FONOM and NOMA looking for four-laning plan for Highways 11 and 17
Two northern municipal groups have written to the Premier, calling on the Ontario and federal governments to establish a jointly funded, phased plan to upgrade Highways 11 and 17 to four lanes.
The letter was penned by the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA).
They say both the Premier and Prime Minister have recognized the importance of these critical east-west corridors and are asking Ontario to begin formal discussions with the federal government.
FONOM and NOMA say that includes developing a plan with clear priorities, timelines and measurable progress.
“Northern communities have waited too long for a comprehensive solution to the safety, reliability and capacity challenges along these highways,” says FONOM President Dave Plourde. “With both governments recognizing their importance, now is the time to move from discussion to action and establish four-laning as the long-term objective.”
Rick Dumas, NOMA President, says these are not simply Northern Ontario highways, they are vital parts of Canada’s national transportation and supply chain network.
“A federal-provincial partnership would improve safety for Northern residents while strengthening trade, resource development and the movement of goods across the country,” he says.
NOMA and FONOM, representing 154 municipalities, are requesting Northern municipalities be included in developing the phased plan.
They’ve offered to meet with Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss the next steps.
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
