Stage construction to avoid peak tourist seasons. Use noise and dust control measures. Minimize changes in access.

As general practice. Conservation Authorities Act Navigable Waters Protection Act (federal)

Disruption of open space activities (inconvenience to users, maintenance problems, noise, dust, etc.)

Stage construction to avoid peak recreation periods. Use noise and dust control measures.

In areas within or adjacent to public open space.

• Ministry of Tourism and Recreation • Conservation Authorities • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (CCG)


D-41






3.3 Cont’d

Effects on recreational (boating) use of waterways and the public right to navigation

Maintain navigable opening. Provide warning to boaters and assistance with safe passage through or around work area.

New or modified waterway crossings (navigable).

3.4 Transportation

Railway impacts (e.g. potential effects on existing and proposed clearance requirements, rail operations, etc.

Consult with railway regarding temporary measures. Ensure access for emergency response vehicles/personnel. Coordinate future short/long term planning.

As general practice. Canada Transportation Act (federal) Public Transportation & Highway Improvement Act Provincial Policy Statement Commuter Services Act


D-42






3.4 Cont’d

Effects of modifications to transit and road access (e.g. turning movements, number and location of access points, etc.

Identify alternative access points. Ensure access for emergency response vehicles/personnel. Identify traffic impacts and mitigation options.

Consult with public regarding temporary access re-routings.

As general practice. • Canadian Transportation Agency • Ministry of Transportation of Ontario • Regional Municipalities • Local Municipalities

3.5 Health and Safety

Ill effects on the physical, chemical, and microbiological quality of existing groundwater supplies by changes in groundwater regime

Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing materials. Provide spill control material and procedures. Avoid adverse soil conditions.

Environmental Protection Act Public Health Act Fire Protection and Prevention Act Railway Safety Act (federal) • Ministry of the Environment • Ministry of Health and Long-Term

Care • Ministry of Community Safety and

Correctional Services (Office of the Fire Marshal)

• Transport Canada • Health Canada


D-43






3.5 Cont’d

Effects on: existing wells due to salt in runoff; well yield and water quality due to changes in surface and subsurface drainage; subsurface sewage disposal systems due to changes in groundwater elevations

Provide vegetative and/or mechanical erosion control methods. Use good management practices when handling, applying, storing materials. Provide spill control material and procedures. Avoid adverse soil conditions. Location construction activities appropriately.

Construction activities adjacent to well sites.

Effects due to alterations in noise and vibration levels, and air quality

Provide vegetative barriers using indigenous species to minimize effects. Provide adequate distance setbacks.

In areas within or adjacent to institutional, commercial, industrial, or residential uses.

Inadequate emergency response access

Ensure adequate access for fire departments/police services.



D-44






3.5 Cont’d

Effects on safety and movement patterns of pedestrian traffic adjacent to institutional, commercial, industrial, recreational, residential uses (e.g., school, hospital, church, senior citizens' home, etc.)

Maintain continuity of pedestrian walkway system as much as possible.

Provide walkway strips to adjacent residential areas. Provide crosswalks, sidewalks at access points.

As general practice. Where suitable.

Effects on safety, accessibility and security for patrons

Provide/maintain transit interfacing; designated waiting area; railing; appropriate signage; adequate lighting; walkway strips at access points.

Where suitable.


D-45






3.6 Quality of Life

Disruption/ inconvenience to residents, non-residents, recreationists, tourists, transit users, etc. (noise, dust, detours, etc.)

Notify public, agencies, adjacent owners of construction period. Consult with public regarding temporary access re-routings. Identify truck routes and truck parking areas to be used during construction. Identify specific locations for storage of construction materials, soil, etc. on site. Schedule construction so as to minimize period of disruption in proximity of adjacent residences or institutional uses.

As general practice. Where substantial inconvenience or disruption to adjacent uses would be experienced and where measures would substantially reduce effects.


APPENDIX E Public Consultation Methods


E-1

PUBLIC CONSULTATION METHODS: Adapted from "Guidelines and Policy on Pre-Submission Consultation in the Environmental Assessment Process", Ministry of the Environment, 1987, pp. 18-19). (Refer also to “Draft Guidelines for Public Consultation in the Environmental Assessment Process” (MOE, December 15, 2000)

No ranking of methods is implied. *For definitions of Evaluation Criteria, refer to page E - 3.

*CRITERIA METHOD

Audience Size

Expertise Required

Involvement and

Information Exchange Potential

Education Potential

Problem Solving Value

Issue Identification

Potential for Confrontation

Open House/Public Information Centre

Large Medium Medium High Low Medium Medium

Public Meeting (Presentation; Question & Answer Period)

Large Medium Low to medium Low Low Medium to high

High

Workshop/Seminar/ Round Table Discussion

Medium to large

High High High High High Low

Public Advisory Group/ Working Group/Liaison Committee

Small High High High High High Low


E-2

*CRITERIA METHOD

Audience Size

Expertise Required

Involvement and

Information Exchange Potential

Education Potential

Problem Solving Value

Issue Identification

Potential for Confrontation

Briefing Meeting/ Presentation to an Interest Group

Small Medium to high

Medium Medium Low Medium Medium

Field Trip/Site Visit Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Low

Letter Small to large

Low to medium

Low to medium Medium to high

Low to high Low to high Low

Telephone Call Small High High High High High Medium

Personal Visit Small High High High High High Low

Survey & Questionnaire

Large High Low to high Medium Low Medium Low

Newspaper Advertisement/Insert

Large Low Low Low Low Low Low

Radio/Television Announcement

Large Low Low Low Low Low Low

Media Presentation Large Medium Low Medium Low Low Low

Newsletter/Fact Sheet/ Information Package

Large Low Low Medium to high

Low Low Low

Exhibit/Display in Prominent Location

Medium to large

Low Low Low to medium

Low Low Low

Municipal Publication Large Low to medium

Low Low to medium

Low Low Low

PUBLIC CONSULTATION METHODS APPENDIX E


E-3

EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR

PUBLIC CONSULTATION METHODS Audience Size - Normally considered to be:

small 1-15 medium 16-50 large greater than 50

Expertise Required - Skills required by the proponent to provide

effective consultation. Involvement and Information Exchange Potential

- The potential for information exchange and input into the various processes.

Educational Potential - The potential to raise the level of

understanding of local issues and concerns, technical information, etc., among all participants.

Problem Solving Value - The potential to solve problems and assist in

the resolution of outstanding issues. Issue Identification - Potential to identify contentious and

important issues within the study process. Potential for Confrontation - Degree to which participants might disrupt

information exchange when consulting on contentious issues.


APPENDIX F

Review Agencies to be Contacted and When


F-1

RATIONALE FOR REVIEW AGENCY CONTACT

AGENCY

APPLICABLE

LEGISLATION/ REGULATIONS/POLICIES/

GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

ON ALL PROJECTS

Ministry of Energy • All projects because of implications on energy use and urban form.

Local Area Municipalities • Planning Act

• Provincial Policy Statement

• Ontario Heritage Act

• All projects because of potential relationship to municipal proposals, by-laws, land use plans, and integration with municipal transit services.

• Valuable input for effective public consultation programs.

• Valuable input on municipal heritage designations, and municipal lists or inventories of identified cultural heritage resources.

Local and Regional Municipalities

Local and Regional Transit Operating Agencies

• All projects because of potential relationship to municipal proposals, by-laws, land use plans, natural and cultural heritage resources and integration with municipal transit services.

• Valuable input for


F-2

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

effective public consultation programs.

PROVINCIAL

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Resources Management, Agricultural Land Use

• Provincial Policy Statement • Line Fences Act • Drainage Act • Municipal Act • Nutrient Management Act

• Projects affecting prime agricultural areas.

• Projects affecting prime agricultural lands that includes specialty crop lands and Canada Land Inventory, classes 1 to 3 soils.

Ministry of Community and Social Services

Ministry of Children’s Services District Office

• Projects affecting access to and operation of social service facilities (e.g., psychiatric homes, group homes, hospitals, etc.) or hard services (e.g., sewers, watermains).

Financial Planning and Business Management Branch

• Projects involving two or more regions.


F-3

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

Ministry of Culture Heritage and Libraries Branch

• Provincial Policy Statement

• Ontario Heritage Act

• Archaeological Assessment Technical Guidelines (Stages 1-3 & Reporting Format)

• Projects affecting built heritage resources, cultural heritage landscapes or archaeological resources.

• When projects may involve excavation or other alteration of grade.

• Projects affecting: recreational areas (e.g., existing and proposed parks and recreation facilities, including private, municipal, and conservation authority operations); tourist facilities; and/or, planning areas with potential for tourism development /designation.

Ministry of Economic Development and Trade

• Projects affecting industrial areas.

Ministry of Education Corporate Management and Services Division

• Projects affecting educational institutions.


