East-west traffic congestion is exacerbated by the jog in alignment at Ninth Line and Highway 48, creating operational and safety challenges. The Town’s 2024 Transportation Master Plan has identified the need to alleviate corridor congestion and to urbanize the section between Highway 48 and Ninth Line. Furthermore, the Town’s 2024 Water and Wastewater Master Plan highlights significant servicing gaps, as there is no municipal water or sanitary infrastructure currently available along the corridor.

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study to further explore the infrastructure, servicing, and growth management needs for the Bethesda Road corridor from Highway 48 to Ninth Line. The study will address existing transportation deficiencies, options to improve community and road network connectivity, and servicing for future development in alignment with the Town’s policies and standards while ensuring the continued protection of agricultural lands and natural features.

The Town has retained Arcadis Professional Services (Canada) Inc. to undertake this study.

The study is following the Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process for Schedule ‘B’ projects (October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011, and 2015). The Municipal Class Environmental Assessment is an approved planning and design process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

Two Public Information Centres (PICs) are planned for this project. The PICs will provide an opportunity for interested parties to discuss the study with the project team and provide feedback. The PICs will be scheduled at a later date, and advance notification will be provided.