Public Information Centre #1

and Highway 401 Interchange Improvements WELCOME Public Information Centre #1 Veterans Memorial Parkway Extension and Highway 401 Interchange Improvements Study May 23, 2012 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Brief Overview Presentations at 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Please sign in so we can keep you updated on the study

and Highway 401 Interchange Improvements PURPOSE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE #1 This is the first of two Public Information Centres (PICs) to be held during the study to allow the public an opportunity to review and comment on project details. The PIC has been arranged to: Introduce the study to the public; Provide the study background and context; Present the problem and opportunity; Present the transportation planning alternatives; Present the preliminary interchange concept alternatives; Obtain public input and comments; and Identify the next steps in the study. There are representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, City of London and other Study Team members available to discuss the project with you. Please take the time to review the display panels, speak to any member of the study team as questions arise and provide your comments. There are comment sheets available to be completed and submitted to the Study Team.

and Highway 401 Interchange Improvements STUDY OVERVIEW The Ministry of Transportation and the City of London are jointly carrying out a (EA) and Preliminary Design Study for the south extension of Veterans Memorial Parkway (VMP), 1 km south to Wilton Grove Road, and the associated reconfiguration and expansion of the Veterans Memorial Parkway Interchange at Highway 401. The purpose of these improvements is to create a transportation network that fully supports the future economic growth opportunities along the Highway 401 corridor and provides improved north-south transportation capacity to accommodate projected future travel demand. This study includes public and review agency consultation, an assessment and evaluation of alternatives for the extension of the Parkway and the reconfiguration of the interchange, and the identification of the preferred design and measures to mitigate any potential adverse effects. The study area is shown in the figure below:

STUDY AREA Display panel to be printed in Landscape Orientation

THE CLASS EA PROCESS This study will follow the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act through the application of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, as amended in 2007 & 2011). This study will also address the requirements of the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities (as amended in July 2000). The Class EA process enables the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects to be undertaken in accordance with an approved procedure, giving due regard to the need to protect the environment and minimize negative effects.

STUDY SCHEDULE The major activities and milestone dates/timelines for the VMP Extension Class EA are: Beyond the current Environmental Assessment Study, the Veterans Memorial Parkway extension and associated Highway 401 Interchange improvements is identified in the 2011-2015 Southern Highways Program (SHP) with a target completion of 2016. The SHP is an annually published five-year investment plan in highway construction for Southern Ontario. For more information: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/highway-construction/

STUDY BACKGROUND Economic Development Strategy In October 2009, City Council endorsed a series of economic development priorities proposed by the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) which reflect the LEDC commissioned Prosperity Report. These emergent priorities were recognized by the LEDC and Council as the core of its Economic Development Strategy. The Economic Development Strategy has focused on a number of economic gateway initiatives that are based on the premise that London should increase the availability of serviced employment lands in the vicinity of its greatest transportation assets; Highway 401 and 402, and the London International Airport. A key component of this initiative is improved access points at strategic locations, in particular, the extension of VMP south to Wilton Grove Road and the associated reconfiguration and expansion of the VMP Interchange at Highway 401.

STUDY BACKGROUND Industrial Lands Development Strategy The Industrial Lands Development Strategy (ILDS) Update was initiated in 2010. Why was an update needed? What has changed? Economic downturn starting in 2008 and renewed focus on economic development priorities; Support for Economic Gateway concept and increased municipal industrial land acquisition in the Highway 401 corridor; A trend towards larger industrial sites being purchased; Greater demands by industry for site preparation works as a condition of purchase; and Recent sales and commitments that significantly reduced the inventory of available serviced industrial lands. Council has referred the ILDS Update to City Staff to consider matters such as: Review the potential for Office Business Park Designations in the Highway 401/402 Corridors; Expansion of the Urban Growth Area in the 401/402 Corridor; and Continue to pursue the extension of Veterans Memorial Parkway to Wilton Grove Road and add this link to Schedule C of the Official Plan (during the review).