F-4

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

Ministry of the Environment Regional and/or District Offices

• Environmental Protection Act

• Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA)

• Pesticides Act (PA) • Decommissioning Guidelines

• Contact Regional (Regional EA and Planning Coordinator) and/or District Office for projects affecting: permanent and intermittent watercourses, water bodies, navigable waterways; ground water; surface water; storm water; air quality; and/or, noise.

• Coordinates the Ministry's review of parent Class EAs, including the GO Transit Parent Class EA.

Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch

• Environmental Assessment Act

• Group B project undertaken as Group A (upon request, a 2 page document sent to MOE for information).

• Part II Order requests. • Review of

application under EPA, OWRA, PA.


F-5

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Public Health Branch

• Public Health Act

• Health Promotion and Protection Act

• All projects with health implications (e.g. groundwater contamination, reduced air quality, etc.).

Management Board Secretariat Ontario Realty Corporation

• Projects affecting provincial government property.

Ministry of Municipal Affairs Provincial Planning and Environmental Services Branch

• Planning Act • Provincial Policy Statement • Ontario Planning and

Development Act, 1994

• Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001

• Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan

• Projects relating to municipal services.

• Projects with potential effects in the Parkway Belt Planning Area.

• Projects with potential effects in the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan area.

• Projects affecting other sensitive or special planning areas.

• Contact appropriate Branch (Central and Southwest; or North and East).

• Projects affecting subdivisions.

Waterfront Regeneration Trust

• Projects affecting the waterfront in the GTA.


F-6

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

Ministry of Natural Resources Regional and District Offices Policy and Planning Coordination Branch

• Endangered Species Act • Aggregate Resources Act • Lakes and Rivers

Improvement Act • Beds of Navigable Waters

Act • Public Lands Act • Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Act • Oak Ridges Moraine

Conservation Act, 2001 • Oak Ridges Moraine

Conservation Plan • Crown Forest Sustainability

Act • Fisheries Act • Provincial Policy Statement

• Projects affecting: permanent and intermittent watercourses, waterbodies, navigable waterways; groundwater; rare, vulnerable, threatened, endangered or otherwise significant species; discharge of deleterious substances into waters inhabited by fish (s. 36); significant wildlife habitat; breeding birds; Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI); wetlands; floodplains (where conservation authorities do not exist); hazard lands; fish habitat; watercourses; Oak Ridges Moraine; mineral aggregate resources; woodlands; dumping of fill; or, woodlots.

• Project involves two or more regions.


F-7

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Office of the Fire Marshal OPP Division

• Fire Protection and Prevention Act

• Projects affecting Fire Department access.

• Projects affecting

policing services.

Correctional Services • Projects within one kilometre of penal institutions.

Ministry of Tourism and Recreation Tourism Division

• Projects affecting: recreational areas (e.g. existing and proposed parks and recreation facilities, including private, municipal, and conservation authority operations); tourist facilities; and/or, planning areas with potential for tourism development or designation.


F-8

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

Ministry of Transportation of Ontario Director, Transportation Planning Branch

• Highway Traffic Act • Public Transportation and

Highway Improvement Act • Commuter Services Act • Shortline Railways Act • GO Transit Act, 2001

• Projects affecting transportation service facilities.

• Coordinates the MTO review for all GO Transit undertakings, except the GO Transit parent Class EA (review input includes input from MTO Central Region).

Provincial and Environmental Planning Office

• Coordinates the MTO review of parent Class EAs, including the GO Transit Parent Class EA.

Central Region Strategic Highways Management Office Planning and Environmental Office

• Projects affecting transportation service facilities.

• Coordinates all Regional input (e.g. Engineering and Operations Offices) to Engineering Office response.

• Coordinates MTO review of Individual EAs and Parent Class EAs.

• Receives a copy of the final EA or Environmental Study Report (ESR) on projects where MTO has expressed an interest in receiving this material.

Ministry of Finance Office of Economic Policy

• Projects affecting regionally significant growth centres.


F-9

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

growth centres. • Projects involving

new provincial/municipal transit lines.

Niagara Escarpment Commission

• Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act

• Projects with potential effects in the Niagara Escarpment Plan's planning area.

Hydro One/Ontario Power Generation

• Projects affecting Hydro sites, facilities, ROWs, or supply and demand.

Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat

• Projects affecting aboriginal peoples.

FEDERAL

Department of Energy Mines and Resources Geological Survey and Mapping Section

• Information source for geological features (e.g. maps).


F-10

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

Environment Canada (Department of Environment)

• Fisheries Act (Section 36) • Migratory Birds Convention

Act (MBCA) • Federal Policy on Wetland

Conservation • Canadian Environmental

Protection Act (CEPA) • Species at Risk Act (SARA)

• Projects with potential to result in the deposit of deleterious substances into Canadian fisheries waters.


migratory birds protected by MBCA.


federal wetlands. • Projects involving

federal lands or facilities.

• Projects involving releases or discharges of toxic substances designated under CEPA.

• Projects with

potential to affect endangered or threatened species listed under SARA (applies to all listed species on federal lands, and all listed aquatic species and migratory birds on all lands).


F-11

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Fish Habitat Management Coast Guard

• Fisheries Act, s.s. 22(1), 22(2), 22(3), 32, 35(2) and 37(2)

• Navigable Waters

Protection Act, s.s. 5(1)(a), 6(4) and 20

• Applies to any work in or near water that is likely to harmfully affect fish or fish habitat.

• Provision of sufficient water flow

• Passage of fish around barriers.

• Screening of water intakes.

• Destruction of fish by means other than fishing (e.g. blasting).

• Authorization is required to harmfully alter, disrupt or destroy fish habitat.

• Applies to any work

in, over, through or across navigable waters that is likely to substantially interfere with the public right to navigation.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Environment Unit


First Nations and aboriginal people.


F-12

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

• Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA)

• Projects affecting federal funds; areas of federal responsibility; and/or, requiring federal decision-making.

• Contact for process-related issues and assistance in identifying appropriate Federal Responsible Authorities and Federal Authorities.

Canadian Transportation Agency

• Canada Transportation Act • Projects where construction may affect railways.

Transport Canada • Railway Safety Act • Aeronautics Act

• Projects adjacent or near Transport Canada facilities.

• Projects where railway operation and public and employee safety are issues (contact Railway Safety Directorate, Surface).

• Projects near an airport, aerodrome, and/or radio aids to navigation sites (contact Airports Group and Aviation Group).


F-13

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

LOCAL

Local Conservation Authority(ies) in Study Area

• Projects affecting: permanent and intermittent watercourse, water bodies, navigable waterways; rare, endangered or significant species; environmentally sensitive areas; dumping of fill; or, hazard lands.

• Information source for studies on soil conditions/ slope stability.

Railways

CN Rail

• Projects affecting railway lines and/or property.

CP Rail (St. Lawrence & Hudson)

• Projects affecting railway lines and/or property.

College and University Institutions

• Projects affecting properties, physical assets, and occupants of colleges and universities; or having cultural ramifications.

Environmental Advisory Groups

• Projects with potential significant environmental impacts.

Emergency Services (Fire, Police, Ambulance)

• Projects affecting access routes/points


F-14

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

Police, Ambulance) access routes/points and service operations.

Heritage/Historical Groups, including the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC)

• When built or landscape features may have heritage potential, contact for evaluation.

• Projects affecting built heritage, cultural heritage landscape or archaeological resources.

First Nations/Aboriginal Communities Chiefs of Ontario Métis Nation of Ontario Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation Native Canadian Centre of Toronto

First Nations/Aboriginal Communities Cont’d

• Aboriginal communities will be consulted if (i) the project is located on, goes through, or is in close proximity to an aboriginal community, such as a First Nation reservation and areas where they have traditionally carried out activities such as hunting and trapping; (ii) the project affects land that is subject to an unresolved First Nation land claim; or (iii) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the project would result in impacts to an archaeological site relating to Canada’s


F-15

AGENCY

APPLICABLE


GUIDELINES

WHEN TO CONTACT

aboriginal heritage.

• Any new developments over the lifetime of the project.

School Boards, Public and Separate

• Projects affecting school entrances, bus routes, and operation/activities.

Utility Companies (e.g., hydro, telephone, fiber optics, oil and gas pipelines, cable, etc.)

• Projects affecting sites, facilities, ROWs, or supply and demand.


