Hamilton, March 29, 2015 – The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Morriston Bypass Business and Economic Development Coalition, applauds the Government of Ontario’s decision to invest in the region’s transportation infrastructure by constructing a Highway 6 Bypass around the Village of Morriston, ON beginning in 2019.

“This project was a critical priority to the connectivity of businesses in Hamilton within an important trade corridor between the GTHA, Southern Ontario and the United States affecting over ten million vehicles and hundreds of millions of value in commercial goods,” said Keanin Loomis, President & CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. “We would like to thank Premier Kathleen Wynne, Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca and our local MPP Ted McMeekin for their commitment to moving this forward. As well, recognize efforts of members of the coalition for their contributions.”

As a member of the coalition, the Chamber prioritized the project during consecutive pre-budget submissions, Queens Park delegations and other government relations opportunities. During the announcement Minister McMeekin thanked the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce for its advocacy efforts on the file over the last few years.

“The Morriston bypass will provide tremendous benefits for commercial growth and opportunity in the region. We anticipate the annual value of commuter and commercial time saved during peak periods with the proposed bypass could be valued at more than $30M. It’s a huge draw for investment, U.S.-bound export shipments and good jobs in the region.” said Rory McAlpine, Coalition member and Senior Vice President, Government and Industry Relations, Maple Leaf Foods.

The Morriston Bypass Coalition is comprised of commercial enterprises, industry associations and municipal governments advocating for the development of a Highway 6 Morriston bypass that would provide more commercial opportunities for the region, lower congestion costs and safer traffic routes for commuters.

The Coalition members include:

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Media Contact:

Huzaifa Saeed | Policy & Research Analyst | Hamilton Chamber of Commerce | t: 905-522-1151 ext: 230 | e: h.saeed@hamiltonchamber.ca

Appendix 1: Currently proposed bypass maps (Please note: This is a draft proposal and the project will be subject to additional planning from the province.)

(Source: Morriston Bypass Coalition)

(Source: MTO announcement, March 29^th, 2016)

Appendix B: Project timeline:

• Ontario acknowledged need to re-route Highway 6 more than 30 years ago, following initial study in 1978
• 1994 – The Morriston Bypass Project presented to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation
• 2009 – Ontario Ministry of Transportation receives environmental assessment approval for the new route from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment
• 2014 – Morriston Bypass Coalition officially formulated and begins advocacy activity.
• 2016 – Morriston Bypass Announced with construction to being in 2019-2020

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