TORONTO — The federal environment minister says he is designating a controversial highway project in the western Greater Toronto Area for assessment.

Jonathan Wilkinson says there are clear areas of federal concern with the project put forward by Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government. 

He says his decision is based on the findings of several federal departments that the project may cause "adverse direct or incidental effects" on species at risk.

Wilkinson says a federal impact assessment will be grounded in science, evidence and Indigenous knowledge.

Environmentalists and opposition politicians have criticized the Highway 413 project, saying it would pave over environmentally sensitive areas and farmland.

Ontario's transportation minister says the province will work with the federal government, but the project was already subject to a "robust" environmental assessment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2021.

The Canadian Press