Notice of approval – terms of reference

Proponents: The City of Toronto and the Toronto Transit Commission
Environmental assessment file number: EA-02-06-02-03

As provided for by subsection 6(4) of the Environmental Assessment Act, Terms of Reference, as submitted for approval to the Ministry of the Environment on April 4, 2007 to govern the preparation of an environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, are hereby approved with the following amendments:

  • Section 4.2.5, first paragraph, shall be amended to read:
    Cultural environmental effects associated with the alternative methods may include alteration to and/or loss of known and not yet known archaeological sites, and disruption to and/or removal of built heritage features and cultural landscape units. Negative impacts on Cultural Heritage Resources will include, but are not limited to:
    • Destruction of any, or part of any, significant heritage attributes or features
    • Alteration that is not sympathetic, or is incompatible, with the historic fabric or features
    • Isolation of a heritage attribute from its surrounding environment, contexts, or a significant relationship
    • Direct or indirect obstruction of significant views or vistas within, from, or of built and natural features
    • Introduction of physical, visual, audible, or atmospheric elements that are not in character with a cultural heritage property and its setting
    • Land disturbances such as a change in grade that alters soils, and drainage patterns that adversely affect an archaeological resource
  • Table 5.1, fifth row (Cultural), second column, third bullet, shall be amended by adding the following text:
    Identify any impact (direct or indirect, physical or aesthetic) of the proposed development or site alteration on a cultural heritage resource.
  • Table 5.1, forth row (Social Environment), third column, shall be amended by adding the following bullet:
    The potential for noise and vibration impacts of the various alternatives shall be assessed through the application of the MOE/TTC Protocol for Noise and Vibration Assessment

Pursuant to subsection 6.1(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, any environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, submitted to the Ministry of the Environment pursuant to subsection 6.2(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, must be prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference as hereby approved.

Reasons

I am satisfied that an environmental assessment prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act and the public interest for the following reasons:

  1. The ToR requires that the EA be prepared using a comprehensive public, Aboriginal community and government agency consultation process that is open and transparent.
  2. The ToR requires that the EA contain a sufficient level of detail to accurately assess the environmental effects of the alternative methods of carrying out the proposed undertaking.
  3. The ToR requires the Proponents to prepare an EA that is consistent with the purpose of the EAA and public interest.

Dated the 4th day of July 2007 at Toronto.

Original signed by:
Minister of the Environment
135 St. Clair Avenue West, 12th floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1P5