In new findings from the Narwhal and Toronto Star request for access to information, the Ontario Department of Transportation has confirmed that 11 different species considered “endangered” are present along the 52-kilometer motorway. The list includes seven species of birds and one frog, fish, insects and tree species, respectively.

Scoop Alert: Documents received from me and @TorontoStar @njaved show that Ontario has quietly confirmed that at least 11 endangered species live along the planned 413 freeway route. Including two central ones for a federal project review. #onpoli https://t.co/KiEy3d0pqW – Emma McIntosh (@EmmaMci) June 29, 2022 Three of the endangered species (the western frog dance, the red-headed woodpecker and a dragonfly known as the plum) are protected by federal law, and Ottawa has already set aside the project for further environmental review. Collaborative reports from Star and Narwhal suggest that Ottawa could be forced to intervene and direct the project. As construction has already been delayed for an environmental review, further federal scrutiny could push the project schedule by years.

When the federal government shut down Highway 413 last year for environmental surveillance, it expressed concern about how the western choir frog and the Rapids clubtail could be in danger. They both live close to the proposed route, documents say. pic.twitter.com/zAAopQcvOS – Toronto Star (@TorontoStar) June 29, 2022 The government of Ontario PC has advertised the project as part of a plan to combat congestion, seemingly unfamiliar with the concept of induced demand, and fits perfectly with these “just one more strip” memes that prevail on urban Twitter. While the route will also feature low-carbon options, such as a fast-moving bus and electric car charging station, it has failed to gain any traction with the other places represented in Queen’s Park. In response to the latest revelations, the leader of the Ontario Green Party, Mike Schreiner, issued a statement, doubling his calls for the abolition of the controversial highway project.

Hwy413 will lay over 400 acres in Greenbelt, 2000 acres of privileged farmland and threaten or destroy 75 wetlands.

Add to Ford’s list of disasters now – internal government documents state that 11 minute endangered species live along the route. # StopThe413 #onpoli pic.twitter.com/HqPjXFQt3S – Green Party of Ontario (@OntarioGreens) June 29, 2022 “The Ontario Greens are seeking the cancellation of Highway 413 since it was first re-introduced by Ford because it will pave over 400 acres of Greenbelt, 2,000 acres of privileged farmland, threaten or destroy 75 wetlands and add 17,” he said. “4 million tonnes of emissions by 2050,” Schreiner said. “We now know that this redundant highway will cause even more damage. Internal government documents show that at least 11 endangered species live along the proposed Highway 413 route, with the possibility of dozens more.” Schreiner called the move “reckless” and “short-sighted” on the highway, adding that “the Ford government’s ignorance of the environment is bad for our climate, our economy, our communities and our quality of life.”