Bradford Bypass
{{good article}}
{{short description|Proposed freeway in Ontario}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox road
| header_type = under construction
| province = ON
| type = Fwy
| name = Bradford Bypass
| marker_image = none
| map = {{maplink-road|raw={{Wikipedia:Map data/Wikipedia KML/Bradford Bypass}}}}
| map_custom = yes
| map_notes = {{legend0|#cc0000|Bradford Bypass}} {{legend0|#000000|Interchanges}}
| maint = Ministry of Transportation of Ontario
| towns = Bradford West Gwillimbury, East Gwillimbury
| divisions = Simcoe County
York Region
| length_km = 16.2
| length_ref = {{Cite web
| title = Highway 400 – Highway 404 Extension Link (Bradford Bypass)
| author = Ministry of the Environment
| author-link = Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
| publisher = Government of Ontario
| date = April 13, 2011
| url = http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/industry/assessment_and_approvals/environmental_assessments/projects/STDPROD_082770.html?page=2
| access-date = September 5, 2011
| language = en-CA}}
| history =
- Proposed June 1978{{refn|group="note"|name="hwy89route-note"|The Bradford Bypass is associated with the former proposal to extend Highway{{nbsp}}89 across the Holland River, a route announced on June{{nbsp}}30, 1978.{{cite news
| title = Bradford Bypass Gaining New Life?
| work = Innisfil Journal
| date = December 1, 2011
| url = https://www.simcoe.com/news-story/2026994-bradford-bypass-gaining-new-life-/
| access-date = March 30, 2021
| via = Simcoe.com
| language = en-CA}}{{cite press release
| title = Route Selected to Link Highways 400 and 12 South of Lake Simcoe
| author = Public and Safety Information Branch
| publisher = Ministry of Transportation and Communications
| date = June 30, 1978}}}}
- Cancelled April 1986{{refn|group="note"|name="hwy89challenged-note"|Highways Minister Ed Fulton officially cancelled the Highway 89 Extension on April{{nbsp}}21, 1986.{{cite news
| title = Highway Decision Challenged
| first = Robert | last = Brehl
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = May 13, 1986
| department = North
| page = N2
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/435438889
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = March 30, 2021
| id = {{ProQuest|435438889}} | language = en-CA}}}}
- Revised 1989{{refn|group="note"|name="revived-once"|The 1989 Highway{{nbsp}}404/89 Route Location Study confirmed the need for a freeway north of Bradford linking Highway 400 to the future Highway 404 Extension. The Environmental Assessment that followed referred to the route as the Bradford Bypass.{{cite report
| title = Highway 400 – Highway 404 Extension Link (Bradford Bypass) – Route Planning and Environmental Assessment Study
| author = McCormick Rankin
| publisher = Ministry of Transportation of Ontario
| date = December 1997
| page = 35
| url = https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/BBP-RoutePlanningEA-1997.pdf
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| language = en-CA}}}}
(as Bradford Bypass)
- Approved August 2002{{cite web
| title = Notice of Approval to Proceed with the Undertaking
| publisher = Ministry of Environment and Energy
| date = August 28, 2002
| url = https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Approval-Bradford.pdf
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031172624/https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Approval-Bradford.pdf |archive-date=October 31, 2021 |url-status=live| access-date = April 3, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
- Shelved October 2003{{refn|group="note"|name="shelved-2003"|Following the 2003 Ontario general election, the Bradford Bypass was dropped from provincial plans.{{cite news
| title = Ontario Back in the Business of Building Roads to Sprawl
| first = Mark | last = Winfield
| work = Hamilton Spectator
| date = March 9, 2021
| url = https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/2021/03/09/ontario-back-in-the-business-of-building-roads-to-sprawl.html
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| language = en-CA}}{{cite news
| title = One Year After Announcement, Work On Bradford Bypass Commences
| first = Jonathan | last = Scott
| work = Newmarket Today
| date = August 6, 2020
| url = https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/local-news/one-year-after-announcement-work-on-bradford-bypass-commences-2619349
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
Minister of Transportation Donna Cansfield confirmed in May 2007 that no further work was being undertaken on the corridor.{{cite report
| title = Need for Bradford Bypass – Report No. 3 of the Meeting
| author = Planning and Economic Development Committee Regional Council
| publisher = Regional Municipality of York
| date = March 27, 2008
| page = 4
| url = http://archives.york.ca/councilcommitteearchives/pdf/rpt%203%20cls%202-34.pdf
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| language = en-CA}}}}
- Revived May{{nbsp}}18, 2017{{cite news
| title = East–West Transportation Artery Through Bradford Back on Province's Books
| first = Heidi | last = Riedner
| work = Bradford West Gwillimbury Topic
| date = May 23, 2017
| url = https://www.simcoe.com/news-story/7330708-east-west-transportation-artery-through-bradford-back-on-province-s-books/
| access-date = April 4, 2021
| via = Simcoe.com
| language = en-CA}}
| direction_a = West
| terminus_a = {{jcon|Hwy|400}} near Bradford
| junction = {{jcon|Simcoe|4|Yonge Street}}
| direction_b = East
| terminus_b = {{jcon|Hwy|404}} near Keswick
}}
The Bradford Bypass, also known as the Highway 400–404 Link is a proposed east–west 400-series highway in the northern Greater Toronto Area of the Canadian province of Ontario. The approximately {{convert|16.2|km|mi|adj=on}} route is currently undergoing planning and analysis under an environmental impact assessment (EA) by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) and the Government of Ontario. If approved, a new four-lane controlled-access highway would be built between Highway 400 near Bradford in Simcoe County, and Highway 404 near Queensville in York Region. It would serve as a bypass to the north side of Bradford.
The corridor originated in 1978 as an eastern extension of Highway 89 along Ravenshoe Road. This proposal was cancelled in 1986 and collaborative studies were undertaken between the province and affected municipalities over the next several years. A refined proposal for a freeway along a more southerly route, referred to as the Bradford Bypass, was released in 1989, after which an {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}} began in 1993. The assessment was completed in 1997 and approved in 2002, after which it was announced that construction would begin by 2006 and be completed by 2010. However, following the 2003 Ontario general election, the Liberal government of Dalton McGuinty shelved several highway proposals — including the Bradford Bypass — to the "beyond 2031" timeframe. After the 2018 Ontario general election, the new Progressive Conservative (PC) government of Doug Ford announced that the {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}} would be reviewed and updated. Funding was committed to the project in the 2021 budget, with early works construction beginning in early 2022. The highway is currently estimated to cost C$800 million.