APPENDIX G

Suggested Notices

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-1

In this appendix are suggested contents for notices and letters for use in the consultation program associated with the Group B Class EA process and Group B projects undertaken as Group A. At the Project Manager's discretion, notices and/or letters may also be used where appropriate in connection with Group A projects. Included in this appendix are generic letters (which can be tailored into notices) for the following points of contact in the respective stages: Problem or Opportunity Identification and Feasibility Stage 1. Letter to MOE EAAB regarding undertaking a Group B project as a Group

A (if required) 2. Notice to public regarding undertaking a Group B project as a Group A

(mandatory) Concept Alternatives Stage 3. Initial letter and project overview package to review agencies (mandatory) 4. Initial notice to general public (mandatory) 5. Letter and/or notice of formal contact (e.g., Public Information Centre)

(discretionary) Preliminary Design Alternatives Stage 6. Letter and/or notice of formal contact (e.g., Public Information Centre)

(discretionary) 7. Letter and/or notice of formal contact (e.g., Public Information Centre),

where design has undergone refinements (discretionary) 8. Letter and/or Notice of Completion of ESR, to review agencies and the

public (mandatory) Detail Design 9. Letter to review agencies or individual members of the public where

commitments to consult were previously made (discretionary) Addendum 10. Letter and/or notice to review agencies and the public in connection with

required addendum to an ESR (mandatory when addendum is carried out)

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-2

Problem or Opportunity Identification and Feasibility Stage 1. Letter to MOE EAAB regarding undertaking a Group B project as a Group A

(if required) To: MOE Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch Dear : Subject: Notification of Project (Group B to Group A)--«name of project» GO Transit Project No. ______ GO Transit has initiated the «name of project» in accordance with the GO Transit Class Environmental Assessment process. The project is of a scope normally deemed to be a Group B undertaking and thus subject to the full requirements of the GO Transit Class EA process. However, the scale and scope of the project are minor and no environmental effects or public concerns are anticipated. Therefore, no Environmental Study Report will be prepared and the project is deemed approved. (list other reasons, as appropriate) This submission provides a detailed rationale for the planning process, including a description of the undertaking, an assessment of project alternatives, public and agency consultation to date, and commitments to environmental protection and mitigation. Please see attached report (Section 3.1.1, Stage 1, Step 3). Based on the foregoing rationale, GO Transit intends to proceed with the project as a Group A (deemed approved) undertaking. In compliance with the procedures described in the GO Transit Class EA, the project will be subject to a monitoring and evaluation program, the results of which will be included in the annual report submitted by GO Transit to MOE. If you require additional information, please contact the undersigned. Sincerely, Project Manager GO Transit Attachments

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-3

Problem or Opportunity Identification and Feasibility Stage 2. Notice to public regarding undertaking a Group B project as a Group A

(mandatory)

Notification of Project--«name of project» GO Transit Project No. _____

GO Transit has initiated the «name of project» in accordance with the GO Transit Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process. The project is of a scope where there are normally no environmental effects and no public concerns and is classified as a Group A undertaking in accordance with the Class EA. Group A undertakings are deemed to be approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act and are not subject to the full requirements of the GO Transit Class EA process. «Location and Description of the undertaking and the works involved» Although no formal documentation for public review will be prepared for the project, it will be subject to a monitoring and evaluation program, the results of which will be kept on file at GO Transit. To obtain further information or register concerns about this project, please contact: Project Manager GO Transit Address Phone number Fax number E-mail address Pursuant to Section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, you are hereby notified that any personal information collected is for the sole purpose of meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. The legal authority for this collection is the GO Transit Act, 2001, S.O. 2001,c23, Schedule A,s.9.(1).

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-4

Concept Alternatives Stage 3. Initial letter and project overview package to review agencies (mandatory) _________________________________________________________________ To: Distribution List Dear : Subject: Notification of Project--«name of project» GO Transit Project No. _____

GO Transit is preparing a preliminary design and an Environmental Assessment, in accordance with the GO Transit Class Environmental Assessment process, for the «name of project». We are contacting you in order to determine whether there are any concerns pertaining to the alternatives under consideration for this project. Attached is an Overview of the project. We encourage you to advise of any concerns or information that you have in connection with the project. Your prompt response will assist us in identifying key issues at an early stage in the planning process. If you have no comments at this time, we would appreciate, nevertheless, an indication of your interest in remaining on the project mailing list. If you have no interest in this study, please indicate as such on the attached form by «date» and return a copy for our files. After «date», a preferred Concept Alternative will be selected and alternative designs for the Concept will be developed. An Environmental Study Report (ESR) will be prepared to document the results of the planning process and will be filed on the public record. If you feel, after consulting with GO Transit staff about the completed ESR, that serious environmental concerns exist, you may write the Minister of the Environment to request that the project be subject to an Individual Environmental Assessment. This may result in a formal government review and approval process being undertaken. If you require further information about this project or related background studies «if any», please contact the undersigned. We look forward to an early response from your office. Sincerely,

Project Manager or Project Manager Consultant GO Transit

cc: Project Manager, GO Transit, or Project Manager, Consultant

Attachments

BeverlyK

BeverlyK

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-5

Subject: Overview of Project--«name of project» GO Transit Project No. _____ GO Transit is initiating a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for «name of project». This notice is to give you a brief overview of the proposal. 1.0 Project Location and Description - Location of project (reference map) 2.0 Project Purpose and Justification - Purpose of project (description of problem/opportunity that project will

solve/address) 3.0 Proposed Work - Description of the components of work involved - Construction activities anticipated 4.0 Class EA Process - Group B project classification, according to the GO Transit Class EA

Document - Indicate, as appropriate, that various Concept Alternatives and a number of

Preliminary Design Alternatives will be evaluated - If possible, describe (and illustrate on map) the different alternatives - Incorporation of public and review agency input (purpose, number, timing

and nature of proposed additional public and review agency contacts) - Completion of an Environmental Study Report - Availability of the ESR for review when completed 5.0 Site Plan Map - Attach site plan map showing, as appropriate, Concept Alternatives 6.0 Review Agencies - Indicate other recipients of the Overview by attaching copy of review

agency distribution list 7.0 Schedule - Anticipated schedule of the Class EA process for this project - Outline of proposed construction schedule «optional»

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-6

Subject: Notification of Project--«name of project» GO Transit Project No. _____ PLEASE RETURN BY «DATE» TO: Project Manager, Consultant Address Phone number Fax number Please check the appropriate box: ¨ We wish to be kept informed and would like to remain on the project mailing list.

We have comments to provide and they are attached. ¨ We wish to be kept informed and would like to remain on the project mailing list.

At the present time, we have no significant concerns/comments to provide. ¨ We have no significant concerns regarding the above-noted study. Please remove

our name from the project mailing list. Name:_______________________________________________ (please print) Agency:_____________________________________________ Signed:_____________________________________________ Date:_______________________________________________

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-7

Concept Alternatives Stage 4. Initial notice to general public (mandatory) _________________________________________________________________

Notification of Project--«name of project» GO Transit Project No. _____

GO Transit is initiating a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) of ... - Reference project name - Location of project (reference map showing, as appropriate, concept

alternatives and preferred concept alternative (preliminary)) - Purpose of project (description of problem that it will solve or opportunity

it will address) - Description of components of work involved This project has been classified as a Group B project, according to GO Transit's Class EA Document. As such, the study will .... - Evaluate a number of concept alternatives - Evaluate a number of preliminary design alternatives - Incorporate public and review agency input The study will culminate in an Environmental Study Report (ESR), a copy of which will be available for public review when it is completed. At that time, the public will be advised of when and where it can be reviewed. Additionally, it is anticipated that there will be contacts made throughout the process .... - Purpose, number, timing and nature of proposed additional public contacts,

if any At the present time, a number of Concept Alternatives are being investigated, including: - - - We encourage you to advise of any concerns or information that you have in connection with the alternatives under consideration. Any group(s) or individual(s) wishing to be involved in the study must indicate their interest to GO Transit in writing. After «date» a preferred Concept Alternative will be selected and alternative designs for the Concept will be developed. If you feel, after consulting with GO Transit staff about the completed ESR, that serious environmental concerns exist, you may write the Minister of the Environment to request that the project be subject to an Individual Environmental Assessment. This may result in a formal government review and approval process being undertaken.

BeverlyK

BeverlyK

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-8

Further information about this project or related background studies «if any» can be obtained from either: Project Manager or Project Manager GO Transit Consultant Address Address Phone number Phone number Fax number Fax number Pursuant to Section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, you are hereby notified that any personal information collected is for the sole purpose of meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. The legal authority for this collection is the GO Transit Act, 2001, S.O. 2001,c23, Schedule A,s.9.(1).

