The Integrated Master Plan has identified the water, wastewater and transportation strategies required to support planned growth in Halton Region to 2051. The plan focuses on servicing growth within designated urban areas, making the most of existing infrastructure, and supporting the development of complete, connected communities.

Infrastructure planning is informed by Joint Best Planning Estimates, which are developed in collaboration with the Local Municipalities. These estimates help determine where and when growth beyond 2031 is expected to occur. The Integrated Master Plan is an adaptable strategy which is designed to remain flexible and responsive to Local Municipal growth priorities.

The Region is currently developing the phasing and implementation plan for infrastructure projects identified through the Integrated Master Plan, which will be presented to Halton Region Council in the fall. This information will also be documented in the final Integrated Master Plan.

Yes, the Integrated Master Plan builds on previous Master Plans and incorporates a wide range of technical inputs, including past studies, servicing strategies, and applicable Regional, Local and Provincial policies and plans. Agencies and municipalities have been actively engaged throughout the Master Plan process to ensure alignment and coordination.

Climate change was a key consideration in the development of the Integrated Master Plan strategies. As outlined in the Public Information Centre materials, water, wastewater, and transportation infrastructure planning recognized and incorporated climate change to ensure that infrastructure is planned in a resilient, sustainable and coordinated manner.

The infrastructure strategies in the Integrated Master Plan are planned to ensure that future growth maintains the safety and reliability of Halton’s water sources. Halton Region continuously monitors its water resources to ensure safe, sustainable and reliable water takings from all sources.

The active transportation network will provide a clear and convenient environment for pedestrians and cyclists with an emphasis on usability to support the community and alignment with current guidelines and best practices for user safety. Please review the Public Information Centre #2 materials to learn more about the recommended facilities by Regional road corridor.

The Integrated Master Plan recommends protected intersection features to ensure the safety and comfort of pedestrians and cyclists. These features create clearly defined spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, helping to reduce conflicts with vehicles and make intersections more accessible and user-friendly.

Transit Priority Corridors will evolve over time to support Local growth priorities and respond to changing travel needs. Their implementation will be guided by several key factors, including:

• Travel Demand: Ensuring the corridors can accommodate future travel demand.
• Transit Ridership: Ensuring that infrastructure is in place to support transit demand and Local priorities.
• Connected Transit Network: Enhancing connections to support future growth and connections to key destinations.

The majority of the Region’s roads are either six lanes or are planned to be widened to six lanes. This limits the opportunity for further widening and focuses strategies on opportunities that optimize corridors to support multi-model travel. The Integrated Master Plan transportation infrastructure strategy includes three additional road widenings:

• Ninth Line Widening (4 to 6 lanes) from Steeles Avenue to 10 Side Road
• Trafalgar Road Widening (4 to 6 lanes) from Steeles Avenue to 10 Side Road
• Neyagawa Boulevard Widening (4 to 6 lanes) from Dundas Street to Burnhamthorpe Road

Protection of the natural environment and Natural Heritage System is a key consideration and will be prioritized as part of development of servicing strategies and within the evaluation criteria for selecting the preferred solutions.

The IMP will be a living document and will be responsive to growth priorities, changing standards, guidelines and advances in technology.

The IMP is being planned under the current Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process, which is an approved process under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. Development of the plan and strategies will draw upon the most current standards, guidelines and best practices in water, wastewater and transportation infrastructure planning. For example, the recent update of the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 18 will be considered in the development of the active transportation infrastructure network improvements.

The Region will consider all feedback and comments provided through the development of the plan and strategies. For example, based on feedback received, the Region has updated the Project Vision and Considerations, as follows:

Vision Statements:

• General: Building a safe, equitable and sustainable future for the Region's Water, Wastewater and Transportation systems through responsible and proactive planning.
• Water & Wastewater: Planning for a future Regional water and wastewater system that is safe, efficient, resilient and prioritizes the environment.
• Transportation: Planning for a future multi-modal Regional transportation system that is safe, continuous, and connected across Halton region to support all modes of travel, all users and all abilities.

Considerations:

• Equitable Infrastructure Services: Provide for water and wastewater services in urban areas and access to multi-modal Regional transportation infrastructure (including active transportation, transit and auto).
• Safe and Healthy Communities: Support healthy and active lifestyles and community well-being. For example, the provision of active transportation infrastructure and the provision of safe drinking water.
• Sustainability: Balance social, environmental and economic goals to support growth in a sustainable manner.
• Climate Change: All phases of Regional water, wastewater and multi-modal transportation infrastructure planning must recognize and incorporate climate change.
• Communication and Consultation: Ensure the IMP process and strategies are clearly and openly communicated and consulted on with stakeholders.
• Integration of Planning for Regional Infrastructure: Ensure a coordinated approach to implementation of Regional water, wastewater, and multi-modal transportation infrastructure.
• Technical Innovation: Include innovation in the development of Regional water, wastewater and multi-modal transportation infrastructure strategies.

The systems are operated separately, Halton Region owns and operates the wastewater system, and the Local Municipalities own and operate the local stormwater system. This means that stormwater runoff and wastewater generated by homes and businesses are conveyed and managed separately.

The Integrated Master Plan will review options for region-wide water supply. The long-term water supply must support the existing service areas and projected growth in both the groundwater and lake-based service areas.

Active transportation (cycling and walking) is a priority to support a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation network. Provision of a well-connected active transportation network will be key. Key considerations in developing the active transportation network will include:

• prioritization of safety and user needs;
• maximization of corridor space;
• opportunities to remain dynamic;
• connection to local municipal networks;
• coordination with transit and network continuity; and
• active transportation crossings at Ministry of Transportation infrastructure.

The Vision for transportation is to plan for a future Regional transportation system that is safe, continuous, connected and coordinated for users of all abilities. This will include providing a multi-modal transportation system (e.g., choices for active transportation, transit and auto) for all road users. Transit and active transportation will be key considerations.