THUNDER BAY - Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the Ontario government remains committed to twinning Highway 17 west of Kenora, but the start of work hinges on consultations with stakeholders, notably First Nations.
The MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North said in an interview on Friday that "We're going to take another good run at it."
Last week, Kenora MP Bob Nault expressed frustration on learning that a provincial government document showed the project has been delayed until at least 2021.
Nault said it was "disappointing and disturbing," citing the importance of the project for highway safety and for economic development in northwestern Ontario.
The Liberal MP pointed a finger both at Gravelle and Ontario Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca.
He said he had spoken at length with Gravelle about the need to start twinning to the Manitoba border as soon as possible, and "believed him to be onside. To have this new timeline revealed without consultation or notification is simply unacceptable," he said.
Nault also complained about the failure of his repeated efforts to get a response from Del Duca after the minister previously agreed to meet with the Chiefs of five affected First Nations and other stakeholders in the highway project.
Gravelle said Friday that he conversed recently with Nault and understands the MP's frustration, adding "Certainly there is frustration to go around."
But he highlighted the need for a negotiated agreement with interested parties. "There are significant consultations that still need to take place...They are ongoing between the province, the federal government and First Nations...in terms of how the four-laning can impact those communities, in particular, Shoal Lake 39. We're trying to work with them on moving forward."
Gravelle said Nault can help bring the parties together, and the Ontario government would like to work with the federal member to make that happen.
The minister noted that there are also issues involving private landowners and the Trans-Canada Pipeline along the highway route, and other issues related to the route-planning study.
As the minister responsible for the government's Northern Highways Program, Gravelle said it's his priority to start work as quickly as possible, beginning with a 15-kilometre stretch of highway between Rush Bay Road and Manitoba.
Kenora Mayor David Canfield has said he's worried that the province has run out of money for northwestern Ontario highway work because of the recent focus on twinning between Thunder Bay and Nipigon.
Gravelle denied that, saying "this is about making sure that we move through the consultation process properly."
Shoal Lake #39 First Nation, he said, is one of the communities the province is working with most closely. "They have a number of issues on the table, and we respect that. Now it's important that we elevate the discussion."
