Proposed Toronto Highways Raise Environmental Concerns

Karen Longwell reports on plans to build two new highways in the Greater Toronto Area, Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass. The projects face opposition from environmental groups who denounce the destruction of farmland and greenbelt protected areas that lay in the path of the proposed roads. "At a time when world leaders are gathered to take action against climate change, many argue that these plans seem short-sighted at best," writes Longwell.

According to Environmental Defence, "Highway 413 alone would also add over 17 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, at a time when cutting emissions is more urgent than ever." Meanwhile, the government claims the new roads will alleviate traffic and reduce gridlock in the region.

Elsewhere in Toronto, the city is rehabilitating the Gardiner Expressway with plans to integrate a linear park, bike lanes, flood protection measures, and other improvements into the redesigned expressway.