DORION, Ont. – The federal government is willing to spend $37 million to help twin a stretch of Highway 11/17 near Dorion.
The project would also include the replacing a bridge near the Ouimet Canyon turnoff with a pair of spans, should the four-laning plan go ahead.
The project, which was green-lit by the previous provincial government, won’t move ahead without provincial co-operation, including matching funds, consultation with Indigenous groups and the completion of an environmental assessment.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Patty Hajdu was in Dorion on Friday to announce the federal share of the project, said continuing the twinning of the highway between Thunder Bay and Nipigon is important for a number of reasons, most important motorist safety.
“Dividing the highway is actually the safest way to travel 11/17. We lose too many lives on this highway and we also suffer economically if we can’t get our goods to market or can’t get around the region for jobs and other needs that citizens have,” said Hajdu, days before the federal election campaign is officially expected to begin.
“Pushing forward on these projects is incredibly important.
Hajdu said this particular stretch was part of the provincial Liberal plan prior to the June 2018 election that saw them swept out of power by Doug Ford and the Conservatives.
She acknowledged it’ll be up to the current provincial government to take the next steps.
“The province of Ontario can begin as soon as they submit the appropriate paperwork and complete their role,” said Hajdu.
A spokewsoman for Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney said twinning the section of highway is definitely in the works.
"The section of Highway 11/17 through the Township of Dorion is in detailed design engineering. Our government welcomes federal funding for this section of highway and will be making an upcoming announcement on construction timing," brittany Allison said in an email response.
She’s hopeful they’ll follow through.
“I would urge them to. This is a matter of life and death in many cases. We’ve lost too many people this summer alone on this stretch of the highway,” Hajdu said.
Thunder Bay-Superior North Liberal MPP Michael Gravelle, a long-time champion of twinning the highway between Thunder Bay and Nipigon, was also on hand for the announcement and said he plans to bring the offer to Queen’s Park.
“We’ve got probably two-third of the highway four-laned or under construction. This would be another significant part that needs to get done, particularly in front of the community of Dorion,” Gravelle said.
Dorion Reeve Ed Chambers said the project has been a priority of the township for quite some time and he’s pleased at least one hurdle is out of the way with the federal government coming to the table.
He added it will be a huge benefit to his community.
“We’re looking forward to a much safer route through our community,” said Chambers, acknowledging Dorion residents routinely travel to Thunder Bay and back for a variety of reasons.
“Not to mention there is an economic development spin. We trust there will be some development along the corridor. We also anticipate people will be willing to buy property or live in Dorion because the access to Thunder Bay now, with a four-lane highway, is quite incredible.”
A request for comment from the Ontario Minister of Transportation has been made.
