Highway 7 Widening
The City of Vaughan is undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment and a 30% detailed design for improvements to Highway 7, from the Rainbow Creek Bridge west of Kipling Avenue to Wigwoss Drive/Helen Street.
This project is one of the key transportation initiatives listed in the Vaughan Council-approved Nine Point Action Plan to Fight Traffic Gridlock.
About the study
The study will look at widening Highway 7 to six lanes, while providing for two additional Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes in the future. As part of the reconstruction of Highway 7, new pedestrian and cycling facilities will also be provided. These improvements align with the long-term transportation strategies as outlined in the 2023 Vaughan Transportation Plan and the 2022 York Region Transportation Master Plan.
Study area
This study is following the Schedule C process under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. Phases 1 and 2 of the Schedule C process, which require the identification of a need and justification as well as an evaluation of potential solutions, were completed in the 2022 York Region Transportation Master Plan and the City’s 2023 Vaughan Transportation Plan. These plans identified the need for improvements to Highway 7 to better serve pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and drivers. Phases 3 and 4 will be completed through this Environmental Assessment to move the planned improvements forward.
The study will assess the proposed improvements, and consider impacts on transportation services as well as the natural, socio-economic and cultural environments. Upon completion, an Environmental Study Report will be made available for public review and comment. The report will document the study, consultation process and decision-making rationale.
Public engagement
Public consultation is a vital part of the city-building process and is planned as part of this study – check back often for updates! If you have any questions or wish to be added to the mailing list, please send an email to Highway7Widening@vaughan.ca.
About the study process
This study is following the Schedule C process under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. Phases 1 and 2 were finished as part of the City’s 2023 Vaughan Transportation Plan and the 2022 York Region Transportation Master Plan. These plans identified the need for improvements to Highway 7 to better serve pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and drivers. Phases 3 and 4 will be completed through this Environmental Assessment study to move the planned improvements forward.