Ontario plans to introduce a special environmental-assessment framework to accelerate the remaining widening of Highway 69 between Parry Sound and Sudbury.

In its October 22 announcement, reproduced on MPP Michael Parsa’s official website, the province said the planned Building Highway 69 Faster Act could bring completion forward by up to five years if passed.

The announcement says 84 kilometres have been widened and 68 kilometres remain, divided into six sections. Four sections are expected to be under construction by the end of 2027.

Ontario also wants federal help with outstanding approvals, watercourse crossings and CN rail-relocation work. It says the proposed framework would build on completed environmental work while maintaining oversight and its duty to consult Indigenous communities.

These are government intentions and projections. The announcement does not establish that the proposed law has passed or that outstanding approvals have been granted.

Source: October 22 provincial announcement reproduced by MPP Michael Parsa; Ontario Newsroom listing.

Editorial illustration of highway-widening planning.