Southern Highways Program
2007 to 2011

Overview

Paving the Way Towards a Sustainable Future

Ontario's economy and our quality of life depend on having a transportation system that's safe, efficient and reliable. Ontario is the economic engine of Canada and the third-largest financial centre in North America. The province's transportation infrastructure is the backbone of the economy, with $1.2 trillion worth of goods moving along our highways and trade corridors every year.

Maintaining and improving our transportation infrastructure will reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and keep our highways, roads and bridges in a good state of repair.

This year the Ontario government is investing over $1.7 billion to repair or expand highways, roads and bridges across the province. This investment will support growing urban centres, rural communities and help businesses compete in the global marketplace.

Ontario is promoting sustainability in all future plans to tackle congestion, accommodate growth and keep goods and people moving. A sustainable transportation system is one that recognizes and supports our current needs but also protects our natural resources.

The decisions we make today will affect future generations. Which is why we must plan and use our highways wisely, encourage people to use public transit and explore alternative fuels and technology to reduce emissions and protect the environment.

By balancing social, economic and environmental considerations, the Ontario government will work to ensure a safe, prosperous and environmentally responsible future for all those who live and do business in Ontario.

Southern Highways Program

photo: Highway 401/404 Interchange, Toronto

Last year, the Ontario government announced the Southern Ontario Highways Program -- a five-year, $3.4-billion investment in highway construction. This program provided Ontarians with a comprehensive, multi-year picture of highway investments. It set real goals and targets and identified necessary resources.

The Southern Ontario Highways Program falls under the government's broader infrastructure investment plan, called ReNew Ontario, announced in May 2005. ReNew Ontario is a $30-billion plan to strengthen Ontario's economy and communities.

This year, through the Southern Highways Program, the Ontario government will invest a record $899 million to repair or expand provincial highways and bridges in southern Ontario.

This report lists the specific projects that will occur this year including 63 new projects and 37 projects already underway. It also provides a long-term outlook by listing projects planned through 2011.

The Southern Highways Program is published annually to provide a clear understanding of where and how tax dollars are being spent. It is also one more way that the government is delivering on its promise to Ontarians to be accountable and transparent in the way it conducts business.

By investing in transportation infrastructure, the Ontario government is making roads safer, boosting economic growth, creating jobs and keeping people and goods moving. We will continue to do our part and to pursue every opportunity to discuss new funding partnerships with the federal government, municipalities and private partners.

By working together, we will create a highway system capable of supporting economic growth and prosperity across Ontario for decades to come.

Adobe Acrobat PDF version of the entire report is available (24 MB).
To view PDF files, you will require Adobe Acrobat Reader.

ISSN #1913-4673 (Printed version)
ISSN #1913-4681 (Internet version)

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