Following fatal collision, Batchawana Bay travel lodge voices Hwy. 17 safety concerns
Following a fatal collision last week, a popular travel stop along Highway 17 near the Sault is voicing its concerns over highway safety.
The owners of the Voyageurs' Lodge & Cookhouse near Batchawana Bay are calling on the provincial government to overhaul northern highways in a major way, in order to keep up with an increased traffic flow in a safe manner.
"This highway was built in the 1960s and has gone relatively unchanged, despite more cars on the roadways," said owner Frank O'Connor. "It might be costly, but we certainly have to look at making this highway wider and giving people more room to react."
O'Connor said he felt the need to speak out on social media, after five collisions this summer on Highway 17, between the Sault and Wawa.
O'Connor said he's in favour of adding paved shoulders for emergencies and easily identifiable turning lanes that make getting off the highway safer.
"We can't keep letting people die on our roads," O'Connor said. "It's time for the provincial government to step up and say you know what, it's time to improve the highway."
An entirely female motorcycle club visiting O'Connor's lodge, agrees.
The southern Ontario group, known as the Burbilly Girls, said they often ride up north to visit some of the region's beauty.
However, they said a lack of paved shoulders, rough roads and turning lanes can often make the trek a challenging and scary one.
"What makes me nervous is the oncoming traffic behind us," said Carrie Arpa, a member of the group. "Are you going to get hit from behind or if you're making a left? Will they see you in time?"
The MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin has long been advocating for increased safety along northern roadways.
But Michael Mantha said the need is even more urgent, as he expects more out-of-region travellers to visit as pandemic restrictions continue to ease.
"Our roads are not as wide as they are in southern Ontario, so those in southern Ontario coming up here are not used to those decisions," he said.
Mantha said widening the roads is definitely needed to keep everyone safe along the north's highways.
According to the Sault MPP, those plans are already in place.
"I was chatting with Minister (Caroline) Mulroney about the potential of even a three-lane project," said Ross Romano. "We have heard about that and there is some investigation into that right now."
Romano said he expects an assessment on its feasibility and other possible safety measures, to take quite some time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.