The 407 Express Toll Route (ETR) is a privately owned toll highway in Ontario, Canada, which stretches from Burlington to Pickering. It was constructed in the late 1990s, and its lease agreement has been a topic of discussion and controversy ever since.
The 407 ETR lease agreement is a legally binding contract between the Province of Ontario and the private consortium that built and operates the highway. The lease agreement was signed in 1999 for a term of 99 years, and it grants the private consortium exclusive rights to operate and collect tolls on the highway.
Under the lease agreement, the private consortium is responsible for all maintenance, repair, and expansion of the highway. The consortium is also responsible for setting toll rates, which are subject to approval by the Ontario government.
The 407 ETR lease agreement has been a contentious issue for many reasons. One of the main criticisms is that the toll rates are too high, with some motorists reporting bills of thousands of dollars. In 2017, the Ontario government passed legislation to cap the interest rates charged on overdue 407 ETR bills.
Another criticism of the lease agreement is that it grants the private consortium too much power and control over the highway. Some argue that the public should have greater say in how the highway is operated and managed, given that it is a major transportation artery in the province.
Despite these criticisms, the 407 ETR lease agreement is legally binding and cannot be altered without the agreement of both parties. The lease agreement is set to expire in 2098, and it remains to be seen how it will be managed and operated in the years to come.
In conclusion, the 407 ETR lease agreement is a complex and controversial issue in Ontario. While the private consortium has exclusive rights to operate and maintain the highway, there are concerns about the toll rates and the level of control that the consortium has over the highway. As the lease agreement continues to be in effect for many more years, it will be interesting to see how it develops and evolves in response to changing public opinion and government policies.