Ontario East Municipal Conference
“Highway Corridor Management 101”
Corridor Management and Property Section
Ministry of Transportation
Friday September 14, 2012

Welcome
Tony Di Fabio
Senior Planner and Policy Advisor
Corridor Management and Property
Section
Corridor Management & Property Section 2

Contents
 Highway Corridor Management Introduction
 Relevant Legislation
 Corridor Management Organization
 Land Development/Municipal Land Use Planning
 MTO Corridor Management Permits
 Corridor Management Public Service Commitments
 Current Issues
 Contact Information
Corridor Management & Property Section 3

Corridor Management
Corridor Management is about the ministry
“managing the Highway corridor”
Corridor Management & Property Section 4

Why does the ministry manage the highway corridor ?
 Ensure the safety of the travelling public
 Ensure the operating efficiency of public
highways
 Protect the highway corridor for future
expansion
Corridor Management & Property Section 5

How does the ministry manage the highway corridor ?
 Issue corridor management permits
 Review land development applications
 Review utility relocations and standalone
utility requests on highway ROW
Corridor Management & Property Section 6

Relevant Legislation
Public Transportation Highway Improvement Act (PTHIA)
 Legislation that gives MTO permit control authority – Section 34
(King’s Highway), Section 38 (Controlled Access Highways)
Planning Act
 Controls land use planning in Ontario and is administered by the
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH is the “approval
authority”). Under this act, MTO is a commenting agency only on land
development applications, we only make recommendations to the
approval authority
Public Service Works on Highway Act
 Legislation that gives MTO relocation authority for certain utilities and
may be used for cost sharing
Corridor Management & Property Section 7

Corridor Management Organization
Head Office
Northeast Northwest
Central Region West Region East Region
Region Region
Port Hope Area North Bay Area Thunder Bay Area
Bancroft Area Office Sudbury Area Office Kenora Area Office
Office Office Office
New Liskeard Area Cochrane Area
Kingston Ottawa Area Office
Office Office
Sault Ste. Marie Huntsville Area
Area Office Office
Corridor Management & Property Section 8

Corridor Management – Head Office
 Provides overall guidance, leadership, support and direction to regional corridor
management offices across the province, as well, external stakeholders and the
public
 Responsibilities include:
 Policy development and support
 Custodian of electronic permitting system
 Annual highway ROW lease agreements
 Land use planning
 Stakeholder consultation
 Training
 Committees and task groups
Corridor Management & Property Section 9

Corridor Management – Regional Offices
 Manage respective highway corridors
 Responsibilities include:
 Issue permits – Includes the administration of permits such as
permit fee collection
 Review development applications – Developers,
municipalities, utility companies and the general public.
Examples of applications are subdivisions, site plans, zoning
amendments and severances
 Enforcement – Address violations of policies (e.g. sign
infractions)
Corridor Management & Property Section 10

Internal Stakeholders
TRAFFIC
DRAINAGE AND HYDROLOGY HIGHWAY ENGINEERING
- Geometrics/Signalization/Illumination
- Stormwater Management Reports - Traffic Impact Studies - Future highway expansion
- Grading Plans - Pavement Markings/Detours /property requirements
- Traffic Control Plans - Geotmetric comments
- OPS Standards & Specifications
SURVEYS AND PLANS
- Property Limits STRUCTURAL
- Property Requests/Designations
- Maintenance of Structures
- Tender documents
PROPERTY - Design approval
Corridor
- Property issues/Ownership
- Designations/Easements
Management GEOTECHNICAL/FOUNDATIONS
- Pavement structure
LEGAL SERVICES - Shoulder design
- Tunnel construction
- Legal Agreements/ Legal Advice - Slope stability
- Road/Entrance closures - Material properties
- Briefing Notes/ Minister Letters
ELECTRICAL
CONSTRUCTION
- Signalization/Illumination design
- Tender/Construction package - Glare/Light control
- Pre-construction meetings - Maintenance
- OPS Standards and Specific. - City/Regional negotiations
Corridor Management & Property Section 11