«MAP»

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-9

Concept Alternatives Stage 5. Letter and/or notice of formal contact (e.g., Public Information Centre)

(discretionary) _________________________________________________________________ To: Distribution List Dear : Subject: Notice of «Open House»--«name of project» GO Transit Project No. _____ _________________________________________________________________ GO Transit is carrying out a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) of ... - Reference project name - Location of project (reference map showing, as appropriate, Concept

Alternatives and preferred Concept Alternative (preliminary)) - Purpose of project (description of problem that it will solve or opportunity

it will address) - Description of components of work involved This project has been classified as a Group B project, according to GO Transit's Class EA Document. As such, the study will .... - Evaluate a number of concept alternatives - Evaluate a number of preliminary design alternatives - Incorporate public and review agency input Additionally, an «Open House» is being held to let you review and comment on the Concept Alternatives and the study to date. GO Transit staff and the study consultant will be on hand to discuss plans, answer questions, and receive your comments. Your participation is an important part of the process, and we welcome your comments. Following the «Open House», the alternatives will be evaluated and a preferred Concept Alternative selected. The project will then proceed to the Preliminary Design Stage. The study will culminate in an Environmental Study Report, a copy of which will be available for public review when it is completed. At that time, the public will be advised of when and where it can be reviewed. If you feel, after consulting with GO Transit staff about the completed ESR, that serious environmental concerns exist, you may write the Minister of the Environment to request that the project be subject to an Individual

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-10

Environmental Assessment. This may result in a formal government review and approval process being undertaken. «Open Houses» will be held on the following dates, with all sessions running from «4:00 to 8:00 p.m.» and «all locations are wheelchair-accessible»: Date 1 Location 1 Address Date 2, if applicable Location 2 Address If you cannot attend the above-noted session(s) but wish information about this project or related background studies «if any», please contact either: Project Manager or Project Manager GO Transit Consultant Address Address Phone number Phone number Fax number Fax number

«MAP» Sincerely, Project Manager Consultant cc: Project Manager, GO Transit

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-11

Preliminary Design Alternatives Stage 6. Letter and/or notice of formal contact (e.g., Public Information Centre)

(discretionary) _________________________________________________________________ To: Distribution List Dear : Subject: Notice of «Open House»--«name of project» GO Transit Project No. _____ _________________________________________________________________ GO Transit is carrying out a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) of ... - Reference project name - Location of project (reference map showing, as appropriate, Preliminary

Design Alternatives and preferred Preliminary Design Alternative (preliminary))

- Purpose of project (description of problem that it will solve or opportunity it will address)

- Description of preferred Concept Alternative - Description of components of work involved This project has been classified as a Group B project, according to GO Transit's Class EA Document. The study is currently in the Preliminary Design Stage which involves the investigation of a number of alternative designs for the preferred Concept which was selected in «date». An «Open House» is being held to let you review and comment on the Preliminary Design Alternatives. GO Transit staff and the study consultant will be on hand to discuss plans, answer questions, and receive your comments. Your participation is an important part of the process, and we welcome your comments. Following the «Open House», the alternatives will then be evaluated and a preferred Preliminary Design Alternative selected. «Open Houses» will be held on the following dates, with all sessions running from «4:00 to 8:00 p.m.» and «all locations are wheelchair-accessible»:

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-12

Date 1 Location 1 Address Date 2, if applicable Location 2 Address The study will culminate in an Environmental Study Report being prepared, a copy of which will be available for public review when it is completed. At that time, the public will be advised of when and where it can be reviewed. If you feel, after consulting with GO Transit staff about the completed ESR, that serious environmental concerns exist, you may write the Minister of the Environment to request that the project be subject to a Part II Order requiring an Individual Environmental Assessment. This may result in a formal government review and approval process being undertaken. If you cannot attend the above-noted session(s) but wish information about this project or related background studies «if any», please contact either: Project Manager or Project Manager GO Transit Consultant Address Address Phone number Phone number Fax number Fax number Pursuant to Section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, you are hereby notified that any personal information collected is for the sole purpose of meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. The legal authority for this collection is the GO Transit Act, 2001, S.O. 2001,c23, Schedule A,s.9.(1).


NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-13

Preliminary Design Alternatives Stage 7. Letter and/or notice of formal contact (e.g., Public Information Centre),

where design has undergone refinements (discretionary) _________________________________________________________________ To: Distribution List Dear : Subject: Notice of «Open House»--«name of project» GO Transit Project No. _____ _________________________________________________________________ GO Transit is carrying out a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) of ... - Reference project name - Location of project (reference map showing, as appropriate, preferred

Preliminary Design) - Purpose of project (description of problem that it will solve or opportunity

it will address) - Description of preferred Concept Alternative - Description of components of work involved This project has been classified as a Group B project, according to GO Transit's Class EA Document. The study is at the end of the Preliminary Design Stage and a preferred Design Alternative has been selected. Public and review agency input were an integral part of this decision-making process. Due to ........., the preferred Design must undergo some minor revisions. The proposed refinements entail .......... An «Open House» is being held to let you review and comment on the proposed refinements to the design. Representatives of GO Transit and the study consultant will be on hand at these sessions to discuss plans, answer questions, and receive your comments. Your participation is an important part of the process, and we welcome your comments. «Open Houses» will be held on the following dates, with all sessions running from «4:00 to 8:00 p.m.» and «all locations are wheelchair-accessible»:

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-14

Date 1 Location 1 Address Date 2, if applicable Location 2 Address The study will culminate in an Environmental Study Report being prepared, a copy of which will be available for public review when it is completed. At that time, the public will be advised of when and where it can be reviewed. If you feel, after consulting with GO Transit staff about the completed ESR, that serious environmental concerns exist, you may write the Minister of the Environment to request that the project be subject to a Part II Order requiring an Individual Environmental Assessment. This may result in a formal government review and approval process being undertaken. If you cannot attend the above-noted session(s) but wish information about this project or related background studies «if any», please contact either: Project Manager or Project Manager GO Transit Consultant Address Address Phone number Phone number Fax number Fax number Pursuant to Section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, you are hereby notified that any personal information collected is for the sole purpose of meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. The legal authority for this collection is the GO Transit Act, 2001, S.O. 2001,c23, Schedule A,s.9.(1).


NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-15

Preliminary Design Alternatives Stage 8. Letter and/or Notice of Completion of ESR, to review agencies and the

public (mandatory) _________________________________________________________________ To: Distribution List Dear : Subject: «name of project» Submission of Environmental Study Report GO Transit Project No. _____ _________________________________________________________________ GO Transit has completed the Environmental Study Report (ESR) for its proposed .... - Location of project (reference map) - Brief description of purpose and components of project The environmental study followed the process set out in GO Transit's Class Environmental Assessment Document. The ESR is now on the Public Record and is available for public review for 45 calendar days ending «date» at: GO Transit 20 Bay Street «Suite 600» Toronto, Ontario M5J 2W3 (416) 869-3600 Mon. to Fri. «times»

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-16

or «municipality(ies)» «address» «phone number» Mon. to Fri. «times» If you feel, after first consulting with GO Transit staff about the completed ESR, that serious environmental concerns exist, you may write the Minister of Environment to request that the project be subject to a Part II Order requiring an Individual Environmental Assessment. This may result in a formal government review and approval process being undertaken. Part II Order requests must be received both by the Minister and GO Transit at the addresses listed below before the review period ends on «date». Alternatively, GO Transit may extend the 45 calendar day review period for the purposes of discussing and addressing the issues at hand. «Minister of the Environment» Ministry of the Environment 12th Floor 135 St. Clair Avenue West Toronto, Ontario M4V 1P5 «Project Manager» GO Transit 20 Bay Street «Suite 600» Toronto, Ontario M5J 2W3 Pursuant to Section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, you are hereby notified that any personal information collected is for the sole purpose of meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. The legal authority for this collection is the GO Transit Act, 2001, S.O. 2001,c23, Schedule A,s.9.(1). For further information contact: «Project Manager, GO Transit, phone number». Sincerely, Project Manager GO Transit cc: Project Manager, Consultant

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-17

Detail Design

9. Letter to review agencies or individual members of the public where commitments to consult were previously made (discretionary)

_________________________________________________________________ To: Distribution List

Dear :

Subject: «name of project» GO Transit Project No. _____ _________________________________________________________________ The above-noted study has proceeded to the detail design stage. The Environmental Study Report required by the GO Transit Class EA was completed in «date». Previously, you «your office» indicated an interest in «itemize concerns». Or, in the case of a time lapse between Preliminary and Detail Design: - Explain that time lapse has occurred - Describe what changes to design and/or environmental protection measures

are, therefore, required and proposed Accordingly, we enclose plans of .... for your review and comment. If a number of agencies/individuals share a similar interest: We would like to meet with you on «date» to review the design details of interest to you. For your review and comment, please find enclosed ... Pending comments received, GO Transit will implement the project as per the design «and modifications» shown. If you have any comments regarding the design or if you require further information, please contact the undersigned by «date». Pursuant to Section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, you are hereby notified that any personal information collected is for the sole purpose of meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. The legal authority for this collection is the GO Transit Act, 2001, S.O. 2001,c23, Schedule A,s.9.(1). Sincerely,

Project Manager GO Transit cc: Project Manager, Consultant

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-18

Addendum 10. Letter and/or notice to review agencies and the public in connection with

required addendum to an ESR (mandatory when addendum is carried out) _________________________________________________________________ Subject: «name of project» GO Transit Project No. _____ _________________________________________________________________ The above-noted design study was completed in «date» with the completion of an Environmental Study Report. Since that time, there have been a number of circumstances which have caused GO Transit to review certain aspects of the project ... - describe the circumstances - describe the aspects requiring modification As such, an addendum to the ESR has been completed. The Addendum has been placed on the Public Record and is available for public review for 30 calendar days ending «date» at: GO Transit 20 Bay Street «Suite 600» Toronto, Ontario M5J 2W3 (416) 869-3600 Mon. to Fri. «times» or «municipality(ies)» «address» «phone number» Mon. to Fri. «times» 1If you feel, after consulting with GO Transit staff about the completed Addendum, that serious environmental concerns exist, you may write the Minister of the Environment to request that the project be subject to a Part II Order requiring an Individual Environmental Assessment. This may result in a formal government review and approval process being undertaken. Part II Order requests must be received by both the Minister and GO Transit at the addresses listed below before the review period ends on «date». 1Part II Order provisions do not apply in the case where an addendum has resulted from unforeseen circumstances during construction (see Section 3.1.3, Step 10; and Section 6.2).