The Bradford Bypass has been criticized for its potential environmental impacts, particularly to the Holland Marsh and surrounding wetlands draining into Lake Simcoe. While the route is endorsed by the municipalities surrounding it and through which it passes, critics note that the {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}} is outdated and that the highway would result in induced demand and encourage further reliance on personal vehicle usage.
Route description
File:Future Bradford bypass sign.jpgThe proposed route of the Bradford Bypass was established in the 1997 {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}}, including the location and design of interchanges.
If built, the approximately {{convert|16.2|km|mi|abbr=on}} corridor would consist of a four-lane rural freeway situated within a {{convert|100|m|ft|-1|adj=on}}-wide right-of-way. It would feature a {{convert|30|m|ft|-1|adj=on}} grass median, except at the two Holland River crossings, where the median would narrow to {{convert|8|m|ft|0}} with a central concrete barrier.{{cite report
| title = Highway 400 – Highway 404 Extension Link (Bradford Bypass) – Route Planning and Environmental Assessment Study
| author = McCormick Rankin
| publisher = Ministry of Transportation of Ontario
| date = December 1997
| pages = 141–148
| url = https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/BBP-RoutePlanningEA-1997.pdf
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
The proposed route of the Bradford Bypass would have it begin in the west at a freeway-to-freeway interchange with Highway{{nbsp}}400, midway between the 8th Line and 9th Line of Bradford West Gwillimbury. From there the four-lane rural highway would proceed east, crossing the 10th Sideroad and encountering an interchange with the northern section of Yonge Street (formerly Highway{{nbsp}}11 and presently Simcoe County Road 4) immediately north of the town of Bradford. It would then curve southeast to cross the West Holland River into the northeastern extent of the municipality of King in York Region, after which it would encounter an interchange with Bathurst Street and straighten out towards the east into East Gwillimbury.
The highway would cross the East Holland River and pass immediately south of the Silver Lakes Golf and Country Club. It would cross the southern section of Yonge Street (thus resulting in an unusual crossing of both offset legs of the street) then cut through farmland, parallel with Queensville Sideroad. At Leslie Street (York Regional Road 12), immediately north of the community of Queensville, a partial interchange would provide westbound access to and eastbound access from the highway. It would end shortly thereafter at a freeway-to-freeway interchange Highway{{nbsp}}404.
The Holland Marsh is a Provincially Significant Wetland,{{cite web
| title = MTO Letter to York Region Council
| first = Jason | last = White
| date = March 17, 2021
| url = https://yorkpublishing.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=20483
| access-date = April 1, 2010
| language = en-CA}}
portions of which are also designated as a Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) and the remainder under the Natural Heritage System (NHS) of the Greenbelt.{{cite report
| title = Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment – Natural Environment Baseline Conditions Report
|author=AECOM |author2=Conestoga-Rovers & Associates |author3=Black & Veatch
| publisher = Regional Municipality of York
| date = April 2013
| page = 29
| url = http://www.uyssolutions.ca/en/onlineresources/resources/NaturalEnvironmentBaselineReport-MainReport-Part1.pdf
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| language = en-CA}}{{cite report
| title = Greenbelt Plan
| publisher = Government of Ontario
| chapter = Schedule 3: Holland Marsh
| date = 2017
| chapter-url = https://files.ontario.ca/greenbelt-plan-2017-en.pdf
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
The proposed route of the Bradford Bypass crosses the Holland Marsh between Yonge Street and Bathurst Street,
and would require {{convert|10.75|ha|acre|0}} of land within the NHS portion; it will not cross any wetlands.{{cite news
| title = Highway Projects Unveiled for York, Durham Regions
| first = Brian | last = Dexter
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = October 20, 1998
| page = 1
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/437824533
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = April 2, 2021
| id = {{ProQuest|437824533}} | language = en-CA
| quote = "Terry Steele, a transportation ministry environmental planner, said yesterday that the Highway 400-404 link is set to cross two branches of the Holland River. He said it will require bridges of about 600 and 400 metres. Steele said the path is outside the wetlands of a wildlife marsh."}}
Bridges of approximately 400{{nbsp}}and 600{{nbsp}}metres (1300{{nbsp}}and 2000{{nbsp}}feet) will cross the two branches of the Holland River.
History
= Highway 89 extension =
Proposals for a highway corridor south of Lake Simcoe date as far back as the 1960s, but were not formally considered until the late 1970s. On June{{nbsp}}30, 1978, a {{convert|48|km|mi|abbr=on}} extension of Highway{{nbsp}}89 east of Highway{{nbsp}}400 to Highway 12 was announced. It was to follow 11th Line from Highway{{nbsp}}400 east to the Holland Marsh, where it would cross towards the northeast onto the alignment of Ravenshoe Road (York Road{{nbsp}}32). The extension would have traversed the length of Ravenshoe Road to Lakeridge Road (Durham Road{{nbsp}}23), where it would zig-zag onto Concession Road{{nbsp}}7 and end immediately north of Sunderland.
In June 1981, environmental approval was given for the project, excluding the portion crossing of the Holland Marsh.{{cite news
| title = In Brief: Highway Extension to Travel Across Holland Marsh
| work = The Globe and Mail
| date = April 7, 1982
| department = Sports/Recreation
| page = S6
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/1240517193
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| id = {{ProQuest|1240517193}}
| language = en-CA}}
The marsh crossing was opposed by the Sierra Club,{{cite news
| title = Ontario Briefs: Road in Marsh Assailed
| work = The Globe and Mail
| date = June 26, 1984
| department = Metro
| page = M3
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/386446825
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| id = {{ProQuest|386446825}}
| language = en-CA}}
the Federation of Ontario Naturalists,{{cite news
| title = Naturalists Fight Highway 89 Extension
| first = Paul | last = Irish
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = January 7, 1986
| page = A7
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/435389585
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| id = {{ProQuest|435389585}} | language = en-CA}}
the Canadian Wildlife Service,{{cite news
| title = Environmentalists Delighted As Wetland Highway Scrapped
| first = Rudy | last = Platiel
| work = The Globe and Mail
| date = April 22, 1986
| page = A15
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/1144410284
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| id = {{ProQuest|1144410284}} | language = en-CA}}
and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).
The {{abbr|MTO|Ministry of Transportation of Ontario}}, then known as the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MTC), conducted several studies on the crossing and alternatives to it, which were collectively published in July 1984.
