Transportation Minister says Highway Safety a Continuing Priority

By Richard Coffin

Winter weather is just one area of concern that Ontario’s transportation minister is keeping tabs on when it comes to highway safety in the north.

Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria was in the city on Monday, a day that saw stretches of several highways across the northeast closed for hours because of the weather.   

He says they’ve deployed more than 1,400 pieces of equipment on Ontario highways this winter, but also says the north poses unique challenges that other parts of the province don’t face.   

“That is why we’re revising contracts to ensure we have more plows out, that we have more secure employment in those areas as well,” says Sarkaria.  “We’ll continue to work upon that and take back any feedback that we’re getting from communities.”  

Commercial vehicle enforcement is another focus.  

“We’re improving and increasing our transportation enforcement officers with a specific focus on the north, especially here in North Bay, Thunder Bay and Timmins,” he says.  

Sarkaria also says they’re looking at overhauling the licensing process.  

“One of my colleagues in the Legislature has put forward a motion that would require a year of Canadian driving experience before a commercial vehicle licence has been granted to ensure people have that appropriate understanding and appreciation of Canadian winters,” he says.  

With highway construction, Sarkaria says investments include twinning projects across the north and the 2+1 lane pilot project north of the city. 

The weather-related highway closures included Highway 17 from North Bay to Mattawa for a few hours overnight into Tuesday. 

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