Major project? Maybe it’s time to finally fix Ontario’s northern highways

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Donald Trump’s tariffs have triggered a lot of talk on this side of the border about building big — and the race is now on to kick-start major infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening Canada’s autonomy and economy.

How about a massive upgrade to Highways 11 and 17?

That is the pitch being made by the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), which this week called on the federal and provincial governments to invest in an innovative plan that it says would improve road safety and boost trade efficiency.

If approved, the project would convert stretches of both highways into a 2+1 model — a three-lane highway with a centre passing lane that changes direction approximately every two to five kilometres. Common in parts of Europe, the 2+1 model is considered much more cost-efficient than twinning a highway.

FONOM president Danny Whalen is our guest on tonight’s episode of Closer Look. He explains why this project is long overdue, and why now is the perfect time to finally get it done.​

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

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