Fix Northern Highways | Urgent Road Repairs Needed

Timmins, Ontario — December 2, 2025

Northern Ontario Highways Face Mounting Safety Concerns

Escalating road closures and a rising number of accidents are raising alarms about the safety of Highways 11 and 17, prompting calls for urgent infrastructure improvements.

• Road closures and fatalities on Highways 11 and 17 have been steadily increasing, with concerns dating back to 2018.
• A proposed bill, Bill 49 (Northern Highway 11 and 17 Safety Act), aimed at improving safety was rejected in November 2025.
• Proposed solutions include widening shoulders, twinning lanes, and enhancing commercial vehicle driver certification.
• Communities along Highway 17, from North Bay to Kenora, are particularly vulnerable to disruptions caused by closures.

Are northern Ontario’s highways becoming too dangerous? A growing chorus of voices says yes, pointing to a worrying trend of escalating road closures and fatalities, largely attributed to transport trucks. The issue isn’t new; concerns have been voiced on social media as far back as 2018.

Q: What’s being done to address safety concerns on Highways 11 and 17?
A: While three NDP MPPs introduced Bill 49 (Northern Highway 11 and 17 Safety Act) this year, it was ultimately rejected in November 2025, leaving many questioning the government’s commitment to highway safety.

The rejection of Bill 49 has sparked debate, particularly given the Transportation Minister’s assertion that “Ontario highways are the safest in North America.” Critics argue that improvements are needed to *prove* that claim, not simply state it.

The impact of these closures extends beyond travel delays. Communities rely on these highways for essential goods, and disruptions can have significant consequences.

Several potential fixes have been proposed, including widening highway shoulders, adding additional lanes (twinning or 2+1 configurations), increasing staffing levels at Ministry of Transportation (MTO) inspection stations, and improving the certification process for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. A key suggestion is for the MTO to directly administer driving tests for all new CMV drivers before licensing.

While Highway 11 often receives the most attention, Highway 17 is equally critical. A closure on Highway 17 would severely impact communities from North Bay to Kenora, disrupting the delivery of essential supplies like food, clothing, and parts.

The financial cost of a highway closure is difficult to quantify, but one thing is certain: the emotional toll of losing a loved one is immeasurable.