The County of Renfrew lays out their push to continue expanding Highway 417 through the region
The County of Renfrew’s latest call to action for its residents spells out two very clear options for traffic along one of its longest stretches of road.
A recent social media post describes it as “two highways, two realities;” a choice between what they call a “safe, efficient, and connected” Highway 417 and the “dangerous, outdated, and isolated” Highway 17, which Warden Peter Emon argues is hindering growth within the county.
Emon and the county are calling on the province to provide more clarity on when and how Highway 17 will become Highway 417 as the four-lane highway expands through the region.
He says that, while the Ford government has assured him that the money has been allocated to complete the work over several phases, the province has yet to set a concrete date to begin a project that the county has been waiting patiently for.
The Warden calls Highway 417 an important step in developing thriving communities and attracting business to Renfrew County, pointing to the benefits communities that are connected to the very first phase of the project have already experienced.
The County has established two online resources in connection with their efforts to expand the highway to four lanes, including their “Think Renfrew County” campaign to support local businesses and their online call to action on the Highway 417 expansion, where residents can download and sign a sample letter supporting the project that can then be sent to the candidates in the upcoming provincial election.
(written by Kasey Egan)