STUDY BACKGROUND 2030Transportation Master Plan The City of London 2030 Transportation Master Plan (TMP), titled Smart Moves was initiated in 2009 and is expected to be complete in 2012. Smart Moves is based on 3 key elements: 1) Rapid Transit Network; 2) directions for Active Transportation and Transportation Demand Management; and 3) Road Network Improvements. In terms of road network improvements, Smart Moves includes an analysis of the road network requirements in southeast London, to service the planned and future growth in this area, particularly along the Highway 401 corridor, an area identified for important economic growth opportunities. Smart Moves uses projected growth (primarily employment growth in this particular area) as the basis for road network improvements. VMP Interchange improvements and an extension the Parkway south of Highway 401 to Wilton Grove Road is a key part of the Smart Moves Recommended Road Network Improvements.

STUDY BACKGROUND Official Plan Review The existing Official Plan (2006) is current with all Provincial Plans and Provincial interests and is consistent with Provincial Policy Statement. On May 3, 2012, the City launched the Official Plan review called "ReThink London". ReThink London is a year-long conversation about London s future, with the aim of developing a future vision and a roadmap of how to get there. This vision and strategy will form the foundation for London s new 20- year master plan. The review of the Official Plan will allow for new policies and approaches to address current challenges and emerging opportunities. Among the opportunities is the growing interest in providing employment opportunities along the Highway 401/402 corridor. The lands that abut the proposed VMP extension to Wilton Grove Road are currently outside the Urban Growth Area. These lands have been identified by the London Economic Development Corporation and Municipal Council as a possible component of the plan to stimulate economic growth. The Official Plan review will be a key part of moving forward on Council's current economic development initiatives and in implementing the Industrial Lands Development Strategy Update.

STUDY BACKGROUND Summary The VMP Extension and Interchange Improvements Class EA is based on four key City of London initiatives: Economic Development Strategy (2009) Industrial Lands Development Strategy (2011) 2030 Transportation Master Plan (in progress) Official Plan Review (in progress) The economic development priorities identified by Council and the London Economic Development Corporation, and the focus on the area around Veterans Memorial Parkway/Highway 401 in the Industrial Lands Development Strategy, the Official Plan review and the 2030 Transportation Master Plan was the impetus for Council to direct the commencement of the Veterans Memorial Parkway Extension and Interchange Improvements in order to prepare for and support future opportunities in the area.

EXISTING CONDITIONS Natural Environment (Display panel to be printed in Landscape Orientation)

EXISTING CONDITIONS Socio-Economic Environment Existing land use within the study area includes: Agricultural operations in the northeast quadrant and along the south side of Highway 401; Large scale agri-business operation (London Dairy Farms) along the south side of Highway 401; and Innovation Park employment lands (currently under development) in the northwest quadrant. Official Plan land use designations within the study area are: Light Industrial - east and west of VMP, north of Highway 401; Agricultural - south of Highway 401; Open Space east of VMP, north of Highway, associated with the Innovation Park stormwater management facility; and Environmental Review (Unevaluated Vegetation Patches) - associated with the woodlands/wetlands in the northeast and southeast quadrants.

EXISTING CONDITIONS Cultural Environment Archaeology A Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment determined that there are 18 archaeological sites registered within 1 km of the Study Area. All of these sites are located north of Highway 401 and were documented during the Airport Road South Area Study. The Study Area is within an area of high potential for archaeological finds. Therefore, a Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment of proposed areas of earth disturbance will be undertaken once the preferred alternative has been selected. Cultural Heritage There are no properties or features listed on the City of London Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Resources or designated under the Ontario Heritage Act located in the immediate vicinity of the proposed VMP extension or interchange improvements. Wilton Grove Road is considered a cultural heritage landscape/roadscape.