NOTICES APPENDIX G


G-19

«Minister of the Environment» Ministry of the Environment 12th Floor 135 St. Clair Avenue West Toronto, Ontario M4V 1P5 «Project Manager» GO Transit 20 Bay Street «Suite 600» Toronto, Ontario M5J 2W3 Pursuant to Section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, you are hereby notified that any personal information collected is for the sole purpose of meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. The legal authority for this collection is the GO Transit Act, 2001, S.O. 2001,c23, Schedule A,s.9.(1). For further information contact: «Project Manager, GO Transit, phone number». Sincerely, Project Manager GO Transit cc: Project Manager, Consultant

Attachment «MAP»


APPENDIX H Canadian Environmental Assessment Act

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ACT APPENDIX H


H-1

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA)(S.C. 1992, c. 37), enacted in January 1995, replaces the Environmental Assessment and Review Process Guidelines Order. CEAA states that no decisions can be made regarding projects that are subject to the Act before an environmental assessment is conducted. With respect to the scope of a federal EA, it is unlikely that a GO Transit project would meet the requirements for a Comprehensive Study, and that an environmental “screening” would be the most likely requirement. There are four categories of decision-making which could "trigger" an environmental assessment being required. They are, when the federal government: 1) Is the proponent of a project; 2) Makes federal funds available for a project; 3) Makes federal lands available for a project; and, 4) Exercises a regulatory duty in relation to a project, such as issuing a permit or

licence, that is included in the Law List prescribed in the CEAA regulations. Many GO Transit projects will trigger categories 3 and/or 4 because of the involvement of CN Rail or CP Rail, and the mandate of the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). In general, the CTA issues orders and decisions authorizing or approving certain railway-related works, sets terms and conditions for such works, makes recommendations on railway matters, and resolves disputes (including the apportionment of costs between parties for any works that involve a railway under its jurisdiction). In the case of the CTA, an environmental assessment may be required for GO Transit projects if they become subject to the Canada Transportation Act (the Act), thus triggering CEAA under the CEAA’s Law List regulation (category 4). Although both CN Rail and CP Rail have become private sector entities, both are still considered federal railways within the meaning of s.90 of the Act. In the past several years GO Transit has acquired a number of rail corridors. In all cases, GO Transit has entered into agreements with federally regulated railway companies regarding operations and construction on those GO owned corridors. For GO Transit undertakings affecting CN Rail or CP Rail interests as outlined above, the results of an EA screening as required by CEAA will normally be filed by CN Rail/CP Rail with the CTA. Other federal departments will also have responsibilities under CEAA. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) – Fish Habitat Management Branch would be required to ensure that appropriate screening is undertaken, should there be the potential for harmful alteration, disruption or destruction (HADD) of fish or fish habitat by, for example, construction near or within a watercourse. DFO – Canadian Coast Guard branch requirements (i.e., Navigable Waters Protection Act) and Transport Canada involvement through the Railway Safety Directorate Surface Group (i.e., Notice of Certain Railway Work regulation) could also trigger federal EA requirements. Where more than one federal Department is involved, they will together, or by regulation determine a lead coordinator for the purposes of federal involvement under the auspices of CEAA and the related Federal Coordination Regulations.



H-2

CEAA addresses the issues of piecemealing and independent utility through the EA scoping process. Although only seemingly minor individual project components may be subject to approval under particular federal statutes (e.g., a culvert extension requiring authorization under the Fisheries Act or bridge rehabilitation requiring approval under the Navigable Waters Protection Act), the entire undertaking, as defined by GO Transit, could be subject to the CEAA approval process. For example, the entire length of corridor improvements of, say, 20 km, with only two such culverts/bridges requiring federal statutory approvals, may be subject to CEAA approval. Construction cannot commence on any component of the undertaking within the 20 km corridor until such approval is obtained. Experience shows that the environmental assessment (CEAA) and related triggers (statutory permits/approvals/authorizations for individual project components) are best approached as a two-stage process. The CEAA process for a complex project with a high public profile could take 6 to 9 months, exclusive of a Panel Review or Mediation. Therefore, CEAA triggers should be identified at the outset of the project and the CEAA approval process should be initiated as early as possible in the planning (Concept Alternatives) phase. Commitments to environmental mitigation and compensation approaches can be made during the planning phase and followed up when approvals are sought during the design phase. It is possible that CEAA approval may not be granted until all federal departments are satisfied that detailed information requirements for the project component for which they are being asked to provide approvals are met. However, this normally happens when CEAA approval and the approvals for individual project components are being sought in the same time frame (e.g., during Detail Design). The triggering and approval of a federal EA does not relieve GO Transit of its obligations to fulfill provincial EA requirements. Similarly, the process described in this Class EA Document does not replace or reduce federal requirements, if any are triggered. However, to minimize the duplication of time and resources for projects subject to EA at both levels of government, a Project Activities list, which is described in Appendix C of this Document, will be direct and compatible inputs to a federal level screening, if required.



H-3

For further reference to federal EA requirements and procedures, the documents listed in Table H-1should be consulted: TABLE H-1 – SELECTED LIST OF FEDERAL EA PROCEDURAL DOCUMENTS

Document Agency Date 1. Canadian Environmental Assessment

Act, S.C. 1992, c. 37 Government of Canada June 23, 1992

2. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Training Compendium


1994

3. Regulations Respecting the Coordination by Federal Authorities of Environmental Assessment Procedures and Requirements, SRO/97-181

Government of Canada April 8, 1997

4. Strengthening Environmental Assessment in Canada, Report of the Minister of the Environment to the Parliament of Canada on the Review of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act


September 1, 2000

5. Self-Assessment of Rail Infrastructure Projects

Rail Infrastructure Directorate - Rail and Marine Branch, Canadian Transportation Agency

November 1999



H-4

Table H-2 identifies potential CEAA triggers and Table H-3 provides guidance in identifying potential Expert Federal Authorities that may become involved in project reviews. TABLE H-2 –POTENTIAL CEAA TRIGGERS FOR PROJECTS

Potential Project Trigger

Provisions of Act

Responsible Authority

Comments

A CEAA ASSESSMENT IS LIKELY TRIGGERED IF THE PROJECT: 1. Is being funded with

federal money

CEAA s.s. 5(1)b

The funding department

• Act is triggered where

federal money is being provided (e.g., Infrastructure Program projects)

2. Is on federal land

CEAA s.s.5(1)c Federal department responsible for the implicated lands

• This would affect projects crossing federal lands such as national parks (Heritage Canada), Indian reserves (Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development) or national defence bases (Department of National Defence)

3. Is likely to affect a

line or property, regulated by the NEB, that is used for the transmission of oil or gas

National Energy Board Act

National Energy Board

• May apply to highway projects requiring the re-location of a pipeline that is regulated by the NEB

4. Is likely to affect the

operation of a railway company or property

Canada Transportation Act

Transport Canada, Canadian Transportation Agency

• Generally will apply to projects where a rail line crossing is contemplated



H-5


Provisions of Act


Comments

5. Involves the temporary storage of explosives on-site

Explosives Act, par. 7(1)a

Natural Resources Canada

• Projects which involve blasting and will store the explosives on-site require a permit under the Explosives Act

6. Involves the federal

government in the acquisition, administration or disposal of real property for which a license for any use or occupation of real property is required

Federal Real Property Regulations, par. 4(2)a

Various – the Federal Department providing the licence

• Would apply to projects which propose to use or occupy federal real property

7. Is likely to harmfully affect fish or fish habitat

Fisheries Act, s.s. 22(1), 22(2), 22(3), 32, 35(2) and 37(2)

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Fish Habitat Management

• Applies to any work in or near water

• Provision of sufficient water flow

• Passage of fish around barriers

• Screening of water intakes

• Destruction of fish by means other than fishing (e.g., blasting)

• Authorization is required to harmfully alter, disrupt or destroy fish habitat

8. Is likely to substantially interfere with the public right to navigation

Navigable Waters Protection Act, s.s. 5(1)(a), 6(4), 16 and 20

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Coast Guard

• Applies to any work in, on, over, under, through or across navigable water

• Approval is required for a new bridge, boom, dam or causeway (incl. culverts)

• Other works that cause changes to



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Provisions of Act


Comments

flows, water levels or navigation clearances may require approval

9. Is likely to take place in, involve dredge and fill operations, draw water from or discharge to a historic canal operated by Parks Canada

Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canal Land Regulations Public Lands Licensing Order Heritage Canal Regulations

Heritage Canada – Parks Canada

• Potentially triggered by projects crossing the Trent Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal. The Canal Land Regulations and Public Lands Licensing Order address drainage into a canal (e.g., stormwater drains) and the Heritage Canal Regulations address dredge and fill activities (e.g., construction of bridge piers)

10. Is likely to affect

Indian reserve lands Indian Act, s.s. 28(2), 35(1), 35(2) and 39

Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

• Would only apply to projects that are located on, or require access through, Indian reserves

Note: The table is not all inclusive. For a complete list of regulatory triggers please consult the Law

List Regulations. It is the Responsible Authority’s responsibility to confirm the application of CEAA and to determine the scope of assessment that is to be conducted. Therefore, proponents are encouraged to contact potential RAs early in the process.