External Stakeholders
MUNICIPALITIES
GENERAL PUBLIC REGIONS
INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS CITIES
Corridor
Management
DEVELOPERS
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
CONSULTANTS CONTRACTORS
Corridor Management & Property Section 12

Welcome
Heather Doyle
Senior Planner and Policy Advisor
Corridor Management and Property
Section
Corridor Management & Property Section 13

MTO Interest in
Municipal Land Use Planning
Corridor Management & Property Section 14

Ministry’s Interest in the Municipal Planning
Why is MTO Involved?
 To accommodate development
adjacent to the provincial highway
system while minimizing the impact
on highway operations and
expansion
 Provincial transportation facilities and
municipal land use planning are
inextricably linked; transportation
facilities affect municipal planning
and vice versa.
Corridor Management & Property Section 15

Ministry’s Interest in the Municipal Planning
 To protect land in the corridor for
future highway expansion
 To minimize relocation and
reconstruction costs of utilities,
entrances, municipal roads,
buildings
Corridor Management & Property Section 16

Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) –
Corridor Protection Policies
All planning authorities shall be consistent
with the PPS:
 1.6.6.1 Planning authorities shall plan and
protect corridors and rights-of-ways
 for transportation, transit and infrastructure
facilities to meet current and projected needs
 1.6.6.2 Planning authorities shall not permit
development in planned corridors that
could preclude or negatively affect the use of
the corridor for the purpose(s) for which it was
identified.
Corridor Management & Property Section 17

Two Sets of Legislation
MTO reviews proposed land use developments and municipal
planning documents under two sets of legislation:
 The Planning Act
 The Public Transportation & Highway Improvement Act (PTHIA)
Corridor Management & Property Section 18

The Planning Act – MTO Interest
Under the Planning Act:
 MTO reviews site specific development applications adjacent to
our highways submitted to us from municipalities or MMAH.
 MTO also reviews municipal planning documents such as
Official Plans and zoning by-laws to ensure that
policies/regulations are compatible with MTO interests.
Corridor Management & Property Section 19

The Public Transportation and Highway Improvement
Act (PTHIA) - MTO Interest
The Act
 Establishes an area of permit control (Sections 34 and 38
of the (PTHIA); an area where there is a need for
municipalities to consult on proposed developments
adjacent to and within the area of permit control of a
provincial highway.
 Provides for the designation of a highway (by Order-in-
Council)
 Controls development adjacent to a designated highway
corridor
Corridor Management & Property Section 20

The Public Transportation and Highway Improvement
Act
What does designating
a highway by OIC allow the Ministry
to do?
 Notifies the public of ministry’s
plans for a new highway
 Protects highway corridor by
establishing an area of permit
control which comes into effect
with the designation
 Allows MTO to protect land for
future options and future highway
purposes
Corridor Management & Property Section 21

The Public Transportation and Highway Improvement
Act (PTHIA)
 Almost all site specific development applications
circulated to MTO from a municipality would be
reviewed under the PTHIA.
 MTO will identify our requirements under PTHIA and
identify the required MTO permits.
Corridor Management & Property Section 22

Two Review Processes
MTO reviews development proposals and municipal
planning documents under two review process:
 One Window (OW) Provincial Planning
Service; and
 Municipal Plan Review (MPR)
Corridor Management & Property Section 23

One-Window Planning Provincial Service (OW)
Where MMAH is the Approval Authority
 Under the Planning Act, Council adopted Official Plans must be
circulated by MMAH to interested partner Ministries for their review
and comment
 All partner ministries including MTO review these applications under
the One Window Planning Service
 Most of MTO planning review is coordinated through the One
Window Provincial Planning Service
Corridor Management & Property Section 24

One-Window Provincial Planning Service (OW)
 MTO reviews municipal official plans to ensure
local policies in the plans do not conflict with MTO
mandate, highway planning studies and policy
direction as it relates to land use planning
Corridor Management & Property Section 25

