Concerns are mounting over safety conditions on Highways 11 and 17 in northern Ontario, with reports indicating escalating road closures and fatalities. A letter from a concerned citizen, Gary Kader of Timmins, Ontario, highlights growing anxieties among travellers and the disruption of goods transport.
Legislative Efforts and Current Challenges
This year, three NDP MPPs advocated for Bill 49, the Northern Highway 11 and 17 Safety Act. However, the bill was reportedly unsuccessful, being “shot down” in November 2025. The author of the letter questioned why the current government would oppose legislation intended to support the Transportation Minister’s claim that “Ontario highways are the safest in North America.”
The letter details a perceived increase in both road closures and fatalities, with disruptions impacting the timely delivery of essential goods. Communities along Highway 17, specifically those between North Bay and Kenora, are identified as particularly vulnerable to the effects of potential closures, facing potential shortages of food, clothing, and necessary parts.
Proposed Solutions
Several potential solutions were outlined in the letter, including widening highway shoulders, twinning lanes, implementing 2+1 lane configurations, and increasing staffing levels at Ministry of Transportation (MTO) inspection stations.
Further suggestions included improvements to Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operator certification processes authorized by the MTO, and requiring the MTO to conduct driving tests for all new CMV drivers before license issuance. These measures, the author suggests, “could make a difference.”
The author emphasizes the immeasurable cost of losing a life, contrasting it with the potentially calculable financial impact of road closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary concern raised in the letter?
The primary concern is the escalating rate of road closures and fatalities on Highways 11 and 17, and the resulting impact on travellers and goods transportation.
What happened to Bill 49?
Bill 49, the Northern Highway 11 and 17 Safety Act, was reportedly “shot down” in November 2025.
Which communities are identified as being particularly vulnerable to highway closures?
Communities along Highway 17, between North Bay and Kenora, are identified as being particularly vulnerable.
As conditions on these vital northern routes continue to be scrutinized, it remains to be seen what steps may be taken to address these growing safety concerns and ensure the reliable flow of goods and safe passage for travellers.
