The road alignment alternatives were assessed using a range of factors, including:
- socio-economic environment;
- natural environment;
- surface and groundwater;
- cultural environment;
- transportation and technical considerations; and
- the estimated capital cost.
The preliminary preferred alternative is the one that best addresses future transportation needs of the corridor, while minimizing negative impacts to the cultural, social, economic and natural environments. A full summary is provided in Video 3: Road Alignment Alternatives (video).
Alternative B was selected as the preliminary preferred road alignment alternative over other alternatives because it:
- has a better Sixteen Mile Creek crossing location than Alternatives A and C as the road crosses Sixteen Mile Creek on a relatively straight section of the watercourse which minimizes impact to the creek;
- has fewer impacts to residential backyards than Alternative A; and
- ranks similarly to Alternative A under Cultural Environment, Transportation Considerations and Costs.
Alternative C was the least preferred because it:
- has a significantly greater impact to Sixteen Mile Creek valley and other natural features;
- has a greater impact to local business;
- is a less efficient transportation network given the tie-in to the existing Steeles Avenue and the longer route;
- has a poor crossing angle at CP Rail; and
- has a higher cost.