The first phase of twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kenora is nearing completion.
To date though, the federal government hasn’t pledged any money to the project.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says the project is a priority for the provincial government and he wishes it was for the federal government.
“There are sections of the highway that have been upgraded and twinned in other parts of northern Ontario with federal money and none has been dedicated to this portion to this point and I’m very frustrated at that,” points out Rickford.
He adds the first phase of the project is almost complete, and they are still waiting for the federal government to contribute its fair share.
“I’m hoping that this, or a future federal government, will understand the significance of a twinned highway, especially through northwestern Ontario, should move to the top of the list. We had another winter where there were closures and fatalities. Nobody disputes the need for this.”
The first section from the Manitoba Border to the Gundy Lake turn-off is scheduled to be compete late this summer of this fall.
Back in 2009, both the federal and provincial levels of government committed $50 million dollars in funding towards the twinning.
The prime minister at the time was Stephen Harper, while the premier was Dalton McGuinty.
They were both in Kenora to make the announcement.