Municipal Plan Review (MPR)
Where Municipal Council is the
Approval Authority
 Applies to Municipal Official Plans and local development
proposals where there is an upper tier approval (i.e. County,
Region); MMAH is not involved
 No official legislative process for municipalities to consult with
MTO however municipalities do need to consult with MTO under
the PTHIA for developments located within our area of permit
control
Corridor Management & Property Section 26

Municipal Plan Review (MPR)
 Most municipalities are aware of MTO need to be
involved in all developments located adjacent to a
provincial highway and within our area of permit
control
 In most cases, MTO and municipalities have long
standing working relationships to ensure MTO is
involved within our area of permit control
Corridor Management & Property Section 27

Challenges for MTO
 How to ensure municipalities engage MTO in all development
proposals located within our area permit control early in the
process
 How to ensure that MTO has an opportunity to review MPR
official plans in the early stages to ensure that MTO concerns are
incorporated in these documents
 How to ensure municipalities have effective planning tools to
understanding MTO mandate in municipal planning
Corridor Management & Property Section 28

How MTO Addresses Challenges
MTO seeks opportunities for early intervention and involvement in
the municipal planning process to address any issues including:
 Involved in an Official Plan process before Council adopts the
Plan
 Involving MTO when developing any plans along Provincial
highways and/or within our area permit control
(i.e. Secondary Plans or site specific developments )
 Creating opportunities to speak to municipal staff and
proponents about our OP Guideline and how policies can be
incorporated into local Official Plans
Corridor Management & Property Section 29

How MTO Addresses Challenges
Municipalities and MTO can jointly:
 Plan for current and projected needs
 Utilize mechanisms to protect the
inter-regional function of existing
corridors from direct and adjacent
points of access to the highway
 Protect existing and planned
provincial corridors from new points of
access to ensure the long term
sustainability of provincial corridors
Corridor Management & Property Section 30

#1. High volume commercial
entrances are too close to
interchange ramps.
#2. Low volume commercial
entrances are too close to
interchange ramps.
Impacts of # 1, 2, & 3:
• Traffic backs up along
highway exit ramps.
• Difficult for traffic exiting
highway to make left turns
onto municipal roads.
• Conflict between highway
traffic entering municipal
road and municipal road
traffic exiting to commercial
development.
• Through traffic delayed
#3. At-grade intersections of by turning vehicles.
municipal roads are too close • Left turns increase
to interchange ramp collision potential.
Distance Offset from Highway Interchange to Crossing Road Intersections and Entrances
Corridor Management & Property Section 31

How MTO Addresses Challenges
 Provide input to major phases/decision points in the development
of the draft official plan;
 Identify and resolve MTO issues, at each stage of the process (or
identify points where MTO and Municipality “agree to disagree”)
 Develop tools to assist municipalities in understanding Ministry
interests in municipal official plans and adjacent development
Corridor Management & Property Section 32

MTO Tools for Municipalities
MTO has developed three Guidelines:
 Ministry of Transportation Guidelines for Municipal
Official Plan Preparation and Review; and
 MTO Guideline for Plan of Subdivision Review Process;
and
 Transit-Supportive Guidelines
Corridor Management & Property Section 33

Official Plan Guideline - Highlights
Transportation Planning Policies and Guidelines:
 Provincial Policy Statement (PPS)
 Sections 1.6.5 and 1.6.6 of the PPS relate specifically to
transportation and infrastructure policies.
 Transit Supportive Guideline (Implementation Jan. 2012)
 HOV networks
 A Guide to Preparing a Transit Ridership Growth Plan
 Ontario Bikeways Planning and Design Guideline
Specific Policies and Standards for Impacts on the Provincial
Transportation System:
 Policies and Provisions to address local Growth and development
adjacent to and in vicinity of a Provincial highway
 General Official Plan Mapping Provisions
 MTO Permit Control Area under PTHIA
Corridor Management & Property Section 34

Official Plan Guideline- Highlights
 Highway Geometrics
 Proposed Access Connections onto a Provincial Highway
 Access connections along Municipal Crossroads in the Vicinity of
a Provincial Highway Intersection or Interchange Ramp
Terminal
 Lot Design of Proposed Subdivision abutting a Provincial
Highway
 Outdoor Storage on Properties abutting Provincial Highways
Corridor Management & Property Section 35