However, as a result of public opposition and due to the potential environmental impacts of crossing the marsh, Minister of Transportation Edward Fulton abruptly cancelled the project on April{{nbsp}}21, 1986. In his speech, Fulton said of the C$30{{nbsp}}million project: "The environmental impact outweighs the transportation benefits in the particular location."{{cite news
| title = $30 Million Highway Shelved to Protect Marsh
| first1 = Robert | last1 = Brehl
| first2 = David | last2 = Israelson
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = April 22, 1986
| page = A2
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/435411802
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| id = {{ProQuest|435411802}} | language = en-CA}}
While this was applauded by environmental advocates,
it was opposed by several local politicians, as well as the York Region Federation of Agriculture, both of which began to petition the government to reverse the decision.{{cite news
| title = Highway Decision Challenged
| first = Robert | last = Brehl
| work = The Toronto Star
| edition = North
| date = May 13, 1986
| page = N2
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/435438889
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = April 1, 2021
| id = {{ProQuest|435438889}} | language = en-CA}}
{{clear}}
= Highway 400 – Highway 404 Link =
The {{abbr|MTO|Ministry of Transportation of Ontario}} engaged in several years of consultations with York Region, Simcoe County, and various other project stakeholders. The resulting Highway{{nbsp}}404/89 Route Location Study, published in 1989, confirmed the need for a "Provincial facility north of Bradford linking Highway{{nbsp}}400 to the future Highway{{nbsp}}404 Extension."{{cite report
| title = Minutes – Committee of the Whole
| publisher = Corporation of the Town of Georgina
| date = January 4, 1990
| page = 15
| url = http://www3.georgina.ca/archive/georgina/cow-minutes-1979-1998/1990.pdf
| access-date = April 3, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
Highway{{nbsp}}404 was itself opened as far north as Davis Drive (York Regional Road{{nbsp}}31) on October{{nbsp}}24, 1989; the proposed extension largely succeeded the Highway{{nbsp}}89 extension east of Woodbine Avenue.{{cite news
| title = Ontario Studies Plan to Extend Highway 404 Farther North
| first = Brian | last = Dexter
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = October 25, 1989
| department = News
| page = A8
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/436049789
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = April 3, 2021
| id = {{ProQuest|436049789}} | language = en-CA}}{{cite news
| title = Plan to Extend Highway 404 Studied Northeast Link With Highway 400 Would Bridge Holland River
| first = Brian | last = Dexter
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = June 17, 1993
| page = NY5, ZONE edition
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/436845363
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = April 3, 2021
| id = {{ProQuest|436845363}} | language = en-CA}}
Separate {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}}s for both the Bradford Bypass and the Highway{{nbsp}}404 extension began in 1993 and 1992, respectively.{{cite report
| title = Highway 404 Extension from North of Mount Albert Road to Woodbine Avenue/Ravenshoe Road Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities – Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR)
|author=URS Canada |author2=Ecoplans Limited
| publisher = Ministry of Transportation of Ontario
| date = June 2007
| pages = 35–36
| url = http://www.advantageeg.ca/SharedSites/DigitalAssets/5bed6cc9-1d07-4948-bedf-5aa6c149a8fd.pdf
| access-date = April 3, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
The {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}} for the Bradford Bypass was completed in December 1997, with environmental studies noting that the proposed highway may contaminate groundwater and the Lake Simcoe watershed. The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation were noted to oppose the route due to archaeological concerns.{{cite news
| first1 = Sheila | last1 = Wang
| first2 = Emma | last2 = McIntosh
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = October 31, 2021
| title = What the Ford government hasn't told you about its next controversial highway project
| language = en-CA
| url = https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/2021/10/31/bradford-bypass-ford-government-secrecy.html
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = November 2, 2021
| issn = 0319-0781
| quote = The studies the environmental assessment was based on were completed in 1997. The now-dated assessment that was based on those 1997 studies warned the highway could contaminate groundwater and the Lake Simcoe watershed, and pollute the air more than is recommended by current air standards. It also noted that the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, located on Lake Simcoe, had opposed the bypass over concerns about archaeological sites in the area.}}
Both {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}}s were approved on August{{nbsp}}28, 2002.
Later that year on October{{nbsp}}4, Minister of Transportation Norm Sterling announced that design work was progressing, with construction set to begin in 2006, with completion expected by 2010.{{cite news
| title = Highway 404 Extension Project Gets the Go-Ahead; the Work, Including Hwy. 400 Link, to Be Done by 2010
| first = Leslie | last = Ferenc
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = October 5, 2002
| page = B02
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/438521748
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = April 4, 2021
| id = {{ProQuest|438521748}} | language = en-CA}}
As an interim measure, several upgrades were made to the roads surrounding Newmarket in the early 2000s.{{cite report
| title = Report No. 6 – Class Environmental Assessment Update Bathurst Street, Green Lane West to Yonge Street
| author = Transportation and Works Committee
| publisher = Regional Municipality of York
| date = June 25, 2009
| url = http://archives.york.ca/councilcommitteearchives/pdf/rpt%206%20cls%2013-6.pdf
| access-date = April 4, 2021
| language = en-CA}}{{cite news
| first = Jeff | last = Grey
| title = Yearly Labour Day Traffic Snarl Unlikely to Straighten Out Soon
| work = The Globe and Mail
| date = September 6, 2004
| language = en-CA|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/yearly-labour-day-traffic-snarl-unlikely-to-straighten-out-soon/article1003533/
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = April 4, 2021}}
The Newmarket Bypass – consisting of the widening to four lanes of Davis Drive (former Highway{{nbsp}}9) between Highway{{nbsp}}400 and Bathurst Street, Bathurst Street between Davis Drive and Green Lane, and Green Lane between Bathurst Street and Leslie Street – was approved by York Region in January 1999; construction began in September 2002.{{cite news
