CCKT calls for rapid show of opposition to 427 extension in King
By Bill Rea

The possibility of the proposed extension to Highway 427 running through King is still alive and needs to be addressed.

A delegation representing Concerned Citizens of King Township (CCKT) had that message for King councillors Monday night.

Councillors were asked to restate their opposition to having any extension run through King. As well, they were called upon to inform the province that King favours exploration of alternative means of transportation, as opposed to just building more roads. Additionally, the Township was asked to seek influence at the provincial and regional levels for "strategic, holistic assessments of Highway 427 and the GTAWest corridor."

Councillors referred the issue to staff, and a report is expected in September.

Although this issue has been around for a number of years, CCKT Chair Debbie Schaefer said it developed some urgency in the last couple of weeks after Vaughan City council forwarded a request to the Ministers of Transportation, and Municipal Affairs and Housing, asking that the environmental assessment being conducted on the proposed extension be expedited, and she said City councillors have "specifically recommended" it follow the hydro corridor, which also runs into King, west of Nobleton.

Schaefer pointed out there have been previous expressions from Township council of opposition to the road running through King, and she said CCKT wanted confirmation that's still the case.

She also said CCKT member Margaret Coburn has been heading up a committee looking at this issue for several years. That includes the 427 extension, as well as the more recent GTA West corridor study.

Schaefer said they have concluded that while the initial decisions regarding the 427 extension will likely not impact directly on King, the Township will be at risk because of the extensions that will come later. She called that "a very logical subsequent development."

She added that whichever route is chosen for the first extension, it will influence the direction of subsequent extensions.

While she said the will be no extensions into King during the current term of council, there will be decisions taken that will require action.

Most of the King lands in question are on the Oak Ridges Moraine, but Schaefer pointed out the moraine conservation plan allows transportation projects if their need can be demonstrated and there aren't any "reasonable alternatives."

The research conducted by CCKT has revealed the lands in western King are "a veritable microcosm of the moraine," she remarked.

Coburn told councillors a new resident to the area had apparently studied a map of King and concluded the west side of the township would be a good place for the road because "there's nothing there."

"That got us going," Coburn told council, adding CCKT started devoting energies to determining what is there. They found more than 200 farm properties, some provincially significant wetlands that are essential to wildlife, at least one kettle lake, numerous recreation opportunities, including Cold Creek and trails, businesses like Puck's Farm and heritage features.

She added CCKT made a presentation to Vaughan - King - Aurora MPP Greg Sorbara in January 2005, discussing transportation issues, and alternatives to more roads. They included expanding public transit, maximizing the use of existing highways, promoting the movement of bulk freight by rail and ship and following through on smart growth strategies.

Schaefer maintained the risk exists because the province takes a piecemeal approach to the EAs. She said they have questioned officials at public open houses, and have been told there is no effort being made to integrate the 427 and GTA West corridor studies. That means the overall impacts of these projects are not being considered.

She pointed out the 427 studies have been looking at three options so far, each with different end points in Vaughan.

"But as we have all learned, roads don't stop," she said. "They grow and continue."

"It's a very short-sighted mistake, not to be looking and the whole picture," she added.

Councillor Cleve Mortelliti observed this is a complex issue, adding it appeared they were asking the province to revamp the EA process.

Schaefer was concerned that by the time the EAs are complete, the only lands that will not have been developed will be the ones they are trying to preserve.

"We really have to push to get the province to be more long-term in its process," she remarked.

Township CAO Scott Somerville suggested the matter be referred to staff so a full report could be prepared. For one thing, he said it's important to understand what it is Vaughan is up to.

Councillor Jane Underhill wondered if they could pass a resolution opposing the extension running into King, but Somerville said the Township had already gone on the record as being against it, since 2003.

"That doesn't disappear with changing councils," he observed. "That's council's official position at this moment."

Councillor Bill Cober stressed the need for the Township to work its way into the province's thinking. He added a major highway running through King could have budget implications, pointing to the number of calls the fire department has to respond to on Highway 400.

He suggested studying the platforms of the various provincial political parties, since an election is just months away. "The electioneering has commenced," he observed.

Councillor Linda Pabst agreed with the need for a complete staff report, commenting it would add clout to action the Township takes.

Mayor Margaret Black briefly suggested holding action until after the October election, and then dealing with a new government. But Somerville pointed out Sorbara will not be representing King after the election (he's running in Vaughan), so his influence would be lost.

Black also agreed with the need for a strong staff report, so the Township's action doesn't appear to be NIMBY.