Official Plan Guideline -Highlights
 Home Occupations, Industries and Businesses Located
Adjacent to provincial Highways
 Access to Properties beyond MTO’s Permit Control Area
 Stormwater Management
 Trail Crossings
 Wayside Pits and Quarries, Portable Asphalt and Concrete
Plants
 MTO Patrol Yards
 Wind Farms
 MTO Owned Lands
Corridor Management & Property Section 36

Official Plan should NOT include
 Proposed interchange locations or proposed
highways not approved (or opposed) by the MTO
 Geometric details of provincial
highways/interchanges such as #of lanes, widths of
lanes
 Commitments that bind the province, such as future
highway studies/projects
Corridor Management & Property Section 37

MTO Guideline for Plan of Subdivision
Review Process
 Revised Guideline implemented in
February 2012
 It sets out the MTO review
process and requirements for all
subdivisions
 Outlines the obligations of both
MTO and proponents of
development
Corridor Management & Property Section 38

MTO Guideline for Plan of Subdivision Review
Process
Introduction of Pre-consultation Meeting with MTO
 MTO encourages proponents to attend a pre-consultation
meeting with MTO staff
 MTO suggests receiving the plans two weeks before the
meeting to provide valuable feedback at meeting
 Provides proponents with what can be expected from MTO
 Opportunity to discuss other applicable matters such required
studies and financial responsibilities
Corridor Management & Property Section 39

MTO Guideline for Plan of Subdivision Review Process
Possible Requirements of MTO
 Whether the proposed development impacts upon future
plans of the MTO – the status of the planning study would be
outlined
 Whether direct access to highway will be permitted
 Whether the proposed street entrances meet MTO spacing
requirements
 Provide a list of conditions of draft approval (i.e. drainage
plans, traffic impact study, 0.3 m reserve, widening
requirements)
 Provide building setbacks from highway property line
 Contact information for MTO permits
Corridor Management & Property Section 40

In Summary
Key Messages
 Engage MTO early in your planning initiatives
 Encourage municipalities to consult with MTO on all
development proposals located within MTO area of permit
control
 Work together to protect existing and planned provincial
corridors from new points of access to ensure the long term
sustainability of provincial corridors
Corridor Management & Property Section 41

What is Permit Control ?
 The legal limit that the ministry can regulate
buildings, structures, roads, entrances and the
placement of signs
Corridor Management & Property Section 42

Why is Permit Control Important ?
Highway 401 at Keele Street – Toronto (1958)
Corridor Management & Property Section 43

Why is Permit Control Important ?
Highway 401 at Keele Street – Toronto (2012)
Corridor Management & Property Section 44

Why is Permit Control Important ?
Highway 401 at Toronto Pearson International (2006)
Corridor Management & Property Section 45

Types of Corridor Management Permits
 Building and Land Use
 Encroachment
 Entrance
 Sign
Corridor Management & Property Section 46

Building and Land Use Permit
 Building and land use is defined as a building,
structure or fence adjacent to a provincial highway
within permit control
Corridor Management & Property Section 47

Building and Land Use Permit - Controlled Area
Controlled-Access Highway
Corridor Management & Property Section 48

Building and Land Use Permit - Controlled Area
King’s Highway
Corridor Management & Property Section 49

Building and Land Use Permit - Objective
 To maintain the highest flow of highway traffic with
the highest degree of safety
 To reduce the likelihood that future changes in the
highway right-of-way will make it necessary to
relocate buildings (e.g. proper setbacks, mitigate
drainage/traffic impacts, etc.)
 Reduce expense and inconvenience to the property
owner and the public
Corridor Management & Property Section 50

Building and Land Use Permit - Residential
Corridor Management & Property Section 51

Building and Land Use Permit - Commercial
Corridor Management & Property Section 52

Building and Land Use Permit – Large Generator
Yorkdale
4
0
1
Corridor Management & Property Section 53

