What is the first step in an EA?
Before an EA can begin, a Terms of Reference (ToR) must be prepared, and submitted to the Minister of the Environment for approval. An EA ToR outlines how the proponent (e.g., MTO) proposes to conduct the study, including what factors will be assessed, how the evaluations will be completed, and who will be consulted; when, and how. The Niagara to GTA Corridor EA Terms of Reference was submitted to the Ontario Minister of the Environment for approval on October 28th, 2005. It was amended on February 16, 2006 and approved on June 9th, 2006. The approved ToR can be viewed on the study website www.niagara-gta.com.