| first = Frank | last = Calleja
| work = The Toronto Star
| title = Gridlock Relief Finally in Sight for Harried Newmarket Drivers; Bypass Will Skirt Busy Intersection Final Leg to Open Within a Month
| date = July 14, 2004
| language = en-CA
| page = B02
| url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/438728611
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = April 6, 2021| id = {{ProQuest|438728611}}
}}
Construction began on a four-lane extension of Highway{{nbsp}}404 from Davis Drive to Green Lane, and the reconstruction of Green Lane into a four-laned arterial road between Leslie Street and Woodbine Avenue in September 2000. Both were completed and opened to traffic on February{{nbsp}}8, 2002, at a ceremony attended by {{abbr|MPP|Member of Provincial Parliament}} for York North Julia Munro and York Region chairman Bill Fisch.{{cite news
| title = Longer, Wider Highway 404 in the Works
| first = Nicholaas | last = Van Rijn
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = August 29, 2000
| department = Greater Toronto
| page = B3}}{{cite news
| title = New Highway 404 Extension to Benefit Newmarket
| author = Ministry of Transportation of Ontario
| publisher = Government of Ontario
| date = February 8, 2002
| url = http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/news/regional/2002/020802.shtml
| access-date = April 26, 2015
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140415025754/http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/news/regional/2002/020802.shtml
| archive-date = April 15, 2014
| language = en-CA}}{{cite news
| title = Drivers Have More Options in Northern York Region After Improvements to Green Lane East and Highway 404
| first = Patrick | last = Casey
| publisher = Regional Municipality of York
| date = February 8, 2002
| url = http://www.york.ca/Publications/News/2002/February+08,+2002,+Drivers+have+more+options+in+northern+York+Region+after+improvements+to+Green+Lan.htm
| access-date = April 26, 2015
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120311033015/http://www.york.ca/Publications/News/2002/February+08,+2002,+Drivers+have+more+options+in+northern+York+Region+after+improvements+to+Green+Lan.htm
| archive-date = March 11, 2012
| language = en-CA
| quote = York Region drivers can now access Green Lane East between Leslie Street and Woodbine Avenue in the Town of East Gwillimbury. The Regional Municipality of York today opened the stretch of road in tandem with the completion of a 2.9{{nbsp}}kilometre extension of Highway{{nbsp}}404 from Davis Drive and Green Lane East.}}
The Newmarket Bypass was completed and opened on September{{nbsp}}1, 2004.{{cite press release
| title = Newmarket By-pass Opens
| publisher = Regional Municipality of York
| date = September 1, 2004
| url = http://archives.york.ca/mediareleases/2004/web/september%201%2C%202004%2C%20newmarket%20by-pass%20opens290e.htm?ODA=1
| access-date = April 5, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
Meanwhile, during the 2003 Ontario general election campaign, incumbent PC premier Ernie Eves pledged to build the Bradford Bypass.{{cite web
| title = The Road Ahead: Premier Ernie Eves' Plan for Ontario's Future
| first = Ernie | last = Eves
| publisher = Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
| year = 2003
| url = http://www.ontariopc.com/TheRoadAhead/section_smart_growth.htm
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030826174225/http://www.ontariopc.com/TheRoadAhead/section_smart_growth.htm
| archive-date = August 26, 2003
| access-date = April 4, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
Liberal leader Dalton McGuinty, who would go on to win the election, promised to tackle gridlock with a transit-oriented approach, pledging only "the removal of highway bottlenecks."{{cite web
| title = Growing Strong Communities – The Ontario Liberal Plan for Clean, Safe Communities That Work
| publisher = Ontario Liberal Party
| year = 2003
| url = http://www.urbancentre.utoronto.ca/pdfs/curp/OntLiberalPlatform.pdf
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040920192120/http://www.urbancentre.utoronto.ca/pdfs/curp/OntLiberalPlatform.pdf |archive-date=September 20, 2004 |url-status=live| access-date = April 4, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
The McGuinty government passed the Places to Grow Act in 2005, which set forth consistent urban planning principles across the province for the following 25{{nbsp}}years. The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe was released in June of the following year as a framework for implementing the act,{{cite web
| title = Overview
| website = Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe 2006
| publisher = Government of Ontario
| url = https://www.ontario.ca/document/growth-plan-greater-golden-horseshoe-2006
| access-date = March 19, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
which despite including the Highway{{nbsp}}404 extension as far as Ravenshoe Road, did not show the Bradford Bypass.{{cite web
| title = Schedule 2
| website = Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe 2006
| publisher = Government of Ontario
| url = https://www.ontario.ca/document/growth-plan-greater-golden-horseshoe-2006/schedules#section-1
| access-date = March 19, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
Minister of Transportation Donna Cansfield confirmed in May 2007 that no further work was being undertaken on the corridor.
The Bradford Bypass was first included in the 2002 Transportation Master Plan for York Region. Simcoe County followed suit in its 2008 Transportation Master Plan.{{cite web
| title = Making the Connection – Highway 400–404 Connecting Link
| publisher = The Town of East Gwillimbury
| date = May 2015
| page = 9
| url = http://www.eastgwillimbury.ca/Assets/5+2015+Government/404+connecting+link/Making+the+connection.pdf
| access-date = April 6, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
In late 2011, York Region and Simcoe County commenced the York-Simcoe Boundary Area Transportation Needs Study as a basis to advocate for the bypass.{{cite report
| title = Report No. 6 of the Meeting – York–Simcoe Boundary Area Transportation Needs Study Update
| author = Transportation Services Committee Regional Council
| publisher = Regional Municipality of York
| date = June 28, 2012
| url = http://archives.york.ca/councilcommitteearchives/pdf/rpt%206%20cls%209%20am.pdf
| access-date = April 5, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
Despite this and studies conducted by the {{abbr|MTO|Ministry of Transportation of Ontario}}, the provincial government did not change its stance in the five-year Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe in 2012.
