FONOM and NOMA Call for Federal-Provincial Partnership to Four- Lane Highways 11 and 17

The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) are calling on the Ontario and federal governments to establish a jointly funded, phased plan to upgrade Highways 11 and 17 to four lanes.

In a joint letter to Premier Doug Ford, the organizations noted that both the Premier and Prime Minister Mark Carney have recognized the importance of these critical east-west corridors. NOMA and FONOM are asking the Province to begin formal discussions with the federal government and develop a plan with clear priorities, timelines and measurable progress.

“Northern communities have waited too long for a comprehensive solution to the safety, reliability and capacity challenges along these highways,” said FONOM President Dave Plourde. “With both governments recognizing their importance, now is the time to move from discussion to action and establish four-laning as the long-term objective.”

Highways 11 and 17 connect communities and industries across Northern Ontario while supporting mining, forestry, manufacturing, tourism and the movement of essential goods. The corridors are also important to Canada’s economic and national security, including the movement of military personnel, equipment and supplies.

“These are not simply Northern Ontario highways. They are vital parts of Canada’s national transportation and supply chain network,” said NOMA President Rick Dumas. “A federal-provincial partnership would improve safety for Northern residents while strengthening trade, resource development and the movement of goods across the country.”

NOMA and FONOM, representing 154 municipalities, are also requesting that Northern municipalities be included in developing the phased plan. The organizations have offered to meet jointly with Premier Ford and Prime Minister Carney to discuss the next steps.

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