THUNDER BAY – POLITICS – The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) is sounding the alarm on highway safety, economic equity, and national connectivity. In a strong political statement issued this week, NOMA is urging both the federal and provincial governments to treat the Highway 11/17 corridor as critical nation-building infrastructure—not a regional afterthought.
The letter, formally addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford, endorses a joint infrastructure strategy with the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM). Together, the organizations represent more than 140 municipalities across the North.
“This corridor isn’t just a regional road—it’s a critical national trade route and lifeline for dozens of Northern and Indigenous communities,” said NOMA President Rick Dumas. “We fully support FONOM’s call to action and emphasize that the Northwest must be a strategic and immediate focus in any provincial or federal highway modernization plan.”
The Call: A 2+1 Highway Solution
At the heart of the proposal is a 2+1 highway model—a system featuring alternating passing lanes separated by median barriers. It’s a cost-effective, safety-proven alternative to full twinning and has been successfully deployed in Scandinavia and parts of Europe.
NOMA is urging urgent upgrades to these key segments:
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Highway 17: Kenora to Thunder Bay
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Highway 11/17: Thunder Bay to Nipigon
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Highway 11: Extending toward Hearst and Northeastern Ontario
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Highway 17: Nipigon to Sault Ste. Marie
Why This Corridor Matters
NOMA’s advocacy centers on five pillars of importance:
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National Supply Chain Security
Highway 11/17 is Ontario’s primary westbound link. Disruptions affect freight, trade, and emergency logistics across Canada.
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Safety for Northern Communities
Long stretches of two-lane highway create dangerous bottlenecks, especially in winter conditions.
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Economic Growth and Resource Access
These roads are vital arteries for the mining, forestry, and agriculture sectors, including access to the Ring of Fire.
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Equity for Indigenous and Remote Communities
Many First Nations rely on this corridor for healthcare, emergency services, and daily mobility.
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Climate Resilience and Evacuation
The corridor is crucial for wildfire evacuations and will become increasingly important as climate-related emergencies rise.
Thunder Bay: A Regional Bottleneck
As Northwestern Ontario’s largest urban center, Thunder Bay sits at the junction of Highway 11/17. Yet year after year, local leaders warn that infrastructure investment here lags far behind Southern Ontario.
“We’re building the North, yet we’re driving on roads that don’t reflect that reality,” said Dumas. “If Ottawa and Queen’s Park are serious about supply chains, critical minerals, and national unity, it starts with the roads that connect the North.”
A Unified Municipal Front
With FONOM and NOMA uniting their voices, municipal leaders are hoping that a coordinated Northern strategy will finally gain the attention it deserves. The letter explicitly asks for Highway 11/17 to be placed on equal footing with major Southern Ontario corridors like the 400-series highways.
NOMA’s message is blunt but clear:
“Northern Ontario contributes to Canada’s prosperity. It’s time Canada invested accordingly.”