EXISTING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS Veterans Memorial Parkway (VMP) is a 4-lane divided urban expressway which connects to Highway 401 via a partial interchange (trumpet). The adjacent interchanges are: Highbury Avenue, located 4.4 km to the west Westchester Bourne, located 1.8 km to the east Peak Hour traffic volume (2009 to 2011) on: VMP is 1,610 vehicles Highbury Avenue is 3,000 vehicles Westchester Bourne is 530 vehicles The operation of the existing Westchester Bourne, Veterans Memorial Parkway and Highbury Avenue Interchanges, and the Highbury Avenue/Wilton Grove Road intersection was evaluated with existing traffic volumes for typical weekday peak hours (morning and afternoon). The intersection analyses indicates that all of the existing intersections in Study Area are currently operating at acceptable Level-of-Service* ( D or better) during both peak hours (morning and afternoon). *Intersection operations are measured by the Level-of-Service (LOS), assessed based on the volume of traffic and delay to drivers. The Level-of-Service (LOS) is represented by letters A to F, where: LOS A-C = satisfactory LOS D = acceptable during most periods, declining performance with occasional long delays at signals during peak periods LOS E = significant congestion and undesirable intersection operations LOS F = total breakdown with stop-and-go operation

Highbury Ave. (24) (384) (25) 54 811 170 385 413 792 (196) (794) (203) Veterans Memorial Parkway Extension FUTURE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS Realizing economic growth opportunities along the Highway 401 corridor through the development of employment lands within the City of London boundary would generate over 800 vehicle trips in the area south of Highway 401, between Westchester Bourne and Highbury Avenue during peak hours (TMP model). The 2032 peak hour demand would result in an unacceptable Level-of-Service ( F ) at the Highbury Avenue/Wilton Grove Road intersection. Wilton Grove Road F 250 355 81 (844) (F) (298) (180) (398) (363) (54) 153 300 23 F LOS F = total breakdown with stop-and-go operation 2032 Estimated Traffic Volume Legend: XX (YY) = AM (PM) Peak Hour Volume

FUTURE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS (Cont d) The additional traffic demand associated with projected employment growth will result in a capacity deficiency on Highbury Avenue, between the Highway 401 Interchange and Wilton Grove Road. Highbury Avenue is planned to be widened to six lanes northerly, from the south ramp of the Highway 401 Interchange, as part of a strategy to address future traffic demand. A south extension of VMP will relieve the traffic congestion on Highbury Avenue south of the Highway 401 Interchange and will provide an important part of a transportation network that supports future economic growth opportunities along the Highway 401 corridor. These improvements will also contribute to improved emergency access in the area.

PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES One of the key components of the City of London s longterm economic development strategy is the concept of Economic Gateways. A key component of these Economic Gateways is the employment lands in the Highway 401 corridor. The Industrial Lands Development Strategy (ILDS) Update recommends that the Urban Growth Area along the Highway 401 corridor be expanded. This will be considered in the Official Plan review and implemented through Official Plan policy. The ILDS Update recommends an extension of VMP to Wilton Grove Road. Transportation analysis confirms that future traffic volumes generated by economic growth along the Highway 401 corridor will lead to traffic congestion at the Highbury Avenue/Wilton Grove Road intersection. The Transportation Master Plan indicates that VMP interchange improvements and an extension the Parkway south of Highway 401 to Wilton Grove Road is a key part of the 2030 Recommended Road Network Improvements.

PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES The lands north and south of Highway 401 from east of Veterans Memorial Parkway to Highbury Avenue provide London with a continued economic growth opportunity and take advantage of its strategic location and opportunity on the 400 corridor (Highway 401, 402, 403). The extension of Veterans Memorial Parkway south to Wilton Grove Road and the associated improvements to the Highway 401 Interchange implements the recommendations of the Transportation Master Plan by improving traffic operations on adjacent roadways and supports the opportunity for future economic growth in southeast London, as identified in the Industrial Lands Development Strategy Update and supported by the Official Plan review.

