The Ontario government announced a major project along Highway 69 – but it was not news on four-laning the final stretch. The Minister of Transportation does call the relocation of a CN rail line “a step toward that work.” “The priority of this project is ensuring that we get the shovel in the ground, and we show action and that we get the project moving forward,” Prabmeet Sarkaria said at a news conference on Tuesday in Cranberry, where the busy highway was the backdrop. Sarkaria told the media that the province will work with the Canadian National Railway Company to relocate a section of rail line within the Township of Mowat and the Municipality of Killarney. “It will clear the way for construction of a new interchange at Highway 522 and the next phase of widening along the corridor,” he said. “This work is part of a much broader push to accelerate progress on Highway 69.” Sarkaria called the rail realignment the next step before four-laning can begin. “We recognize the concerns from the residents here along this stretch of Highway 69. But I think for us the most important thing is: how do we get a shovel in the ground as quickly as possible? Which will then help dictate the timelines on that,” he said. Minister cites ‘action’ but offers few details Although the Ford Conservative government calls the widening of Highway 69 a “priority project,” the news conference did not announce any construction work to do that. As of today, 68 kilometres remain two-laned. According to Sarkaria, widening the final stretch to four lanes will be split into six smaller projects, with four of those to begin construction within the next year. Sarkaria did not provide dates or timelines for when work could get started, or when it would be finished. Local MPP acknowledges public frustration “God bless you press for asking when it’s going to be done,” said Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith, talking with reporters at the news conference. He said constituents regularly ask him when the highway will be expanded. “The important thing is we’re getting started. We put a timeline around that. We put a timeline around the project here with the rail-line,” said Smith. “I think people in this area and anyone who travels this highway corridor is going to be and should be excited about this news today.” Minister links highway to sovereignty amid escalating U.S. trade war “Highway 69 is a critical transportation corridor within Ontario’s highway network, supporting supply chains, economic development and access to employment, services and markets by connecting northern and southern Ontario,” said Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth George Pirie. Pirie added the widening would “help enhance safety, improve the efficient movement of people and goods and build stronger, more resilient communities.” Given the recent escalation in the trade war with the United States, Pirie said it is essential Ontario move forward with this road project. “Yes, this will get done because it’s a national priority. It means that we will retain our sovereignty, and the United States under Trump is not going to take that away from us,” he said. Chamber of commerce welcomes progress Also on hand for the news conference was Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Marie Litalien. “Improving safety, strengthening connectivity and supporting economic growth are critical to the future of Greater Sudbury and the North, and we look forward to seeing this important project continue to move forward,” said Litalien.
