Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-13 Electronic Council Communications Information Package Date:September 13, 2024 Time:12:00 PM Location:ECCIP is an information package and not a meeting. Description: An ECCIP is an electronic package containing correspondence received by Staff for Council's information. This is not a meeting of Council or Committee. Alternate Format: If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator, at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Members of Council: In accordance with the Procedural By-law, please advise the Municipal Clerk at clerks@clarington.net, if you would like to include one of these items on the next regular agenda of the appropriate Standing Committee, along with the proposed resolution for disposition of the matter. Items will be added to the agenda if the Municipal Clerk is advised by Wednesday at noon the week prior to the appropriate meeting, otherwise the item will be included on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting of the applicable Committee. Members of the Public: can speak to an ECCIP item as a delegation. If you would like to be a delegation at a meeting, please visit the Clarington website. Pages 1.Region of Durham Correspondence 2.Durham Municipalities Correspondence 2.1 City of Oshawa, Office of the Mayor - Highway 401 Interchange at Townline Road South - September 12, 2024 3 3.Other Municipalities Correspondence 4.Provincial / Federal Government and their Agency Correspondence 5.Miscellaneous Correspondence September 13, 2024 Electronic Council Communications Information Package (ECCIP) Page 2 September 12, 2024 Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria Minister of Transportation Minister.mto@ontario.ca Prabmeet.Sarkaria@pc.ola.org RE: Highway 401 Interchange at Townline Road South Dear Minister Sarkaria, I am writing to advise that on February 26, 2024, City of Oshawa Council considered ED-24-24 - Interchange at Townline Road and approved the following resolution: “That staff investigate the feasibility of adding a 401 interchange at Townline Road and that copies of this resolution be sent to the Region of Durham, the Municipality of Clarington and local MPPs and they be requested to investigate this proposed intersection from their individual perspectives." On behalf of City of Oshawa Council, we urgently request your attention to a critical transportation issue affecting our community. As you are aware, the existing Harmony Road interchange on Highway 401 experiences significant congestion and delays, impacting both commuters and the movement of goods. We believe that an additional interchange at Townline Road would provide much-needed relief and enhance safety for all road users. OSHAWA ONTARIO, CANADA MAYOR DAN CARTER OFFICE OF THE MAYOR CITY OF OSHAWA 50 CENTRE STREET SOUTH OSHAWA, ONTARIO L1H 3Z7 TELEPHONE (905) 436-5611 FAX (905) 436-5642 E-MAIL: mayor@oshawa.ca Page 3 2 Here are the key points supporting our request: 1. Traffic Volume: Highway 401 is North America's busiest and most congested highway, with over 130,000 vehicles travelling past Harmony Road daily. The current reliance on the Harmony Road interchange alone exacerbates gridlock and hampers efficient transportation of people and goods. 2. Population Growth: The City of Oshawa and the Region of Durham are experiencing rapid population growth. As our region expands, so does the demand for efficient transportation infrastructure. 3. Economic Impact: A new interchange at Townline Road South would not only alleviate congestion but also boost our local economy. It would facilitate smoother movement of goods, reduce travel time for commuters, and enhance connectivity within the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Furthermore, the proposed interchange would benefit not only the City of Oshawa but also the neighbouring municipality of Clarington. Residents of Clarington who currently access the Harmony Road interchange via Bloor Street East would have an alternative route to Highway 401 using the Townline Road interchange. This diversification of access points would enhance overall traffic flow and reduce pressure on the existing interchanges. Additionally, the Townline Road interchange would serve as a gateway to the industrial lands, providing enhanced servicing and promoting economic development in the region. We understand that the recent expansion of Highway 401 in other municipalities has already addressed some of these challenges. However, given the continued growth in our area, we urge you to consider the following actions: • Feasibility Study: Conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the viability of an interchange at Townline Road. This study should evaluate traffic patterns, safety implications, and economic benefits. • Community Consultation: Engage with local residents, businesses, and stakeholders to gather input and ensure that any proposed interchange aligns with their needs. Page 4 3 • Timely Implementation: If the study supports the feasibility of a Townline Road interchange, we request prompt action to move this project forward. Minister Sarkaria, we appreciate your commitment to improving Ontario’s transportation network. By addressing the congestion at the Harmony Road interchange and providing an additional access point via Townline Road South, we can enhance safety, reduce travel times, and support our growing community. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to a positive response and collaboration in advancing this important project. Yours truly, Dan Carter Mayor Cc: Anthony Ambra, Commissioner of Economic and Development Services Regional Municipality of Durham - Legislative Services Municipality of Clarington – Legislative Services Jennifer K. French, MPP (Oshawa) Hon. David Piccini, MPP (Northumberland—Peterborough South) Page 5