The toll of two municipalities

Councillor Stephen Blais hopes to set up an electronic toll for non-Ottawa residents at Canaan Rd. where highway 17 turns into highway 174.

Getting stuck in the morning rush could cost commuters living outside of Ottawa some cash.

Traffic studies show approximately 9,200 vehicles travel westbound through the Orleans split, every morning. Of that about 20 per cent – or 2,200 vehicles – pass through the border of Clarence-Rockland and Ottawa.

“They're not paying property taxes and they're not paying a dime to upkeep this road and I want to change that,” says east-end councillor Stephen Blais.

Blais says highway 174 is an Ottawa road, its costs and traffic woes borne by city taxpayers. He wants to set up an electronic toll to charge outsiders up to five dollars a day.

“We choose to live out here to get away from all the craziness, but we shouldn't have to pay for it,” says one Rockland commuter.

Orleans residents say they’d support the idea if it helps alleviate traffic.

“We all share the road so we should all share the cost as well,” says Matt Schwartz.

The highway was downloaded by the Ontario government to the municipalities more than 15 years ago. Separated by Canaan Rd. highway 174 belongs to the city of Ottawa. On the other side, highway 17 is the responsibility of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell.

With the majority of traffic heading into Ottawa in the mornings, Blais says the revenues could go a long way in funding city transit projects and highway 174 improvements.

A toll road would still have to pass the test at Ottawa city council and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

With more from CTV’s John Hua