Project

Goods Movement In Central Ontario: Trends And Issues

By iTRANS Consulting, SNC-Lavalin, Economic Development Research Group, Cambridge Systematics, Ray Barton and Dr. Garland Chow, 2004
 

Roadway congestion is an increasing concern with growth in freight demands associated with population and economic change, as well as international trade and just-in-time delivery requirements. The issues are particularly important for Central Ontario, as the region plays a critical role in the movement of goods across North America. To address these issues, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario commissioned a study of the ways in which goods movement affects the economic well being and competitiveness of Central Ontario. The project was carried out by the team of iTrans Consulting, Economic Development Research Group and other consultants.

The study examined Central Ontario's economic competitive position in North America, and then analyzed the importance of efficient goods movement to maintaining and enhancing this position. This included examines trends in truck, air, rail, marine, and pipeline goods movement and profiles existing conditions in the transportation network. It also analyzes the economic, trade and demographic factors that influence the demand for goods movement today and in the future. The study also discussed issues and challenges that were raised by stakeholders.

Economic Development Research Group played the lead role in analyzing the economic and trade factors that are driving Ontario's freight demand growth and are dependent on continued freight corridor performance. This included evaluation of emerging changes in the nature of the economy and goods movement patterns between Ontario and the United States, the resulting implications for the future competitiveness of Central Ontario, and a review of options available to policy makers of the province and its central region.

The final report provides a basis for planning and policy development for the province and municipalities, and provides useful information for shippers, carriers and receivers. It represents a foundation for development of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Transportation Strategy in the years to come.