The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities and the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association want the province and Ottawa to four-lane highways 11 and 17 through a jointly funded phased-in plan. Letters have been sent to Queen’s Park and Ottawa asking the province to begin formal discussions with the federal government and develop a plan with clear priorities, timelines and measurable progress, FONOM and NOMA said in a joint release Monday. “Northern communities have waited too long for a comprehensive solution to the safety, reliability and capacity challenges along these highways,” said FONOM president Dave Plourde. “With both governments recognizing their importance, now is the time to move from discussion to action and establish four-laning as the long-term objective.” NOMA president Rick Dumas said these are not simply Northern Ontario highways. “They are vital parts of Canada’s national transportation and supply chain network, and a federal-provincial partnership would improve safety for northern residents while strengthening trade, resource development and the movement of goods across the country.” Representing 154 municipalities, NOMA and FONOM said they’re requesting northern municipalities be included in developing the phased plan. And, they’re willing to meet jointly with Premier Ford and Prime Minister Carney to discuss the next steps.