Source: Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.



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TABLE H-3 – LIST OF EXPERT FEDERAL AUTHORITIES

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

EXPERT FEDERAL AUTHORITY

1. Environmental Effects

(from definition of “environment” in the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act) Changes in the environment:

• General Environment Canada

• Air Environment Canada

• Land Environment Canada Natural Resources Canada

• Wildlife Environment Canada

• Fish and fish habitat Fisheries and Oceans Canada

• Soil Agriculture Canada

• Forest resources Natural Resources Canada

• Humans Health Canada

• Water Environment Canada Fisheries and Oceans Canada Natural Resources Canada

Related changes in:

• Sustainable use Environment Canada

• Human health conditions Health Canada

• Socio-economic conditions Agriculture Canada Environment Canada Fisheries and Oceans Canada Health Canada Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Industry, Science and Technology Canada Natural Resources Canada



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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

EXPERT FEDERAL AUTHORITY

• Cultural resources Canadian Heritage Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

• Aboriginal resource use Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

• Aboriginal land use Health Canada

• Historical, archaeological, paleontological and architectural resources

Canadian Heritage Natural Resources Canada Public Works Canada

• Management of protected areas – national parks, national historic sites, historic rivers and heritage canals

Canadian Heritage

2. CEAA Process and Procedures

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Environment Canada

3. International Environmental Issues

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Canadian International Development Agency

Source: Reference Guide on the Federal Coordination Regulations – Final Draft (July 1997).


APPENDIX I Procedures for Monitoring, Amendment and Review of this Class EA Document

PROCEDURES FOR MONITORING, AMENDMENT AND REVIEW OF THIS CLASS EA DOCUMENT APPENDIX I


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Program Monitoring and Evaluation The overall goal of monitoring the Class EA program is to determine ways of making the process better, quicker, and simpler while ensuring that environmental commitments are met. GO Transit’s monitoring and evaluation reporting will be based on, and commence upon, categorization of Group B, and Group B undertaken as a Group A projects. An annual summary report of the monitoring and evaluation results will be prepared by GO Transit and submitted to the Ministry of the Environment. The annual summary report is intended to be a self-evaluation mechanism by which GO Transit can determine:

• The number and types of projects planned and implemented in accordance with its Class EA Document;

• The problems that are being experienced at the Class EA project level; and, • The degree of effectiveness the Class EA Document has in providing an effective

and efficient planning process and in protecting the environment. In monitoring the effectiveness of the Class EA process, the following questions will be addressed and information will be compiled and submitted to MOE in the annual summary report for Group B projects and Group B projects undertaken as Group A (Group A undertakings are exempt from the Class EA process and Group C undertakings are addressed as Individual EAs with their own requirements): 1. Appropriateness of the categorization of the undertakings - do project types have

the expected outcomes and environmental effects that confirm the rationale for their inclusion in a group of undertakings, or have there been universal unexpected outcomes and environmental effects that warrant reclassification to a grouping with a greater or reduced degree of environmental assessment requirements (i.e., to Group A or Group C)?

Once a listing of undertakings is prepared (name, location and brief description of each project), this component will be addressed in a tabular format by conducting a results-based assessment against categorization parameters (i.e., what has been achieved). These will typically include:

• The scope and estimated cost of the undertaking, and any changes thereto during the course of project implementation;

• Nature and significance of expected net environmental effects; • Anticipated public profile (issues and concerns); and • Part II Orders requested/granted.

Project types that exhibit inconsistency with respect to expectations and the classification rationale may be considered for reclassification to Group A or Group C undertakings.



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2. Effectiveness of mitigation measures applied to project types - are the protection, control and mitigation measures typically applied to project types (as outlined in Appendix D) generally effective in managing potential adverse environmental changes associated with the undertakings?

Reference will be made to available construction and environmental effects monitoring associated with individual projects. Most projects will employ standard construction methods and environmental protection and mitigation measures in accordance with Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications and/or federal statutes and regulations governing railway construction (refer to Appendix D). These details do not need to be reported. Reporting will be exception-based or relate to non-standard mitigation measures in order to identify problems and issues requiring resolution. 3. Effectiveness of public consultation requirements and procedures - are the

discretionary methods of public consultation, and the points at which they are brought to bear on the undertakings, effective in identifying and addressing public concerns, or should different methods be employed and should the process be applied in a more prescriptive (mandatory) manner? Is the means of documenting the manner in which public concerns are addressed sufficient?

A synopsis of how effectively GO Transit is meeting its obligations for this important tenet of the Environmental Assessment Act will be prepared. This will include a tabular summary of public contacts on listed projects, and a nominal indication of effectiveness in achieving consultation objectives, accompanied by remarks that identify exceptional (good or poor) results, including requests for Part II Orders. 4. Common problems, issues and concerns - are there common problems, issues and

concerns, which GO Transit or external stakeholders experience with the Class EA process, that warrant changes to the parent document?

This element will be addressed through feedback from GO Transit Project Managers and will focus on government agency liaison and public consultation. The Marketing and Planning Office of GO Transit will prepare an Annual Summary Program Monitoring and Evaluation Report for the calendar year by March 31 of the following year, based on information received by March 1 of the submission year. This annual summary report will be provided to the Ministry of the Environment’s Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch for inclusion on the public record and will be available to any party and external review agencies on request. If serious deficiencies in the Class EA Document are identified in this exercise, GO Transit shall amend the Class EA Document to rectify the deficiencies. If minor deficiencies are noted, they shall be rectified when GO Transit conducts its five-year review (see Amendment and Review sections below). Amendment



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The purpose of the amending procedure is to allow for the modification of this Class EA Document after experience with its application is gained. There are two types of amendments – administrative and non-administrative. Administrative amendments are considered to be those modifications with no potential associated environmental effects. For example, clarification of terminology in the Class EA would constitute an administrative amendment. Non-administrative would be all other amendments, which would have the potential to significantly alter the Class EA Document and its procedural requirements. For instance, modifying any public consultation requirements, or extending or limiting the types of projects to which the Class EA procedure applies, would be considered non-administrative amendments. A) Administrative

1) GO Transit or any interested agency or member of the public who feels that an administrative amendment to this Class EA should be made, shall bring the particular concerns to the attention of the Director, EAAB. The agency or individual will set out the proposed amendment to address their concerns. The proposed amendment shall clearly set out the section(s) of the Class EA that should be amended and how they should be incorporated in the Class EA.

2) If the Director, EAAB, in consultation with GO Transit, concurs in writing

that the proposed amendment is administrative in nature, the amendment may be incorporated into the Class EA. The procedure for doing so will involve the submission of a letter from GO Transit to the Director, EAAB outlining the proposed amendment; public notification by GO Transit via newspaper advertisements; and distribution by GO Transit of a letter to the Government Review Team and other interested or affected government agencies.

3) If the Director, EAAB determines that the proposed amendment is not

administrative, then the procedure for non-administrative amendment shall be followed.

B) Non-administrative

1) GO Transit or any interested agency or member of the public who feels that a non-administrative amendment to this Class EA should be made, shall bring the particular concerns to the attention of the Director, EAAB. The agency or individual will set out the proposed amendment to address their concerns. The proposed amendment shall clearly set out the section(s) of the Class EA that should be amended and how they should be incorporated



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in the Class EA.

2) A Notice of Proposed Amendment shall be issued by MOE, in a form and manner it considers appropriate, to allow the public and affected governmental agencies an opportunity to review the proposed amendment for a 45 calendar day period. If GO Transit initiates the request for an amendment, GO Transit shall issue the Notice of Proposed Amendment in a form and manner specified by the Director, EAAB.