In 2014, a report into transportation needs in the Lake Simcoe area was positive about the highway, stating that the Bypass would be heavily used and easy to build. However, the report also stated that alternatives such as building high-occupancy vehicle lanes on Highway 400 and improving local roads and interchanges could deliver similar benefits with less environmental impact.{{cite news
| first1 = Sheila | last1 = Wang
| first2 = Emma | last2 = McIntosh
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = October 31, 2021
| title = What the Ford government hasn't told you about its next controversial highway project
| language = en-CA
| url = https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/2021/10/31/bradford-bypass-ford-government-secrecy.html
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = November 2, 2021
| issn = 0319-0781
| quote = A 2014 government-commissioned report examining transportation needs near Lake Simcoe gave high marks to the planned bypass for how easy it would be to build. The report, obtained through FOI and provided to this investigation by Ecojustice, noted the highway would be heavily used and that its planned four lanes might have to be widened to six by 2041. The highway also received the lowest possible score for environmental impact. Improving interchanges, widening existing roads and creating HOV lanes on Highway 400 could deliver similar benefits with a lesser impact, the report found.}}{{cite web
| title = Simcoe Area Multi Modal Transportation Study Workshop 3 Needs Assessment
| date = March 27, 2014
| url = https://www.simcoe.ca/Planning/Documents/Needs_Assessment_Meeting3_2014-03-25.pdf
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001101658/http://www.simcoe.ca/Planning/Documents/Needs_Assessment_Meeting3_2014-03-25.pdf |archive-date=October 1, 2015| url-status = live
| access-date = November 2, 2021}}
Representatives from York Region, Simcoe County, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Innisfil, Essa Township and Newmarket together lobbied the provincial government in November 2015 to put the project on its growth plan.{{cite news
| title = Traffic Issues Prompt Further Calls for Bradford Bypass
| first = Simon | last = Martin
| date = February 4, 2016
| publisher = East Gwillimbury Express
| via = YorkRegion.com
| url = https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/6264008-traffic-issues-prompt-further-calls-for-bradford-bypass/
| access-date = April 6, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
The bypass was revived on May{{nbsp}}18, 2017 when it was included in the five-year Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, though without a timeline for construction.
= Current status =
File:Bradford Bypass Yonge interchange construction.jpg
On August{{nbsp}}15, 2019, Minister of Transportation and {{abbr|MPP|Member of Provincial Parliament}} for York—Simcoe, Caroline Mulroney, announced that planning for the Bradford Bypass would resume after years of being shelved.{{cite news
| title = Breaking News: Province Gives Green Light to Bradford Bypass
| first = Miriam | last = King
| date = August 15, 2019
| publisher = Barrie Today
| url = https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/breaking-news-province-gives-green-light-to-bradford-bypass-1642276
| access-date = November 2, 2020
| language = en-CA}}
The {{abbr|MTO|Ministry of Transportation of Ontario}} is currently in the process of updating the 1997 {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}}, with completion expected in 2023.{{cite news
| title = York Region Unanimously Supports Bradford Bypass Construction
| first = Robin | last = MacLennan
| work = Ontario Construction News
| date = March 24, 2021
| url = https://ontarioconstructionnews.com/york-region-unanimously-supports-bradford-bypass-construction/
| access-date = April 6, 2021
| language = en}}{{cite web
| title = 18. Thank You & Next Steps
| publisher = AECOM
| date = April 22, 2021
| url = https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/2021/04/12/18-thank-you-next-steps/
|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/2021/04/12/18-thank-you-next-steps/
|archive-date=January 30, 2022| url-status = live
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| website = Bradford Bypass
| language = en-CA
| quote = Present the Preferred Preliminary Design at PIC #2 which is anticipated to be held Fall 2022, Complete the Preliminary Design and Environmental Assessment which is anticipated Early 2023}}{{cbignore}}
Engineering and design work on the bypass began in the summer of 2020,{{cite news
| title = One Year Later, Work On Bradford Bypass Begins
| first = Johnathan | last = Scott
| date = August 7, 2020
| publisher = Barrie Today
| url = https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/one-year-later-work-on-bradford-bypass-begins-2620062
| access-date = November 2, 2020
| language = en-CA}}
while environmental studies to update the 1997 {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}} commenced in September.{{cite news
| title = Environmental Groups Continue to Raise Red Flag for Bradford Bypass
| first = Miriam | last = King
| date = March 19, 2021
| publisher = Newmarket Today
| url = https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/local-news/environmental-groups-continue-to-raise-red-flag-for-bradford-bypass-3551706
| access-date = April 7, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
The 2021 Ontario Budget, released on March{{nbsp}}24, 2021, allocated funding towards the highway.{{cite news
| title = What the Tories' New Budget Has in Store for Ontario Commuters
| first = Nathaniel | last = Basen
| publisher = TVO
| date = March 24, 2021
| url = https://www.tvo.org/article/what-the-tories-new-budget-has-in-store-for-ontario-commuters
| access-date = April 6, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
Early works construction was tentatively scheduled to begin in the autumn of 2021, but was deferred until early 2022.{{cite news
| title = Work on Bradford Bypass to Start As Early As Fall 2021
| first = Natasha | last = Philpott
| website = BradfordToday.ca
| date = March 26, 2021
| url = https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/local-news/work-on-bradford-bypass-to-start-as-early-as-fall-2021-3573989
| access-date = April 6, 2021
| language = en-CA}}{{cite news
| first = Natasha | last = Philpott
| title = Bradford Bypass Q&A with Minister Mulroney
| date = June 1, 2021
| url = https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/local-news/bradford-bypass-qa-with-minister-mulroney-3816191
| access-date = June 2, 2021
| website = BradfordToday.ca
| language = en-CA}}
As of June 2021, the project's estimated cost is C$800 million.
