The debate in the media, however, has been characterized by considerable misinformation. For example, it was widely reported that Kitchener council had reversed their opposition to the highway. This is untrue. In fact, Kitchener Council only voted to accept the short section within Kitchener. Kitchener Council reiterated their concern for the environmental consequences in the large rural section of the proposal.
Highway safety is an important issue to the local citizenry.
Most people feel that driving during rush hour along the current Highway 7 is unsafe, although OPP statistics show that it is no worse than similar roadways in Ontario. However, almost all parties involved agree that something must be done along the Kitchener-Guelph corridor preferably sooner than later. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Transportation s proposal belongs to the later category. It is expected that construction on the new expressway will begin at the earliest 5 years from now and will take another 5 years to complete. The proposed expressway will pave a 100 metre wide strip through some of the best farmland in Ontario.