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ONTARIO GOVERNMENT Area Excluded From Pine Valley Environmental Assessment TORONTO -The Ontario government has directed the City of Vaughan to remove the Boyd Conservation Area as a possible route to address transportation problems in the Pine Valley corridor, Environment Minister Laurel Broten announced today. "We believe that a roadway through the Boyd Conservation Area could have significant environmental impacts," Broten said. "I have amended the environmental assessment work plan to exclude the conservation area as a possible route. There will be no road through Boyd Park." The proponent's environmental assessment (EA) will address the transportation challenges in the Pine Valley corridor as a result of current development and anticipated population growth of about 60,000 by 2021. The EA will look at alternative routes between Weston Road and Highway 27 and from Teston Road to Highway 407. Broten made additional amendments to address local concerns. The proponent will be required to provide ample opportunity for the public to review how the EA will assess and compare alternatives routes. "Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) is delighted with the decision of the McGuinty government to eliminate the potential of a road through a sensitive portion of the East Humber Valley," said TRCA chair Dick O'Brien. "The decision is consistent with TRCA's natural heritage strategy. We would also like to congratulate all those who never gave up hope and efforts to protect this sensitive area. TRCA is committed to working with the Region of York and the City of Vaughan to address transportation needs within the community through other means. TRCA will continue with the creation of The Living City Centre Campus at Kortright adjacent to Pine Valley Drive as a centre of excellence for sustainable community planning in York Region and throughout the GTA." "Balancing the growth of Vaughan with the need to protect our environmentally sensitive lands is crucial to maintaining a high quality of life in our communities," said Broten. -30 - Contacts:
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