Encroachment Permit
 An encroachment is defined as works or other
installations that are placed upon, under, or over
which in any way interferes with, or infringes upon the
right-of-way of a highway
Corridor Management & Property Section 54

Encroachment Permit - Controlled Area
 Highway Right-of-Way
ROW
Corridor Management & Property Section 55

Encroachment Permit - Objective
 Reduce liability on highway right-of-way
 Ensure safety of travelling public
 Reduce the likelihood that works may interfere with a
highway or create a maintenance problem
 Ensure all works are satisfactory to MTO and all
costs are borne by the encroaching party
Corridor Management & Property Section 56

Encroachment Permit - Utilities
Corridor Management & Property Section 57

Encroachment Permit - Municipal
Corridor Management & Property Section 58

Encroachment Permit - Signs
Corridor Management & Property Section 59

Entrance Permit
 An entrance is defined as a private road,
entranceway, gate or other structure or facility used
as a means of access to, or exit from, a highway; and
shall include any curbs, gutters or other works
relative thereto
Corridor Management & Property Section 60

Entrance Permit - Controlled Area
 Entrances on a King’s Highway right-of-way are
permitted, providing MTO requirements are met
 Entrances on controlled-access highways are not
permitted
Corridor Management & Property Section 61

Entrance Permit - Objective
 Reduce liability on the highway right-of-way
 Maintain operating integrity of the highway system
 Control development impact
 Reduce future problems and costs including the
potential restriction of future expansion opportunities
 Ensure environmental protection
Corridor Management & Property Section 62

Entrance Permit – Residential/Agricultural
Corridor Management & Property Section 63

Entrance Permit - Commercial
Corridor Management & Property Section 64

Sign Permit
 Sign shall include any sign, notice, advertising
device, or any part thereof whether it contains words
or not and shall include any device that is used solely
to attract attention
Corridor Management & Property Section 65

Sign Permit - Controlled Area
Any “visible” sign within 400 m of ministry property limits
Corridor Management & Property Section 66

Sign Permit - Objective
 To balance the needs between highway safety,
environmental considerations, sign owners and
individual businesses
Corridor Management & Property Section 67

Sign Permit - Location
Corridor Management & Property Section 68

Sign Permit - Billboard
Corridor Management & Property Section 69

Sign Permit - Temporary
Corridor Management & Property Section 70

Corridor Management Public Service Commitments
 Implemented April 1, 2011
 MTO committed to:
 Providing prompt and clear information and guidance to help
process your building, entrance, sign and encroachment
applications
 Streamlining the review processes for residential subdivision
proposals
 Target = 100%
 2011 Performance measurement = 90% – 100%
 Corridor Management Public Service Commitments and Performance
Reports are available on MTO Website:
 http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/service-commitment/corridor-mgmnt-permit-appln.shtml
Corridor Management & Property Section 71

Current Issues
 Corridor Management Permit System
 Permit Fee Increase – October 1, 2012
 Sign Enforcement
Corridor Management & Property Section 72

Corridor Management Public Website
 General Information
 Policies and Guidelines
 Applications
 Fee Schedule
 Contact Information
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/engineering/management/corridor/index.shtml
Corridor Management & Property Section 73

Contact Information
Head Office:
Tony Di Fabio Heather Doyle
Senior Planner & Policy Advisor Senior Planner & Policy Advisor
Corridor Management and Property Office Corridor Management and Property Office
Ministry of Transportation Ministry of Transportation
Tel: 905-704-2656 Tel: 905-704-2913
Fax: 905-704-2777 Fax: 905-704-2777
Email: tony.difabio@ontario.ca Email: heather.doyle@ontario.ca
Ted Lagakos Kris Kernaghan
Senior Planner & Policy Advisor Head
Corridor Management and Property Office Corridor Management and Property Office
Ministry of Transportation Ministry of Transportation
Tel: 905-704-3257 Tel: 905-704-2230
Fax: 905-704-2777 Fax: 905-704-2777
Email: ted.lagakos@ontario.ca Email: kris.kernaghan@ontario.ca
Corridor Management & Property Section 74

Questions
Corridor Management & Property Section 75