NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION

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Ontario is seeking public input on rail, road, air and marine travel in Northern Ontario, to develop a multimodal transportation strategy for the next 25 years.

Ontario is meeting with industry, stakeholders, communities and Indigenous peoples across Northern Ontario through public information sessions in October and November 2016.

People are encouraged to join the conversation by attending one of the following in-person sessions across the region:

• Oct. 26 - Sudbury
• Oct. 27 - Timmins
• Nov. 7 - Thunder Bay
• Nov. 9 - Kenora
• Nov. 15 - North Bay
• Nov. 16 - Sault Ste. Marie

More information about these sessions is available on the Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy website.

People can also participate by reading and providing feedback on the discussion paper that will be available online later this month; submitting ideas on Twitter and tagging @OnMinTransport and #NorthONtransport; emailing the ministry; or leaving a comment online.

Improving transportation in Northern Ontario is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

Quick facts

• The strategy is being developed in partnership with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
• There will be additional opportunities for the public to provide input before the strategy is finalized by the end of 2017.
• Support for safe, reliable transportation links in the North is an important part of the government's Growth Plan for Northern Ontario. The Growth Plan is helping to create a globally competitive northern economy, support communities, renew and expand modern infrastructure, and foster a healthy environment.

Additional resources

• Strategy Development Process
• Growth Plan for Northern Ontario

Quotes

"Our government is committed to working together with industry, stakeholders, and communities as we develop a transportation strategy that supports Ontario’s economic growth. We encourage Ontarians to join the conversation to help us develop a plan that supports the needs of your communities." - Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation

"Efficient, safe and modern northern transportation systems are vital to creating jobs, driving economic growth and improving the safety of northerners and the travelling public. By participating in the Ministry of Transportation’s request for public input, northern Ontarians will have an opportunity to provide valuable feedback to the province in the development of transportation systems and infrastructure that best serves our communities and families." - Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines