Ontario Moves Forward with Widening Highway 17 from Arnprior to Renfrew
On May 27, 2020, MPP John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing Pembroke) announced that the Government of Ontario would be moving forward with the long-awaited widening of Highway 17 from two to four lanes between Arnprior and Renfrew.
For Stage 1 of the project, the Province will be constructing a new interchange at the Calabogie Road Intersection, in the Township of McNab/Braeside. In Stage 2, the province will be constructing an additional 3 interchanges and widening a 22.5 kilometre stretch of Highway 17, from Scheel Drive to three kilometres west of Bruce Street in Renfrew County.
"Highway 17 is a lifeline for travel and the movement of goods throughout Renfrew County," said MPP Yakabuski. "Twinning this vital highway corridor will improve safety, strengthen the connection between communities, create jobs and attract investment to the region."
Much of the demand for this project has stemmed from safety concerns, as this stretch of Highway 17 has been the site of a number of serious collisions, including a fatal 6-vehicle crash in 2016 (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/highway-17-fatal-crash-victim-1.3799869)
The government is currently seeking Expressions of Interest from contractors for the first stage of the project, the Calabogie Road interchange. Construction is expected to begin following the awarding of the contract and completion of the necessary environmental assessments and project design work.
Scargall Owen-King is closely following the status of this project, and projects throughout Ontario for our clients. Many properties and/or businesses will be affected by the highway expansion, but there is a compensation regime developed through legislation and case law that SOK has contributed to over our 30 years’ experience. SOK is pleased to answer any questions that arise when owners are faced with expropriation for the first time.
For the full text of the News Release published by the Ministry of Transportation, visit: https://www.news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2020/05/ontario-moves-forward-with-widening-highway-17-from-arnprior-to-renfrew.html