NOMA calls for Highway 11/17 modernization at economic conference
The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) is back from Toronto after a week of economic advocacy.
Over the last week, NOMA board members met with major mining companies, government officials and industry leaders at Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention, the world’s premiere mining convention.
The modernization of Highways 11 and 17 was one of the primary topics of discussion. The issue was explored in a joint meeting between NOMA, the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and the Globe and Mail Editorial Board.
“Highways 11 and 17 are more than transportation routes, they are lifelines for our communities and critical to Canada’s economy,” said Rick Dumas, President of NOMA and Mayor of Marathon. “We need a coordinated, long-term commitment from all orders of government to ensure these corridors are safe, reliable, and built to support the future of Northern Ontario.”
Upgrading northern highways came up in a conversation between NOMA President Rick Dumas and Federal Minister of Transportation Steven MacKinnon as well.
NOMA says they explored the potential for a dual use designation for the highways, recognizing their essential role in supporting both regional connectivity and national economic and supply chain priorities.
“PDAC provided an important platform to connect Northern priorities with national conversations,” said Wendy Landry, Mayor of Shuniah, and former President of NOMA. “Investment in Highways 11 and 17 is essential to unlocking economic development, supporting resource projects, and ensuring the safety of residents and travelers across the north.”
NOMA says they plan to build on this momentum through advocacy with all orders of government to ensure Northwestern Ontario’s priorities remain front and centre.
