Notice of Project Transition

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville is transitioning the Pedestrian Crossing and Pathway project based on the amended Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process (2023). The Pedestrian Crossing and Pathway project commenced in November 2022 as a Schedule B project when the Town proposed a trail and walking/cycling bridge over Little Rouge Creek to connect Ken Betz Court with Madori Park and the Millard Street West Trail. 

In March 2023, the amended Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) document was published and the document included an update to the classification of projects and the associated study process. Under this new guideline, this project is now exempt and is no longer required to undergo an Environmental Assessment. To date, a variety of technical studies, including ecology, archaeology, flood modeling and geotechnical review have been conducted for the Pedestrian Crossing and Pathway project. Despite this exemption, the Town will complete ongoing studies and investigation work with a view to publicly release a Final Study Report, at the conclusion of this work.

On-going project work such as detailed design and archaeological work will continue. Archaeological work has progressed to the final stage, with the support of the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. The final stage of archaeological assessment includes clearing the site of remaining artefacts and protecting the archaeological integrity of the site. Appropriate permits and authorizations will be required before the project proceeds to construction. A Public Information Centre (PIC) will be held once construction budget and scheduling are confirmed.

There is a 60-day comment period for Indigenous Communities to review the Transition Notice and advise of any negative impact the project may have on Constitutionally protected Aboriginal or Treaty Rights.

If concerns arise regarding potential adverse impacts to constitutionally protected Aboriginal or Treaty rights, a response on those matters should be submitted in writing to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Director of the Environmental Assessment Branch. The request, including your full name and contact information, should be sent in writing by mail or by email to: 

Requests should also be copied to the Town of Whitchurch Stouffville by mail or by email. 

If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please get in touch with one the of the project team members.

Comments and information regarding this project are being collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of meeting environmental assessment requirements. With the exception of personal information, all comments received will become part of the project record.

Notice first issued on December 8, 2023.