Design for Highway 413 Nearing Completion with 90% Progress Made

The Ontario government is making progress on the controversial Highway 413 project, with preliminary design work almost 90% complete. This signals greater certainty on the preferred alignment of the highway, with 113 full and 57 partial properties identified as not required for construction. The design of major structures, interchanges, and crossings has been determined, allowing the province to begin releasing unneeded land back to owners for various uses.

Fieldwork, including borehole drilling and engineering evaluations, is currently underway, with construction slated to begin in 2025. Once completed, Highway 413 is expected to contribute $350 million to the province’s GDP annually.

Landowners impacted by proposed refinements to the Focused Analysis Area (FAA) can visit highway413.ca for more information and participate in a 30-day consultation posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. Following the consultation, the government will publish refinements to the FAA.

Highway 413 will connect the regions of York, Peel, and Halton, running from Highway 400 in the east to the Highway 401/407 interchange in the west. The Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, which received Royal Assent on Nov. 25, will accelerate the construction of Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass, and the Garden City Skyway Bridge Twinning project. It will also create an accelerated process for assessing environmental impacts on Highway 413.

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Vancouver advances towards completion of False Creek North land transfer agreement

The City of Vancouver and Concord Pacific have reached an agreement that will bring more than 670 affordable rental homes to False Creek North. This landmark deal includes $110 million in cash contributions from Concord Pacific, which will be used to fund the new street network planned for Northeast False Creek. In addition, Concord Pacific has waived the city’s $11 million option price on the three sites, resulting in a total value of $121 million in financial contributions.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his excitement about the projects, highlighting the importance of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable neighborhood for families of all income levels. The three sites involved in the agreement include a 28-storey mixed-use residential building on 990 Beatty St., a 29-storey building at 1050 Expo Blvd., and a seven-storey rental building. These developments will provide a total of 670 affordable housing units, with a focus on housing for families.

The new firehall at 990 Beatty will replace the existing Firehall 8 and will be designed to Passive House standards. Public Architecture is designing the buildings, while Brightside Community Homes Foundation, BC Indigenous Housing Society, and Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society with the Hogan’s Alley Society will deliver and operate the housing units.

This agreement marks a significant step forward in addressing the housing affordability crisis in Vancouver and demonstrates the city’s commitment to creating accessible housing options for all residents. With the support of Concord Pacific and the dedication of various organizations, Vancouver is well on its way to building a stronger and more inclusive community for future generations.

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