OFA submission to the Ministry of Transportation on the Southwestern Ontario Transportation Planning Study

OFA recommends the objectives of the Southwestern Ontario Transportation Planning Study (SW Study) include specific consideration of the agri-food sector.

OFA recommends the Ministry of Transportation work to ensure sufficient ferry capacity is in place to accommodate the movement of agricultural inputs, equipment and production for farm businesses on Pelee Island in Lake Erie, Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, as well as Wolfe, Amherst and Howe Islands in eastern Lake Ontario.

OFA recommends local and provincial road design departments undertake highway safety audits to ensure infrastructure is constructed so as to ensure large slow-moving farm equipment can safely travel between farm fields.

The SW Study recognizes 1,800 km of cycling routes. Ensuring the cycling routes are designed to be compatible with, and avoid impeding farm equipment, would help reduce the build up of vehicles behind farm equipment and reduce the potential for drivers to pass dangerously.

OFA is pleased that the SW Study identifies reducing delays for goods movement as a key goal.

Highway safety audits in rural farm regions should also consider bridge and underpass design, installation, and maintenance.

The funding mechanism for municipalities is not sufficient to improve the state of rural bridge infrastructure without provincial assistance. The SW Study has five goals with measures to addresses each goal. OFA recommends adding measures needed to fund the maintenance and replacement of rural roads and bridges that are critical for a functional, prosperous and livable rural community. OFA recommends the Ontario government develop a funding formula for rural municipalities to effectively address the need to maintain their roads and bridges, review the mandatory engineering requirements for bridges, and consider the suitability of pre-engineered corrugated steel culverts in place of expensive concrete bridges on rural roads. OFA recommends the Ministry analyse the added delays and costs incurred in regions caused by improperly maintained roads and bridges, to inform appropriate measures to achieve these goals.

As transportation infrastructure design adapts to better address impacts of extreme weather events, OFA recommends decision makers consider undertaking Agricultural Impact Assessments (AIA).

OFA looks forward to further discussion with the Ministry to ensure the primary industry in Southwest Ontario, the production and marketing of agri-foods, is reflected in the transportation framework for the region.