ALTERNATIVE PLANNING SOLUTIONS Under the provisions of the Provincial and Municipal Class Environmental Assessment processes, all reasonable alternatives to the undertaking require consideration. The alternative planning solutions being considered are: Alternative Solution Do Nothing Description Maintain existing conditions. No improvements or changes would be made to the road network, including no extension of VMP or proposed improvements to the Highway 401 interchange. Implement Transportation Demand Management Measures/ Improve Transit Service Limit Development Reduce the number of single occupant vehicles during peak hours through alternative modes of transportation (transit, cycling, walking), carpooling, minimizing frequency of travel (work from home), flexible work hours. Restrict future development in the area. Implement Improvements to Existing Infrastructure Extend Veterans Memorial Parkway and Upgrade Highway 401 Interchange Undertake capital improvements to existing roads including interchange improvements, road widening and intersection improvements such as enhanced signal timings and turn lanes to improve traffic operations. Extend VMP south to Wilton Grove Road in order to provide north-south transportation capacity, alleviate congestion on Highbury Avenue and accommodate projected future travel demand and support future economic growth opportunities.

ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVE PLANNING SOLUTIONS Alternative Solution How the Alternative Solution Addresses the Problem and Opportunities Do Nothing - Does not create the road network system to support future economic development opportunities along the Highway 401 corridor. - Does not provide any additional capacity to accommodate future traffic generated from new areas of economic development. - No impacts to natural environmental features. - Has a negative impact on the economic development potential in the area, including realizing City Council s economic growth objectives. - No cultural impacts. - Does not address the economic development opportunities or City Council s economic growth objectives. Implement Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Measures/ Improve Transit Service Limit Development Implement Improvements to Existing Infrastructure Extend Veterans Memorial Parkway and Upgrade Highway 401 Interchange - Does not create the road network system to support future economic development opportunities along the Highway 401 corridor. - Does not provide any additional capacity to accommodate future traffic generated from new areas of economic development. - Provides access to transportation and transit alternatives to accommodate trips generated from the new areas of economic development. - Moderate and potentially mitigatable impact associated with adjacent natural features (for minor lane widening associated with transit). No impacts anticipated with TDM Measures. - Positive socio-economic impacts as a result of improved access to transportation and transit alternatives and possible reduction in automobile dependence. - On their own, these measures do not fully address the economic development opportunities or City Council s economic growth objectives. - Not consistent with the City s Economic Development Strategy (2009) and Industrial Lands Development Strategy Update (2011) which specifically supports the Economic Gateway concept with increased municipal industrial land acquisition in the Highway 401 corridor and recommends the City continue to pursue the extension of Veterans Memorial Parkway to Wilton Grove Road. - Does not fully address the economic development opportunities, including realizing City Council s economic growth objectives. - Does not facilitate a transportation network system to support future economic development opportunities along the Highway 401 corridor. - Provides some additional capacity and operational improvements to accommodate traffic generated from the area, however, only defers the eventual need to provide added network capacity to support full development. - Low to moderate impacts associated with adjacent natural features (for minor road widening). - Positive socio-economic impacts as a result of minor capacity and operational improvements. - No cultural impacts. - On their own, these measures do not fully address the economic development opportunities or City Council s economic growth objectives. While improvements may offer some increases in capacity, they simply defer the investment into creating a transportation network that fully supports economic development opportunities. - Facilitates the creation of a transportation network system that supports future economic development opportunities along the Highway 401 corridor. - Improves connections along Wilton Grove Road. - Alleviates traffic demand on Highbury Avenue, particularly between Highway 401 and Wilton Grove Road. - Positive socio-economic impacts on economic development potential in the area and supports the realization of City Council s economic growth objectives. - Best supports the economic development opportunities and City Council s economic growth objectives.

INTERCHANGE CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES An extension of VMP and associated improvements at the VMP/Highway 401 Interchange is selected as the preferred alternative planning solution because it address the problems and opportunities by: Creating a transportation network that fully supports the future economic growth opportunities in southeast London, as identified in the Industrial Lands Development Strategy Update and supported by the Official Plan review; Implementing the recommendations of the Smart Moves by providing additional capacity and improving traffic operations; and ultimately, Supporting the realization of City Council s economic growth objectives. In support of the preferred planning alternative, a long list of interchange concept alternatives has been developed by the Study Team. Some of the alternatives in the long list were not carried forward for further evaluation based on their technical feasibility and impacts. The following displays illustrate the short list of alternatives and the main advantages and disadvantages of each. These will be refined and a preferred alternative will be selected based on the comments received today, input from external agencies and through further technical assessment by the Study Team.

