New interchange at Hwy. 416, new schools for Ottawa mentioned in Ontario Budget

Morning Rush: Finance Minister tables budget Bill Carroll from The Morning Rush shares his thoughts on Ontario's Finance Minister tabling the province's 2024 budget.

The Government of Ontario has tabled its 2024 budget, which includes billions in funding for new schools across the province, including in Ottawa and eastern Ontario.

"We’re building new schools and renovating existing schools to help ensure Ontario’s students learn and grow, with $1.4 billion in the current school year alone to help build schools in places like North Bay, Kitchener, Lincoln, Barrhaven and Brockville," a line from the budget document says.

This is part of the government's $23 billion spend on schooling, including $16 billion in capital grants over 10 years to build, expand and renew schools.

In eastern Ontario, the government is pledging the following under Table 1.4 "Continuing to Get Shovels in the Ground to Build More Schools":

Highway 416 interchange

The budget also includes mention of a new interchange on Highway 416 at Barnsdale Road.

"The government is working with the City of Ottawa to plan and design a new interchange at Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road to support population growth and development planned by the City for the Barrhaven South area, including housing, commercial areas and employment lands. This interchange will improve safety and help keep people and the economy moving," the budget document says.

The province and the city signed an agreement for the new interchange in 2022 to address the growing population in south Ottawa.

The government also reiterated its commitment to replace bridges on Highway 417. Last year, bridges at Bronson Avenue and Percy Street were replaced. The overpass at Preston Street is slated for replacement this year.