3) Based on comments received during the 45 calendar day review period, the

Minister may approve, revise and approve, or deny any proposed amendments to this Class EA.

4) If any proposed amendments are approved, or revised and approved, MOE

shall issue a Notice of Amendment to the requestor and those persons, if any, who provided comments on the proposed amendment. If the proposed amendment is denied by the Minister, the requestor shall be advised of the decision in writing.

Review This Class EA Document is not subject to an expiry time frame (i.e., there is no date upon which its approval will expire and a new Class EA Document must be prepared). A review of the Class EA Document will be undertaken by GO Transit every five (5) years from the date of approval to ensure that the document still complies with legislative requirements and planning practices and continues to satisfy statutory duties under the Environmental Assessment Act. GO Transit will provide, by letter, the Director of the Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch (EAAB) the results of the review. This presentation of the review results will consist of a summary of issues and amendments that arose during the review period, and an account of how the issues and amendments will be addressed, for approval by the Director of the EAAB. Any revisions, additions or updates can be made using the amendment procedure described earlier in this appendix.


APPENDIX J Calculation of Construction Cost

CALCULATION OF CONSTRUCTION COST APPENDIX J


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Overview It is intended that only costs associated with activities that may have environmental impacts be considered in calculating the project construction cost. Therefore, it is important that GO Transit calculates the construction cost of any given project in a consistent manner, as this is used in the systematic identification of project categorization. By definition, property acquisition is an item that is excluded from the calculation of construction costs. There are many different items that potentially could be considered in calculating the construction cost of a project undertaken by GO Transit. Costs for establishing a new facility can include basic equipment items (e.g., ticket media, fire extinguishers, telephones, tables), utility items (e.g., light fixtures, fire alarms, ticket vending machines, security equipment) and items that are more commonly thought of as construction, e.g., new tracks, switches, buildings, etc. It should be noted that, at the time of categorization, the project construction cost estimate is typically at a low level of detail, (e.g., based on previous experience or general unit costs from similar/comparable projects). In general, civil works and site development will be considered in calculating a project construction cost estimate. Equipment, fittings and buildings will not be considered, as discussed below. Cost Categories For ease of discussion, four major categories of costs are considered: 1. Equipment; 2. Fittings; 3. Civil works/site development; and 4. Buildings. These four categories are discussed in turn. 1. Equipment Certain equipment can be included in construction tenders. Equipping a station, layover or maintenance yard facility is a necessary start-up activity as well as an ongoing activity. Equipment purchase may happen on a daily, weekly or monthly basis or on a one time only basis at the time of tender for construction. Equipment tends to be of a non-fixed nature, i.e., it can be carried in and out of a facility and will tend to be used and have to be replaced. These equipment items do not contribute to a project’s impacts on the local urban, social or natural environments and therefore are not to be considered in the calculation of construction cost.



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Examples of items considered to be equipment are tabulated below. This list is not meant to be all inclusive, other items can be included in this list if they fit the basic definition of this category:

EXAMPLE EQUIPMENT ITEMS USED BY GO TRANSIT NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN A PROJECT’S CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE

Telephones, FAX machines, computers, radios, GPS units

Furniture, tables, chairs, benches, lockers, notice boards, fire extinguishers, light bulbs

2. Fittings The category of fittings is similar to the equipment category in that these items do not have an external environmental impact. Similarly, such items are not to be included in the calculation of a project’s construction cost. Fittings are items that tend to be incorporated into a facilities infrastructure rather than being the infrastructure itself and are less transitory than items found in the equipment category. Items that are considered to be fittings are tabulated below. Again this table is not considered to be complete as the types of fittings used may change over time.

EXAMPLE FITTINGS USED BY GO TRANSIT NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN A PROJECT’S CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE

Security equipment including: CCTV cameras, communication wiring. Passenger utility items such as: fixtures, waste & recycling bins; bicycle racks

Vending machines for: ticket purchase, Proof of Purchase (POP) ticket cancellation machines, turn-stiles

Decorative items such as art work, illuminated GO Transit logos, directional signs, café/confectionery stands

3. Civil Works/Site Development By definition, civil works are identified with the term construction project and also present the greatest potential for environmental impact and mitigation requirements. This therefore is the main category to be considered in the costing of construction projects. The only division necessary is between those civil works which are intrinsically part of the GO Transit project and those which are indirectly related. For example, in some situations, municipal road authorities may require GO Transit to pay for an improvement to the adjacent road system as mitigation for increased traffic. Such costs should therefore not be included in the project construction cost estimate. A breakdown of typical civil works is provided below and an assessment of costs to be included in the construction costs estimate for categorization purposes.



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DIVISION OF CIVIL WORKS UNDERTAKEN BY GO TRANSIT FOR INCLUSION IN THE ESTIMATE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT COST

ESTIMATE COSTS TO BE INCLUDED COSTS NOT TO BE INCLUDED Parking lot construction, illumination, drainage and lane marking costs; All on-site paved areas; Utility hookups; New track work and switching; All on-site regrading works associated with the project; Grade separations of road/rail & rail/rail; Retaining walls and other structures; Demolition of existing buildings; Station platforms and associated amenities such as illumination & shelters; Access roads to a GO Transit facility; Electrical power supply, water supply, sanitary sewer, storm water management & treatment facilities; Fencing, curbing and sidewalks; Pedestrian footbridges.

Third-party mitigation items such as: auxiliary off-site road improvements; road traffic signals; roadway illumination; Tunnels; Temporary track work; Site clean-up (environmental improvement). Platform snow-melting system

4. Buildings GO Transit projects may involve the construction of buildings (e.g., stations and maintenance facilities). Environmental impacts of buildings are minor, with stormwater runoff being the most common environmental issue, which is dealt with under the planning process such that GO Transit has to conform to current provincial environmental standards for the management and treatment of stormwater runoff. Other issues around the construction of buildings are dealt with under the needed under the EA process. In light of the above factors and mitigation issues dealt with under the appropriate environmental regulations, the cost of buildings are to be excluded from a project’s construction cost estimate.


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APPENDIX K Glossary

GLOSSARY APPENDIX K


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ALL-DAY-SERVICE Continuous commuter bus or rail service provided throughout the day and evening

and in both directions, as opposed to one direction through peak hours only. ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF CARRYING OUT THE UNDERTAKING 'Alternative Methods of Carrying out the Undertaking' is the term used in the EA Act

to describe those options which represent various designs for the preferred Alternative to the Undertaking (or Concept Alternative). In GO Transit's planning process, Preliminary Design Alternatives are equated with Alternative Methods of Carrying out the Undertaking. Preliminary Design Alternatives are described in Section 3.1.3.

ALTERNATIVES TO THE UNDERTAKING Alternatives to the Undertaking generally represent functionally different ways of

addressing a problem or opportunity (refer to Section 3.1.1, Step 2 and 3.1.2, Step 1). In this document, 'Alternatives to the Undertaking' is used interchangeably with the term 'Concept Alternatives'. Concept Alternatives are investigated in sufficient detail to ensure that an alternative, if selected, could be constructed as described.

ANSI Area of natural or scientific interest. CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (Class EA) The planning and design process for a specific project that falls within the group of

undertakings defined in the Class EA Document developed to ensure that the potential environmental impacts are considered in the planning of those undertakings.

CLASS EA DOCUMENT GO Transit's Class Environmental Assessment Document, approved December

2003. The document provides the details and provisions of the planning and design process to be followed by all projects within the Class in order to fulfil the requirements of the EA Act.

CLASS PROJECT A project that has been determined to be either a Group B (requiring an

Environmental Study Report) or Group A (deemed approved) based on categories. (Refer also to PROJECT)

COMMUTER BUS ROUTE Commuter bus service along public roads or exclusive busways. (Refer also to

ROUTE EXTENSION)

GLOSSARY APPENDIX K


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COMMUTER RAIL LINE The physical railway right-of-way and track upon which commuter rail routes are

based. COMMUTER RAIL ROUTE Commuter rail service provided on existing line(s). Route extensions involve new

service on existing lines. (Refer also to ROUTE EXTENSION) COMMUTER SERVICE FACILITIES Facilities of a type commonly associated with commuter transportation services,

including: • A ticket office consisting of a booth for selling tickets, commuter waiting areas

and washrooms for the use of employees and commuters; • Parking lots providing free or pay parking for commuters and/or employees; • Commuter platforms of a nature suitable for either commuter bus or rail lines; • Main line and/or station siding track with associated switches and signals; • Shelters and/or canopies for the protection of commuters; • Pedestrian and/or vehicle structure, e.g., a pedestrian bridge or tunnel to provide

safe access across a road or railway line, elevators/escalators; • A kiss 'n ride facility for commuters; • A bus bay area providing for connections with local transit systems; • Concession areas; • Signing, illumination, landscaping; • Other facilities for the employees including lunchroom, washroom, office space,

etc.; and, • Storage facilities for bus or rail equipment.