On February{{nbsp}}3, 2021, Jonathan Wilkinson, the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced that he received a request for the project to undergo an {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}} at the federal level,{{cite web
| title = GTA West Project
| date = February 18, 2021
| url = https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/81382?culture=en-CA
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| website = Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
| language = en-CA}}
following a formal request from Environmental Defence.{{cite web
| title = Bradford Bypass – Request for Designation of Project
| first = Laura | last = Bowman
| date = February 3, 2021
| url = https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/documents/p81382/138111E.pdf
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517000058/https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/documents/p81382/138111E.pdf |archive-date=May 17, 2021| url-status = live
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| website = Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
| language = en-CA}}{{cite news
| title = Environmental Groups Ask Ottawa to Intervene on Controversial Highway Projects
| url = https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/environmental-groups-ask-ottawa-to-intervene-on-controversial-highway-projects-3318695
| access-date = March 29, 2021
| website = BarrieToday.com
| language = en-CA}}
On May{{nbsp}}3, 2021, Wilkinson announced that a federal {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}} would not take place for the Bradford Bypass, while the GTA West project would undergo this process.{{Cite web
| title = Minister's Response on the Designation Request for the Bradford Bypass Project
| date = May 3, 2021
| url = https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/document/138881?culture=en-CA
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| website = Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
| language = en-CA}} In February 2022, the federal government reiterated that the project would not undergo a federal {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}}, despite requests from environmental groups.{{Cite web|last=McDiarmid|first=Jessica|date=2022-02-10|title=Feds deny second request to intervene in Bradford Bypass project|url=https://www.nationalobserver.com/2022/02/10/news/feds-deny-second-request-intervene-bradford-bypass-project|access-date=2022-02-11|website=Canada's National Observer|language=en}}
In April and May 2021, a virtual public consultation regarding design alternatives for refinements to the route identified in the 2002 {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}} took place.{{Cite web
| title = Public Information Centre #1 – Bradford Bypass
| publisher = AECOM
| date = April 22, 2021
| url = https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/pic1/
|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/pic1/
|archive-date=January 30, 2022| url-status = live
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| website = Bradford Bypass
| language = en-CA}}{{cbignore}}
Proposed changes included realigning the Holland River crossing to the south to reduce the impact on the river,{{Cite web
| title = 9. Bradford Bypass Mainline Refinement – Holland River East Branch Crossing
| publisher = AECOM
| date = April 22, 2021
| url = https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/2021/04/09/9-bradford-bypass-mainline-refinement-holland-river-east-branch-crossing/
|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/2021/04/09/9-bradford-bypass-mainline-refinement-holland-river-east-branch-crossing/
|archive-date=January 30, 2022| url-status = live
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| website = Bradford Bypass
| language = en-CA}}{{cbignore}}
new designs for interchanges to meet contemporary {{abbr|MTO|Ministry of Transportation of Ontario}} standards,{{Cite web
| title = 3. Refinements and Alternatives Evaluation Process
| publisher = AECOM
| date = April 22, 2021
| url = https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/2021/04/08/3-refinements-and-alternatives-evaluation-process/
|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/2021/04/08/3-refinements-and-alternatives-evaluation-process/
|archive-date=January 30, 2022| url-status = live
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| website = Bradford Bypass
| language = en-CA}}{{cbignore}}
and other minor realignments and changes.{{Cite web
| title = 8. General Design Refinements
| publisher = AECOM
| date = April 22, 2021
| url = https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/2021/04/09/8-general-design-refinements/
|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/2021/04/09/8-general-design-refinements/
|archive-date=January 30, 2022| url-status = live
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| website = Bradford Bypass
| language = en-CA}}{{cbignore}}
Following analysis of this consultation, a subsequent public consultation in the autumn of 2022 will present the preferred design for the route. The finalised design of the route and {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}} is currently anticipated to be completed in early 2023.{{update inline|date=January 2024}}
In October 2021, a Toronto Star investigation into the Bypass found that the proposed modification to the route would remove it from a golf course jointly owned by the father of MPP Stan Cho, associate minister of transportation.{{Cite news|last1=Wang|first1=Sheila|last2=McIntosh|first2=Emma|date=2021-10-31|title=What the Ford government hasn't told you about its next controversial highway project|language=en-CA|work=The Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/2021/10/31/bradford-bypass-ford-government-secrecy.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-11-02|issn=0319-0781|quote=The buyers were Kenneth Yoo and John Cho, father of Progressive Conservative MPP Stan Cho. The province's proposed route originally sliced through the second, third and 11th holes. In April, the Ministry of Transportation released a proposal for a revised plan, one that avoids the golf course and instead runs through residential properties.}}
Cho responded that the conflict of interest had been declared, and that he did not take part in any work connected to the Bypass.{{Cite news|last1=Wang|first1=Sheila|last2=McIntosh|first2=Emma|date=2021-10-31|title=What the Ford government hasn't told you about its next controversial highway project|language=en-CA|work=The Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/2021/10/31/bradford-bypass-ford-government-secrecy.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-11-02|issn=0319-0781|quote=He declared a conflict of interest when he was elevated to this cabinet role in June, said Bradley Metlin, a spokesperson for Cho's office. "Minister Cho has not participated in any conversations regarding the Bradford Bypass," Metlin said in an email.}} In February 2022, the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario found there was no evidence of wrongdoing by Minister Mulroney or Associate Minister Cho regarding the rerouting of the Bypass.{{Cite news|last=Wang|first=Sheila|date=2 February 2022|title=Ontario's integrity commissioner finds no wrongdoing in proposed rerouting of Bradford Bypass|work=Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/2022/02/02/ontarios-integrity-commissioner-finds-no-wrongdoing-in-proposed-rerouting-of-bradford-bypass.html|access-date=11 February 2022}}
A Freedom of information request demonstrated that the province had undertaken a business case on the potential of the Bypass being a toll road similar to Highway 407, to potentially reduce the cost of building the highway.{{Cite news|last1=Wang|first1=Sheila|last2=McIntosh|first2=Emma|date=2021-10-31|title=What the Ford government hasn't told you about its next controversial highway project|language=en-CA|work=The Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/2021/10/31/bradford-bypass-ford-government-secrecy.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-11-02|issn=0319-0781|quote=Never-before-made-public documents show the government has actively considered making it a toll road. [Records] obtained through FOI by the Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition and provided to Torstar and National Observer, show the government recently prepared a business case for tolling. "I'm hoping to model toll rate scenarios for the Bradford Bypass (e.g. one option is to use 407E rates) to see opportunities to recover capital costs for currently unfunded projects," an MTO staffer wrote in an Oct. 28, 2020 email to two ministry traffic planning experts.}}
However, the office of Minister Mulroney stated that "it is not our intention to toll this highway".{{Cite news|last1=Wang|first1=Sheila|last2=McIntosh|first2=Emma|date=2021-10-31|title=What the Ford government hasn't told you about its next controversial highway project|language=en-CA|work=The Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/2021/10/31/bradford-bypass-ford-government-secrecy.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-11-02|issn=0319-0781|quote=But after questions from Torstar and the Observer about the FOI documents, it said the ministry had considered all financing options for the bypass, but "it is not our intention to toll this highway."}}
Funding was committed to the project as part of the fall economic statement on November{{nbsp}}1, 2021.{{cite news
| first = Antonella | last = Artuso
| title = New Highways in Fast Lane
| newspaper = Toronto Sun
| date = November 4, 2021
| page = 7}}
In November 2022, construction on the project began with work on the Yonge Street interchange.
