Doug Ford Advocates for Safer Northern Highways in Ontario

Ontario Premier Doug Ford addressed concerns regarding safety on northern highways during a visit to Thunder Bay last week. He reflected on his experiences driving through the region during the winter months, describing the conditions as “terrifying.” Ford emphasized the need for improvements, particularly on the “treacherous” stretch of highway between Sudbury and Toronto. “That two-lane is like white-knuckle driving down there,” he noted, highlighting the dangers faced by drivers in adverse weather conditions.

Ford expressed his commitment to enhancing road safety, stating he is “all in” on the concept of twinning more sections of the Trans-Canada Highway in northwestern Ontario. He assured the public that his government will do “everything we can” to make these highways safer. His remarks coincided with a recent appeal from the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), which has urged both federal and provincial governments to consider its proposal for improving Highways 11 and 17.

The proposal from FONOM suggests converting portions of these highways into a 2+1 model. This system features three lanes, with a central passing lane that alternates direction every two to five kilometres. According to FONOM, this approach is common in parts of Europe and is significantly more cost-effective than twinning entire highways.

FONOM President Danny Whalen discussed the importance of this initiative on a recent episode of Village Media’s Closer Look podcast. He underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “The biggest seller for improving the highway, of course, is to reduce the number of deaths.” He contrasted the discussions happening in Toronto about urban gridlock with the grim realities faced in the north, where fatalities are a pressing concern.

Whalen’s comments reflect a broader call for action to address the safety hazards that northern drivers encounter. As the government considers potential improvements, the focus remains on creating safer travel conditions for all.

The Closer Look podcast, hosted by Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, aims to provide in-depth conversations on pressing topics. New episodes air daily and aim to capture the complexities of issues affecting both urban and rural communities.

In conclusion, the commitment from Premier Ford, along with the advocacy from FONOM, signals a growing recognition of the need to prioritize safety on Ontario’s northern highways. As discussions progress, the hope is that effective solutions will soon be implemented to protect drivers navigating these challenging routes.