COMPENSATE In the context of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Policy for the Management of

Fish Habitat (1986), means actions that offset negative environmental effects, including rehabilitation, restoration and enhancement measures.

CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES Termed 'Alternatives to the Undertaking' under the EA Act, Concept Alternatives

consider functionally different ways of addressing a problem or opportunity (refer to Section 3.1.1, Step 2 and 3.1.2, Step 1). Concept Alternatives are investigated in sufficient detail to ensure that an alternative, if selected, could be constructed as described.

DEFICIENCY Occurs when a building, facility or system is unable to adequately accommodate the

use for which it is intended.

GLOSSARY APPENDIX K


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DETAIL DESIGN The final stage in the design process in which the preliminary design is refined and

details concerning, for example, property drainage, utility relocations and quantity estimate requirements are prepared, and contract documents and drawings are produced.

EA Environmental Assessment. EA ACT, THE The Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990. c. E-18 and amendments

and regulations thereto. EAAB The Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch of the Ministry of the

Environment, responsible for the administration of the EA Act: the review and approval of this Class EA Document; the review and processing of requests for Part II Orders; advice as requested by GO Transit; and, monitoring and evaluation of GO Transit's Class EA program.

ENVIRONMENT From ss. 1(1) of the EA Act, environment means, i. air, land or water; ii. plant and animal life, including human life; iii. the social, economic and cultural conditions that influence the life of humans

or a community; iv. any building, structure, machine or other device or thing made by humans; v. any solid, liquid, gas, odour, heat, sound, vibration or radiation resulting

directly or indirectly from human activities; or, vi. any part or combination of the foregoing and the interrelationships between

any two or more of them, in or of Ontario. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT/EFFECT A change in the existing conditions of the environment which may have either

beneficial (positive), or detrimental (negative) effects. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT (ESR) The report required for Group B projects included in this Class EA. It refers to the

documentation of the planning and decision-making process for a specific undertaking that has been followed, the alternatives that were considered, and the mitigating measures that will be taken to ensure that the EA Act is adhered to.

ESA Environmentally sensitive/significant area.

GLOSSARY APPENDIX K


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EXPANSION/EXPANDED An increase in capacity which may or may not involve property acquisition. EXTENSION (Refer to ROUTE EXTENSION) FORMAL CONTACT Formal contacts are made by means of meetings, presentations, open houses, etc.

whereby the various interests can exchange information directly. HARDSHIP Hardship means a situation where a person, persons or enterprise (1) is unable to

develop or redevelop property to its fullest potential because of a planned or proposed undertaking or (2) needs to sell property quickly due to health, financial or other personal reasons or to settle an estate but will have difficulty doing so at fair market value because of a planned or proposed undertaking.

INTERMODAL STATION A transfer station providing passenger connection to several modes of transportation

(e.g., rail, GO bus, municipal bus, subway or rapid transit, car, taxi, pedestrian). JUSTIFICATION A discussion of the rationale for a project in terms of its advantages and

disadvantages relative to the other alternatives considered. KISS 'N’ RIDE An area at a commuter bus or rail station where a commuter who is driven to the

station or terminal by another party can be dropped off or picked up. LOCAL BUS INTERFACE This is the transfer connection between a local bus route and the commuter bus

terminal or rail station. MAINTENANCE YARD Bus or rail facilities where servicing of vehicles is undertaken. MINOR TRACK ADDITIONS Additional short lengths of track to provide for localized operational efficiencies.

These would permit, for example, run-through movements (i.e., would remove the need for shunting which is time consuming and costly), and provide by-pass siding which is a relatively inexpensive alternative to an additional continuous track.

MITIGATION, MITIGATING MEASURES Measures to avoid, reduce, eliminate or effectively control, restore or compensate

for, adverse environmental impacts of a project. (Refer also to COMPENSATE)

GLOSSARY APPENDIX K


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MODIFIED The rearrangement of such things as storage and maintenance facilities, both indoor

and outdoor, and within existing buildings and yards. MONITORING Projects are monitored during and after construction to assess the actual

environmental impacts, ensure compliance with the mitigation measures, and to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation. In the longer-term, continual monitoring of the Class EA program itself allows for continual feedback and improvements to the process used for future projects.

NEED The problem (i.e., service deficiency) or opportunity being addressed. NET ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS/IMPACTS The remaining environmental effects, both positive and negative, after reasonable

ways to minimize negative effects (mitigation) and increase positive effects (enhancement) have been considered and incorporated, as appropriate.

OPERATIONAL CHANGES, RAIL OR BUS Minor schedule and/or equipment changes in, for example, routings and yard

procedures to correct such operational deficiencies as out-of-the-way travel and forced standing time. Also included are relocations of, say, bus stops to reduce travel time and to better accommodate passenger pick up and drop off, changes to track utilization to improve the coordination of train movements, system changes that occur as part of bringing new plant or rolling stock on stream, and temporary detours.

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Includes the maintaining and repairing of any building, structure or facility or any

replacement where the replacement is for the same use, purpose, and capacity, in the same location.

PARK 'N’ RIDE A parking area at a commuter bus terminal or rail station where a commuter may

park his/her car while using the GO Transit facilities. PART II ORDER Under the provisions of s. 16 of the EA Act, the Minister of the Environment may,

by order, require a proponent to comply with Part II of the EA Act (submission and ministerial approval of a terms of reference and an environmental assessment) before proceeding with an undertaking to which a class environmental assessment would otherwise apply. Within the context of GO Transit’s Class EA, the imposition of a Part II Order elevates the status of a project from a Group B to an Individual EA (refer to Section 5.0).

GLOSSARY APPENDIX K


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(PRELIMINARY) PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE Used in relation to both Concept Alternatives and Preliminary Design Alternatives, a

preliminary Preferred Alternative is that option put forward by the consultant as the best solution from their assessment. Normally, this step is reached before public input is solicited. Because public input may cause the options to be re-assessed, the Preferred Alternative cannot be selected until after public and review agency input is received. The Preferred Alternative is that selected by GO Transit as the solution which best addresses all aspects of the problem while minimizing environmental impacts.

PRELIMINARY DESIGN ALTERNATIVES Termed 'Alternative Methods of Carrying out the Undertaking' under the EA Act,

Preliminary Design Alternatives include a variety of designs for the preferred Concept Alternative (refer to Section 3.1.3).

PROJECT The general definition of this term is an enterprise, activity or proposal, plan or

program in respect of an enterprise or activity by or on behalf of GO Transit. The specific projects to which this Class EA applies are those listed as Group B projects and which are planned and implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in this Class EA. Those projects listed in the Approved list as Group A, are deemed approved under the provisions of the Class EA. Those projects listed in Group C are not covered by this Class EA and are subject to an Individual EA and project-specific review under the provisions of the EA Act.

PROJECT MANAGER The GO Transit Project Manager, or where appropriate, the consultant operating on

GO Transit's behalf. PUBLIC Includes individuals, associations, interest groups and First Nations. The definition

of "public" also includes any ministry or agency of any level of government, environmental advocates or advisors assisting or acting on the behalf of individuals, associations and interest groups.

RE-CLASSIFICATION A Re-classification is a procedure whereby the status of a project can be raised

within the range of Class projects or elevated to an Individual EA. A project can be re-classified within the range of Class projects by GO Transit only. It may be initiated voluntarily by GO Transit or in response to a request by an affected party (refer to Section 5.0). Reclassification to an Individual EA can be initiated by GO Transit or by order of the Minister of the Environment.

GLOSSARY APPENDIX K


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ROUTE EXTENSION Extension of an existing service on existing track or public road(s) to presently non

or under-serviced areas, without an increase in the level-of-service to the presently serviced area.

SERVICE CHANGES Short or long-term changes which occur in response to ridership fluctuations. These

may include additional trips, schedule changes, short runs, skip stops, temporary service to special events, etc.

STATION, RAIL OR BUS A facility along a rail or bus route where passengers can embark and/or disembark a

train or bus. Other Commuter Service Facilities will also be available at a rail or bus station.

STORAGE YARD Areas, including layovers, used for the overnight or daytime storage of trains or

buses. In the case of rail, storage yards may consist of a series of existing tracks in a CN Rail or CP Rail yard, or a series of new tracks built for that purpose adjacent to a rail corridor.

UNDERTAKING (Refer to PROJECT) VEHICLE HANDLING DEFICIENCY The individual station or terminal is unable to accommodate the commuter buses or

trains, commuters' automobiles or other vehicles entering the station or terminal. TERMINAL, RAIL OR BUS A facility along a rail or bus route where passengers can embark and/or disembark a

train or bus. Other Commuter Service Facilities will also be available at a rail or bus terminal.

TRANSFER STATION A station or terminal located on either a rail or bus route, where passengers may

transfer between cars and transit.

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