Proponents looking to plan, design and develop municipal infrastructure projects in the Town of Whitby must meet the requirements of the provincial Environmental Assessment Act in order to determine and consider all potential impacts to the environment. The Act ensures that all impacts are appropriately mitigated before the project begins.

The Act instructs proponents to consider:

• The natural environment
• The social environment
• The cultural environment
• The constructed environment
• The economic environment

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process

Many projects that we carry out in relation to water, sewage and transportation systems are similar in nature, carried out routinely, and have predictable, mitigated environmental effects. The Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) process, recognized by the Ministry of Environment, facilitates the undertaking of these more routine municipal projects and meets the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act.

The majority of activities undertaken by our Public Works Department are pre-approved through the Municipal Class EA process. This includes things like new sidewalks or pathways, road resurfacing, streetscaping, new turning lanes, etc. However, major projects, such as road widenings, road extensions and new stormwater management facilities potentially can carry more adverse environmental impacts. They require a more comprehensive review process, including mandatory consultation with the public.

View our news and notices and Connect Whitby platform for opportunities to have your opinion heard on these projects.