Motorists travelling in northern Ontario will benefit from the building of four new rest areas and repairing or expanding 10 existing facilities along provincial highways.
A new rest area/pull-off area will be built just north of Marten River at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 64, the roadway leading to Field and Sturgeon Falls.
The completion date is set for 2023, and will be open year-round.
See the complete list here.
The new amenities will include more bathrooms, improved lighting, and increased parking, partly to help combat human trafficking says a government news release.
"In these extraordinary times, we recognize that there is a significant need for better facilities at rest areas in northern Ontario for our province's travellers and truck drivers," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. "Building more rest areas with better facilities will make travelling safer and more comfortable, especially for those who need to drive long distances. Through these improvements, we are also taking steps to raise awareness of human trafficking to help put an end to this serious problem."
As part of the government's commitment to raising awareness and combatting human trafficking, the province is exploring anti-human trafficking measures at rest areas, such as improved lighting, posting information such as a support hotline, and adding security cameras.
"Improving rest areas is critical to ensuring Northerners and visitors alike can use our roads safely," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development.
As part of the government's commitment to raising awareness and combatting human trafficking, the province is exploring anti-human trafficking measures at rest areas, such as improved lighting, posting information such as a support hotline, and adding security cameras.
"By building new rest areas and expanding existing facilities in northern Ontario, our government is making travel easier and more comfortable for all commuters," said Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie.
Ontario 511 and the 511 app will be updated whenever a rest area is expanded or developed to identify new facilities for truckers.
Rest areas help serve the tourism industry in the province by providing travellers with places to stop and rest at 202 locations throughout Ontario.
Research confirms that driver fatigue contributes to a significant number of truck collisions. Providing more opportunities for trucks and other vehicles to stop and safely park so that drivers can rest will help keep Ontario’s roads and highways among the safest in North America.
