Ontario pens letter to Ottawa calling for continued 11/17 widening
At least two of three levels of government agree widening 11/17 is of national importance.
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities is welcoming a letter from the province calling for federal support to accelerate the continued widening of highways 11 and 17.
Timmins MPP George Pirie and Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria penned a letter to the federal Transport Minister on Monday.
“Ontario continues to make significant investments and advance work to improve and widen these critical arteries,” writes Pirie in a social media post. “Now, we are asking the federal government to help accelerate this project of national significance with serious funding and by removing duplicative federal review processes.”
Dave Plourde, President of FONOM, says the northern group is encouraged to see the province clearly articulate the national importance of Highways 11 and 17.
“These corridors are essential to the movement of goods, to the development of our natural resources, and most importantly, to the safety of Northerners. Federal participation will be key to accelerating meaningful improvements,” he says.
The federation says now’s the time for the feds to step up as a full partner, echoing the letters statements that the highways are also vital to Canada’s economic security and defence readiness, particularly as demand grows for northern minerals and resources.
**With files from Brad Aubin
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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.