| title = Province beginning early work to build Bradford Bypass
| first = Kyle | last = Hocking
| date = November 9, 2022
| publisher = CityNews
| url = https://toronto.citynews.ca/2022/11/09/ontario-construction-bradford-bypass/
| access-date = October 18, 2023
| language = en-CA}}
Perspectives
Construction of the highway is supported by the provincial government, the upper-tier governments of York Region and Simcoe County,{{cite news
| title = York Region Council Vote to Send Letter to Federal Government in Support Bradford Bypass Project
| first = Natasha | last = Philpott
| date = March 21, 2021
| work = Bradford Today
| url = https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/local-news/york-region-council-vote-to-send-letter-to-federal-government-in-support-bradford-bypass-project-3559610
| access-date = April 7, 2021
and the local municipalities of Bradford West Gwillimbury, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Innisfil, King and Newmarket.{{cite web
|title = Letter to Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, RE: Co-ordinated Land Use Planning Review – Highway 400–404 Connecting Link
|publisher = Town of East Gwillimbury
|date = August 12, 2016
|url = http://www.eastgwillimbury.ca/Assets/5+2015+Government/404+connecting+link/Letter+to+Minister+Mauro.pdf
|access-date = April 7, 2021
|language = en-CA
}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
It is also supported by the Holland Marsh Growers Association and local businesses.{{cite news
| title = Bradford Residents Divided Over Proposed Plans for Bradford Bypass
| first = Jackie | last = Kozak
| date = February 6, 2021
| work = Bradford Today
| url = https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/local-news/bradford-residents-divided-over-proposed-plans-for-bradford-bypass-3358858
| access-date = April 7, 2021
| language = en-CA}}{{Cite news
| first1 = Sheila | last1 = Wang
| first2 = Emma | last2 = McIntosh
| title = What the Ford government hasn't told you about its next controversial highway project
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = October 21, 2021
| language = en-CA
| url = https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/2021/10/31/bradford-bypass-ford-government-secrecy.html
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = November 2, 2021
| issn = 0319-0781
| quote = Locals have strongly supported the bypass proposal for decades. In Bradford West Gwillimbury, one of the two main municipalities the bypass would run through, Mayor Rob Keffer said the project is an "absolutely essential piece of infrastructure." The Holland Marsh Growers' Association has said the road would help move farmers' goods to market. Richard Wyszatko, owner of Albert's Marina in the bypass area, says the project would provide long-term benefit to the community where "there is no good or decent road."}}
{{abbr|PC|Progressive Conservative}}, Liberal and {{abbr|NDP|New Democratic Party}} candidates for the riding of York—Simcoe all publicly supported the highway during the 2018 provincial election campaign,{{cite news
| title = York—Simcoe MPP Candidates Spar Over Highway 400-404 Link, Environment, Debt
| first = Jenni | last = Dunning
| date = May 17, 2018
| work = Bradford Today
| url = https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/local-news/york-simcoe-mpp-candidates-spar-over-highway-400-404-link-environment-debt-927349
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
with Liberal leader Steven Del Duca stating in 2021 that support from locals means that the highway proposal is worth consideration.{{cite news
| first1 = Sheila | last1 = Wang
| first2 = Emma | last2 = McIntosh
| title = What the Ford government hasn't told you about its next controversial highway project
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = October 31, 2021
| url = https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/2021/10/31/bradford-bypass-ford-government-secrecy.html
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = November 2, 2021
| issn = 0319-0781
| language = en-CA
| quote = Speaking to the Star at Queen's Park earlier this month, Del Duca said local support for the project means it merits consideration.}}
A 2016 survey commissioned by the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury showed that 85% of residents support construction of the Bradford Bypass, with stronger support among those familiar with the proposal.{{cite press release
| title = Residents of BWG Firmly Behind Development of Highway 400–404 Connecting Link
| publisher = Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury
| date = December 20, 2016
| url = https://www.townofbwg.com/Pages/Council-Committees/BWGPressRelease-2016-12-20-400-404-Survey-Results.aspx
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| language = en-CA}}{{cite web
| title = No Shortcuts to the Environment on Bradford Bypass – Keffer
| date = February 5, 2021
| publisher = AWARE-Simcoe
| url = http://aware-simcoe.ca/2021/02/no-shortcuts-to-the-environment-on-bradford-bypass-keffer/
| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/http://aware-simcoe.ca/2021/02/no-shortcuts-to-the-environment-on-bradford-bypass-keffer/
| archive-date = January 30, 2022 |url-status=live| access-date = April 7, 2021
| language = en-CA}}{{cbignore}}
Claimed benefits of the bypass would include removing through traffic from nearby rural roads and urban areas,{{cite news
| title = Bradford Mayor Urges Province to Continue Funding Highway Bypass Project
| first = Natasha | last = Philpott
| website = Newmarket Today
| date = March 11, 2021
| url = https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/coronavirus-covid-19-local-news/bradford-mayor-urges-province-to-continue-funding-highway-bypass-project-3533719
| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/coronavirus-covid-19-local-news/bradford-mayor-urges-province-to-continue-funding-highway-bypass-project-3533719
| archive-date = January 30, 2022
| url-status = live
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| language = en-CA}}{{cbignore}}
reduced congestion, improved air quality, and the potential revitalisation of downtown Bradford.{{Cite web
| title = Bradford Residents Divided Over Proposed Plans for Bradford Bypass
| first = Jackie | last = Kozak
| work = Bradford Today
| date = February 6, 2021
| url = https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/local-news/bradford-residents-divided-over-proposed-plans-for-bradford-bypass-3358858
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| url-status = live
| language = en-CA
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210206195429/https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/local-news/bradford-residents-divided-over-proposed-plans-for-bradford-bypass-3358858
| archive-date = February 6, 2021}}
Environmental groups including Environmental Defence Canada, the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition and Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition oppose the highway, criticising the impact it would have on the environment. In addition to increasing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, opponents claim the highway would disrupt woodlands, provincially significant wetlands, the Lake Simcoe watershed, wildlife habitats and species at risk.{{cite web
| title = Groups Request the Federal Government Conduct Environmental Assessments for Two Proposed Ontario Highways On Environmentally Sensitive Land
| website = Environmental Defence
| date = February 3, 2021
| url = https://environmentaldefence.ca/2021/02/03/groups-request-federal-government-conduct-environmental-assessments-two-proposed-ontario-highways-environmentally-sensitive-land/
| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://environmentaldefence.ca/2021/02/03/groups-request-federal-government-conduct-environmental-assessments-two-proposed-ontario-highways-environmentally-sensitive-land/
| archive-date = January 30, 2022
| url-status = live
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| language = en-CA}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web
| title = Fact Sheet: Bradford Bypass (aka the Holland Marsh Highway)
| website = Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition
| url = https://rescuelakesimcoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Fact-Sheet-Bradford-Bypass.pdf
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210119022631/https://rescuelakesimcoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Fact-Sheet-Bradford-Bypass.pdf
| archive-date = January 19, 2021
| url-status = live
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
The highway has also historically been criticised for its potential impact on the Holland Marsh and the Holland River.
