In recognition of the multi-jurisdictional nature of the transportation system serving Halton Region, the development of the Halton Region Transportation Master Plan (2031) – The Road to Change, was guided by a multi-discipline team from the Region and its Local Municipalities – the “Municipal Advisory Group” (MAG). In addition to the MAG, a “Technical Agencies Committee” (TAC) was established comprising members of the MAG, staff from adjacent municipalities and key stakeholder ministries and agencies. Further to the Municipal Advisory Group and the Technical Agencies Committee, an extensive consultation program involving well over 30 technical meetings which included multiple public information centres, and a public workshop comprised the development of this strategic long range transportation planning document. The technical analysis of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) was presented frequently to the MAG and TAC and the buy-in of these stakeholders was always sought before moving to the next phase of the study. Stakeholders had input at all milestones of the process. Regional Council accepted the TMP on October 5, 2011. The success of the plan involved the implementation of many projects and services that are outside of the jurisdiction of Halton Region. To reach the objectives set out in the Region’s Official Plan and subsequently supported in the TMP, the Region, its Local Municipalities, the Ministry of Transportation – Ontario, Ministry of the Environment and Metrolinx will need to continue the dialogue established in the TMP study to jointly coordinate and implement the required transportation “system” to serve Halton Region to 2031. The collaborative effort pursued in the development of The Road to Change broke down many of the jurisdictional barriers often encountered in strategic transportation planning exercises. A coordinated and unanimous buy-in to the plan was required and achieved, in part, as a result of the consultation program defined for this study.
