The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is leading a major infrastructure proposal in what they hope will improve economic efficiency, safety and national connectivity by calling on the Governments of Canada and of Ontario to invest in a transformative upgrade of Northern Ontario’s Highways 11 and 17 — the Trans-Canada Highway — by upgrading to the innovative 2+1 model on those highways.
See related: Unique 2 + 1 highway initiative coming to Highway 11 North
The plan, aligned with the Building Canada Act and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s five nation-building criteria, outlines a two-phase approach to modernize key segments of the Trans- Canada Highway system:
Phase 1 of 2+1 expansion:
• Highway 11: North Bay to Cochrane
• Highway 17: Renfrew to Sudbury
Phase 2 of 2+1 expansion:
• Highway 11: Cochrane to Nipigon
• Highway 11/17: Thunder Bay to Kenora
• Highway 17: Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury
The Highway 11 North 2+1 concept was introduced by the province in 2022.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in infrastructure that promotes enhanced trade between the east and west within Canada. It also focuses on the development of major nation-building projects that will likely involve the transportation of large industrial materials for construction," stated Danny Whalen, FONOM president.
"With a vast land area and diverse geography, an efficient transportation network is crucial for connectivity and facilitating the movement of materials."
The 2+1 model, prominent on European highways, features alternating passing lanes with a crash-rated median barrier, offering a cost-effective and safer alternative to full highway twinning. This model is particularly suited to long-distance routes with moderate traffic volumes, such as those in Northern Ontario.
“These vital highways, which are linked to much of the country's economic activity, need to be considered for continued expansion beyond their existing two-lane profile," noted Pauline Rochefort, member of parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, in the FONOM release.
"From their early days, they have formed part of Canada’s critical national corridor, from playing a foundational role in connecting Canada’s frontier communities to enabling economic development and asserting national sovereignty across the North.
“Highways 11 and 17 are more than roads — they are lifelines for communities, commerce, and Canada’s future.”
The proposal comes as the federal government consults on national interest projects under the Building Canada Act, which prioritizes east-west trade, industrial development, and strategic infrastructure.
