New FONOM proposal calls on province, feds to upgrade HWY 11 and 17

By Brad Aubin

The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is leading a proposal that would upgrade Highways 11 and 17 to the 2+1 model.

The first phase of the project would see HWY 11 be expanded from North Bay to Cochrane, and HWY 17 from Renfrew to Sudbury.

The proposed second phase would see expansions from Cochrane to Nipigon, Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury, and Thunder Bay to Kenora.

FONOM President Danny Whalen says it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in infrastructure that promotes enhanced trade within the country, all while also focusing on the development of major nation-building projects.

FONOM says the 2+1 model features alternating passing lanes with a crash-rated median barrier, offering a cost-effective and safer alternative to full highway twinning. The organization adds the model is particularly suited to long-distance routes with moderate traffic volumes, such as those in Northern Ontario.

Nipissing Timiskaming MP Pauline Rochefort says Highway 11 and 17 are vital and linked to much of the country’s economic activity, and they need to be considered for continued expansion.

“From their early days, [the highways] have formed part of Canada’s critical national corridor, from playing a foundational role in connecting Canada’s frontier communities to enabling economic development and asserting national sovereignty across the North,” she says. “Highways 11 and 17 are more than roads — they are lifelines for communities, commerce, and Canada’s future.”

FONOM says the proposal, which was sent to both Prime Minister Carney and Premier Ford, comes as the federal government consults on national interest projects under the Building Canada Act, which prioritizes east-west trade, industrial development, and strategic infrastructure.

In their letter, FONOM also adds insufficient passing opportunities, above-average collision and fatality rates, as well as regular closures due to weather and accidents not only endanger lives but also disrupt freight movement, delay goods and increases costs for industries that depend on timely delivery.

The province has already announced a pilot project which would see a section Highway 11 between North Bay and Temagami get the 2+1 changes. FONOM says that project is set to begin in 2026.

Brad Aubinhttp://www.mynorthbaynow.comBrad Aubin is Vista Radio's Senior News Director for Ontario. He was born in Sudbury, raised in Kapuskasing and has lived in the North Bay area for nearly 20 years. A Canadore College grad, he has worked for many newspapers across the north, and joined the broadcasting side of the business in 2020. The proud husband and father of two loves sharing important local and area news to listeners. If you have a news tip you'd like to share, e-mail baubin@vistaradio.ca.