Towards a Northern Ontario…

Towards a Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy Discussion Paper

Comments

Chapter-3

-The existing Ontario 511 app for mobile devices has its limitations. It currently does not provide on time construction reports or reported construction activity on northern Ontario highways. It is mostly geared to commuter traffic for southern Ontario urban centers.

-Issue of decreasing collisions with wildlife and collisions between vehicles. Currently Ontario's Highway Traffic Act doesn't require the use of DRLs(Daytime Running Lights). Provinces should get together and make it mandatory to use DRL’s. Another measure to consider is the use of rumble strips. All new construction on Trans Canada highway network should incorporate adding rumble strips regardless of area. This may reduce collisions due to improper passing or driver fatigue.

Rest Area Needs

-Extend On Route service centers on Trans Canada highway network in northern Ontario.

Rail

-Need to reinstate passenger rail service between major urban centers in northern Ontario. All passenger or commuter rail service is subsidized in this province. Why should northern Ontario suddenly become an exception. Reinstate ONTC passenger rail service from Cochrane to Toronto.

Bus

-Inter-community bus service connections must be enhanced. Bus service connections must be integrated with rail service, paying attention to better connection times and service delivery. The traveling experience must be improved (enhanced comfort, better connection times, etc….).

Chapter-4

-Any strategy to support industry regarding transportation into the future must include a clearer objective as to the future four laning of the Trans-Canada network. This study must be more forceful regarding the future of four laning in northern Ontario. Where is the provincial strategy regarding this issue? Most of the other provinces in Canada are making commitments regarding their own four laning objectives. Must get federal government on board.

-A further case for injecting new life in the rail passenger network in northern Ontario is demonstrated by the fact that foreign tourists in particular European tourists, prefer rail travel versus the more uncomfortable option of traveling by road on long distances to reach a particular tourist destination.

Ring of Fire

-Any future considerations for the development of a transportation strategy for the Ring of Fire should include a role for the ONTC. A rail freight role for the ONTC would greatly enhance its bottom line and provide future employment for communities such as North Bay. The ONTC must become a revenue generator for the province once again.

-The development of the use of dirigibles for the transportation of freight tonnage could also be considered for the Ring of Fire.

Chapter-5

-Winter Road and Airport Funding and Responsibilities There are too many jurisdictions involved regarding winter road responsibilities. A possible solution would be to involve setting up a corporation amongst indigenous organizations and make them responsible for the funding envelope and the management of funds for the sole purpose of maintaining and upgrading of the winter road and the all weather roads network.

Chapter-6

Passenger Transportation-

Multi-Occupancy Approaches must include an enhanced focus on increased rail transportation.

Trucking-

Additional four laning of northern ontario’s road network would go a long way in mitigating the effects of climate change by making truck transportation more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

Chapter-7

Rail Where Feasible

-This premise is wrong

-Reinstatement of previous rail networks are feasible. Like all forms of rail transport in Canada are heavily subsidized, future rail passenger development offer a better form of transportation for residents of northern Ontario.

[Original Comment ID: 205338]