INTERCHANGE CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES ALTERNATIVE 1 Interchange Alternative 1: Parclo A4* Carry Forward for Further Evaluation * Parclo = Partial Cloverleaf A (as in Parclo A) = the off ramps exist in advance of the crossing road 4 (as in Parlco A4) = the number of quadrants with interchange ramps

INTERCHANGE CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES ALTERNATIVE 2 Interchange Alternative 2: Parclo A4-Modified Carry Forward for Further Evaluation

INTERCHANGE CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES ALTERNATIVE 3 Interchange Alternative 3: Parclo A3 Carry Forward for Further Evaluation

INTERCHANGE CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES ALTERNATIVE 4 Interchange Alternative 4: Diamond-Parclo A Carry Forward for Further Evaluation

EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR INTERCHANGE CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES The interchange concept alternatives will be carried forward for a detailed assessment and evaluation to identify a preferred alternative. To provide an objective and transparent approach for identifying the preferred alternative, the Study Team will review and assess the alternatives using a comprehensive set of evaluation criteria based on the following categories: Socio-Economic Environment and Land Use: Existing residences Existing commercial/industrial uses Agricultural resources Access Future/planned land uses Noise Natural Environment: Vegetation and wetlands Aquatic habitat Wildlife and wildlife habitat Stormwater management Cultural Environment: First Nations concerns Built heritage resources Cultural heritage landscapes Archaeology Transportation and Engineering Transportation network efficiency Traffic operations and safety Utilities Preliminary Cost Estimate The results of the assessment and evaluation and the preliminary preferred alternative will be presented for public review and feedback at the next PIC.

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARKWAY EXTENSION Veterans Memorial Parkway is proposed to extend from Highway 401 to Wilton Grove Road. The extension will be approximately 1 km long and will be a fully-controlled access highway (no driveway, pedestrian or cycling access). The proposed cross-section of the Veterans Memorial Parkway is shown below. Proposed cross-section for the Veterans Memorial Parkway extension south of Highway 401

NEXT STEPS The next steps for the Study are: Review comments and suggestions received from the public and agencies and incorporate into the study, as appropriate; Respond to written questions and comments; Carry out in-season ecological field surveys to fully understand natural environmental features, sensitivities and significance; Evaluate the Interchange Concept Alternatives and select the Preferred Concept; Carry out the preliminary design of VMP and the Highway 401 Interchange; and Conduct a second round of Public Consultation to present and request input on the preferred preliminary design.

PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR FEEDBACK Thank you for attending Public Information Centre #1 Would you like to be included in the study mailing list? Do you have any questions or comments about the study? Please let us know your thoughts by completing a Comment Sheet. Completed sheets can either be dropped in the boxes on the tables or submitted by mail or email to any of the following Project Team members by June 15, 2012: Gillian Thompson Planner McCormick Rankin 2655 North Sheridan Way Mississauga, ON L5K 2P8 Tel: (905) 823-8500 Ext. 1235 Email: gthompson@mrc.ca Doug MacRae Transportation Design Engineer City of London P.O. Box 5035 London, ON N6A 4L9 Tel: (519) 661-2500 Ext. 4637 Email: dmacrae@london.ca Brian Goudeseune Senior Project Manager Ministry of Transportation 659 Exeter Road London, ON N6E 1L3 Tel: (519) 873-4546 Email: brian.goudeseune@ontario.ca Opportunities to provide input are not limited to formal consultation events or milestones. You can provide input at any point throughout the study. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PROTECTION OF PRIVACY Information collected during this study will be used to assist the City of London and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) in meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. This material will be maintained on file for use during the study and may be included in study documentation. Information collected will be used in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.