MPP Lise Vaugeois is calling on the provincial government to make Highways 11 and 17 safer for people living in Thunder Bay and across Northern Ontario. In mid-January 2026 Vaugeois reaffirmed that fixing the remaining single-lane sections of these highways is a top priority, saying the narrow roads frequently close in winter and create dangerous conditions that can isolate communities.
The resolution asks the province to complete twinning of Highways 11 and 17 — turning remaining two-lane stretches into four-lane divided highways — starting with the narrow section near Nipigon. Vaugeois and the Ontario NDP say these routes are “some of the deadliest roads in the country” and are vital links for the North. They also want the corridors designated for enhanced winter maintenance (the NDP has called for classification and service levels equivalent to the highest winter-maintenance standards).
The plan calls for tougher rules for commercial truck drivers and stronger oversight of driver-training schools. According to SNNewsWatch, Vaugeois is pushing for around-the-clock staffing of northern commercial vehicle inspection stations so trucks are checked and drivers are properly qualified — a response to concerns raised by local leaders and safety advocates that some drivers lack adequate preparation for northern winter driving and challenging terrain.
The province’s Ministry of Transportation points to ongoing work to widen and rehabilitate sections of Highway 11/17 near Nipigon as evidence of progress. News reporting shows recent contract awards for parts of the twinning work; specific dollar figures reported in the media vary by source. Advocates told CBC News a comprehensive northern highway safety strategy is needed to reduce collisions. Vaugeois says the province must act now so northern residents have the same safety standards as people elsewhere in Ontario.
