Northern Highways Program
2007 to 2011

Table of Contents Part I: Accomplishments 2006 2006 Summary Part II: Looking Forward 2007 to 2011 2007 Summary Highway Expansion Projects Highway Rehabilitation Projects: 2007 | 2008 | 2009-2011 Appendix Completed Project List

Overview

Keeping Northern Ontario Strong -- Today and in the Future

The provincial highways system is critical to Ontario's economy and quality of life. For Northern Ontario, which covers an area of 800,000 square kilometres, where vast distances separate communities and impact access to natural resources and major market areas, the almost 11,000 kilometres of highway are true economic lifelines.

The renewal and expansion of vital highway infrastructure is an integral part of the Ontario government's Northern Prosperity Plan. The plan is founded on four key pillars: Strengthening the North and its Communities; Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally; and Providing Opportunities for All.

This year, through the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines' Northern Highways Program, the government will invest a record $468 million in highway rehabilitation, expansion and safety improvements.

The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines establishes and manages the budget for the annual highways' program and works jointly with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to identify program priorities. MTO is responsible for delivering the construction program and maintaining the highway system.

photo: Highway 400/141 Interchange

This report lists the specific projects that will occur this year: 27 new projects and 34 projects already underway. It also provides a long-term outlook by listing projects planned through 2011.

The Northern 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.

In August 2005, the Northern Ontario Highways Strategy was released, setting out the first ever five-year, $1.8-billion program for northern highways. It provides northerners with a comprehensive, multi-year overview of planned highway investments setting real targets and priorities and identifying necessary resources. The strategy also includes plans to complete the four-laning of Highways 11 and 69 by 2012 and 2017 respectively.

The strategy is part of the government's broader infrastructure plan called ReNew Ontario -- a $30-billion plan to strengthen Ontario's economy and communities. By investing in transportation infrastructure, we are making roads safer, spurring economic growth, creating jobs and keeping people and goods moving. While we are doing our part, we will continue to pursue every opportunity to discuss new funding partnerships with the federal government. By working together, and with northerners, we will develop a highway system capable of supporting economic growth across Northern Ontario for decades to come.

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ISSN #1913-4568 (Printed version)
ISSN #1913-4576 (Internet version)