TORONTO – Facing widespread pressure from the people of Halton Hills and beyond, the provincial Liberals have put the brakes on their GTA West Corridor study – one that could see a new highway built right through the town of Halton Hills.
On Aug. 2, Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott called publicly for the suspension of that corridor study, pending a review by the next Minister of Transportation. He also raised the issue on many occasions to the Minister of Transportation and, on June 23, he attended a community-organized public meeting at the Glencairn Golf Club.
“I want to congratulate the mayor and town council for helping us to get the [Dalton] McGuinty government to listen,” said Arnott. “The Region of Halton also took a strong stand on this issue.”
He congratulated Halton Hills resident Wendy Bruchal for her leadership in the grass roots campaign against alternative 4-3.
“Their efforts just go to show what a powerful force a dedicated group of citizens can be,” said Arnott.
In an Aug. 5 letter to the Town of Halton Hills, the Minister of Transportation promised to conduct “additional analysis and consultation,” and to consult with the town on the results of that work, before making a final decision.
Arnott reiterated his call to ensure that any new highway projects in Halton Hills enhance the area’s quality of life, not diminish it.
He also sensed a political motivation for the government’s decision to delay the study.
“To me, it’s apparent that the Liberals felt they had to take this issue off the table – otherwise it would drag down the local Liberal candidate.”
