Improving infrastructure boosts the north's economy

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Ontario’s continued commitment to highway infrastructure throughout Northern Ontario will help improve safety and efficiency on northern roads for residents, visitors and industry. It will also help boost the economy in northern communities and create more than 4,000 jobs across the North.

Through the Northern Highways Program, the province will invest $618 million on northern highways and infrastructure in 2011-12. The program will include expansion and safety initiatives such as passing lanes, more signage and lighting improvements as well as rehabilitation projects for roads, highways and bridges.

Some of the key projects in Nipissing include:
Continuing the expansion of Highway 11 south of North Bay
Highway 11 resurfacing from Hemlock Road near Trout Creek
Highway 17 resurfacing near Sturgeon Falls
Highway 11/17 intersection improvements at the North Bay Bypass

Investing in highway infrastructure is an important part of the Open Ontario plan to create jobs and economic opportunities in Northern Ontario.

Updating Ontario’s roads, highways, transit, hospitals and schools is part of the government’s plan to create jobs, grow local economies and ensure the province remains strong and competitive for years to come.

“Highways are an integral part of our infrastructure,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “The Province recognizes the importance of our northern highways and is once again moving forward on expansion, rehabilitation and safety initiatives through our Northern Highways Program.”

“Our Northern Highways Program is instrumental in providing long-term, sustained investments in infrastructure that spur economic development and improve safety and the quality of life for northerners. Locally, it is driving the expansion of the Thunder Bay – Nipigon corridor with more than 50 kilometres under construction and exciting new developments in the offing like the spectacular Nipigon River Bridge,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

“Our government puts a high priority on the expansion and improvement of northern highways. We know that investments in highway infrastructure are important for creating jobs and fostering prosperity throughout Northern Ontario,” said Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Transportation.

QUICK FACTS

Northern Ontario has almost 11,000 kilometres of highway, about 60 per cent of the entire provincial highway network. 

As part of the 2011 Ontario Budget, more than $618 million will be invested in northern highway rehabilitation and expansion in 2011-2012. This includes approximately $218 million for expansion and safety initiative projects and about $400 million for rehabilitation projects, including additional funding for bridges.

Since 2003, the Ontario government has invested more than $3.9 billion in northern highway infrastructure improving 2,606 kilometres of highway and 168 bridges, and constructing 308 kilometres of new four lane highway along with 98 new bridges.

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