Ashburnham Drive Realignment and McFarlane Street Bridge Replacement

The City of Peterborough is undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) for the proposed realignment of Ashburnham Drive and replacement of the McFarlane Street bridge. This study is being undertaken in accordance with the planning and design process for Schedule C projects, as outlined in the Municipal Engineers Association MCEA document (2023), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

The Eastside Transportation Study (ESTS) was completed in July 2023, which assessed transportation infrastructure needs and priorities in East City. Based on the findings of the ESTS, a number of recommended transportation projects were identified, including the realignment of Ashburnham Drive, generally between Maniece Avenue and McFarlane Street, and the replacement of the existing McFarlane Street bridge crossing the Trent Severn Waterway. The ESTS was undertaken in accordance with Approach #1 of the Master Planning Process, which generally addresses Phases 1 and 2 of the MCEA process. The City is proceeding with Phases 3 and 4 of the MCEA process for these recommended projects. Phases 3 and 4 of the MCEA process includes identifying and evaluating a range of alternative design concepts, identifying a preferred design, the potential impacts and associated mitigation measures, and documenting the decision-making process within an Environmental Study Report (ESR).

One of the key principles of the MCEA process includes consultation with First Nations, the public, agencies, community stakeholders, etc. Opportunities to share ideas, provide comments and/or ask questions will be offered throughout this study, including but not limited to study notifications, updates, and public consultation events.