According to the 1997 {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}}, it would cause severe water quality impacts in the Lake Simcoe watershed, with further studies required if the project was proceeded with.{{cite report
| title = Highway 400 – Highway 404 Extension Link (Bradford Bypass) – Route Planning and Environmental Assessment Study
| author = McCormick Rankin
| publisher = Ministry of Transportation of Ontario
| date = December 1997
| url = https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/BBP-RoutePlanningEA-1997.pdf
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| language = en-CA}}{{cite news
| title = 'Zombie Highway': Residents and Environmental Groups Ask for Federal Intervention On Bradford Bypass
| first = Simon | last = Martin
| website = Simcoe.com
| date = April 6, 2021
| url = https://www.simcoe.com/news-story/10366247--zombie-highway-residents-and-environmental-groups-ask-for-federal-intervention-on-bradford-bypass/
| access-date = May 3, 2021
The groups contend that there was "no climate change impact assessment required, no study of the impact on migratory birds or fish habitat, and no{{nbsp}}... archeological study" conducted as part of the {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}}.
They have also criticised the 32{{nbsp}}year timeframe since the need for and alternatives to the project were last assessed, the changes in circumstances since then, the potential for urban sprawl along the highway, and a claim that the bypass would save drivers only "60 to 80{{nbsp}}seconds" of journey time.
Archaeologists, historians, and Indigenous groups are also concerned about the threat the bypass would pose to the Lower Landing, a nationally significant historic site thought to be located along the proposed route. The Lower Landing was a key meeting place on the route connecting Lake Ontario to Lake Huron, and had been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples, explorers, fur traders, settlers, and soldiers travelling between the lower and upper Great Lakes prior to the mid-1800s.{{cite news
| first = Joel | last = Wittnebel
| title = Bradford Bypass threatens ancient Indigenous site 'more significant than 95 percent of all historic/archaeological sites in Canada'
| date = January 23, 2022
| work = The Pointer
| url = https://thepointer.com/article/2022-01-23/bradford-bypass-threatens-ancient-indigenous-site-more-significant-than-95-percent-of-all-historic-archaeological-sites-in-canada
| access-date = January 29, 2022
| language = en-CA}}
Indigenous groups and heritage advocates are concerned that construction of the proposed bypass would irreversibly destroy the site before it can be properly investigated.{{cite report
| first = Scarlett | last = Janusas
| title = Marine Archaeological Assessment East Holland River, Adjacent to Lot 118, Concession 1, West of Yonge Street. Town of East Gwillimbury Regional Municipality
| publisher = Ontario Marine Heritage Committee
| date = October 29, 2021
| url = https://frogs.ca/wp-content/uploads/shared-files/MARINE-ARCHAEOLOGICAL-ASSESSMENT-Oct-29-2021.pdf
| access-date = January 29, 2021
| language = en-CA}}
Local municipalities and the provincial government have pushed back on environmental concerns, noting that the {{abbr|EA|Environmental Assessment}} will be updated to take into account existing and new federal & provincial legislation and standards.{{Cite web
| title = 'We're Just Folks Who Care About the Community': Group Voices Concerns Over Bradford Bypass
| first = Laura | last = Broadley
| website = Simcoe.com
| date = April 15, 2021
| url = https://www.simcoe.com/news-story/10370027--we-re-just-folks-who-care-about-the-community-group-voices-concerns-over-bradford-bypass/
| archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220130/https://www.simcoe.com/news-story/10370027--we-re-just-folks-who-care-about-the-community-group-voices-concerns-over-bradford-bypass/
| archive-date = January 30, 2022
| url-status = live
| access-date = May 3, 2021
| language = en-CA}}{{cbignore}}
The {{abbr|MTO|Ministry of Transportation of Ontario}}, meanwhile, contends that the route would result in "10 to 35 minutes of travel time saved each way."{{Cite news
| first1 = Sheila | last1 = Wang
| first2 = Emma | last2 = McIntosh
| title = What the Ford government hasn't told you about its next controversial highway project
| work = The Toronto Star
| date = October 21, 2021
| language = en-CA
| url = https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/2021/10/31/bradford-bypass-ford-government-secrecy.html
| url-access = subscription
| access-date = November 2, 2021
| issn = 0319-0781
| quote = "Congestion already costs Ontario billions of dollars in lost productivity, adds to the costs of goods and actually increases carbon emissions," Tremblay said. She also said the highway could save drivers up to 35 minutes.}}
Exit list
The following table lists the proposed locations for interchanges along the Bradford Bypass contained within the MTO review.
{{jcttop|province=ON|unit=km}}
{{ONint
| type = Unbuilt
| division_special = Simcoe County
| dspan = 2
| location_special = Bradford West Gwillimbury
| lspan = 2
| km = 0.0
| road = {{jcon|Hwy|400|city=Toronto|city2=Barrie}}
| notes =
}}
{{ONint
| type = Unbuilt
| km = 5.8
| road = {{jcon|Simcoe|4|Yonge Street|town=Bradford|town2=Innisfil}}
| notes = Formerly Highway 11; Interchange started construction in November 2022
}}
{{ONint
| type = Unbuilt
| division_special = York Region
| dspan = 3
| location_special = King - East Gwillimbury boundary
| lspan =
| km = 9.3
| road = Bathurst Street
| notes =
}}
{{ONint
| type = Unbuilt
| location_special = Queensville (East Gwillimbury)
| lspan = 2
| km = 14.8
| road = {{jcon|York|12|Leslie Street}}
| notes = Eastbound exit and westbound entrance
}}
{{ONint
| type = Unbuilt
| location =
| lspan =
| km = 16.2
| road = {{jcon|Hwy|404|town=Newmarket|city=Toronto|town2=Keswick}}
| notes = Highway 404 exit 63
}}
{{jctbtm|exit|keys=proposed}}
Notes
{{reflist|group=note}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
- [https://www.bradfordbypass.ca/ Official project website]
- [https://www.ontario.ca/page/highway-400-highway-404-extension-link-bradford-bypass Government of Ontario page on the Highway 400 – Highway 404 Extension Link (Bradford Bypass)]
- [http://www.eastgwillimbury.ca/Government/Highway_400-404_Connecting_Link.htm Information about the proposal from the Town of East Gwillimbury]
{{Ontario Controlled Access Highways}}
Category:Roads in Simcoe County