The County of Renfrew has asked the Ontario government to fast-track the extension of Highway 417 from Scheel Drive near Arnprior to Bruce Street in the Renfrew–Horton area, while moving ahead with a phased upgrade of Highway 17 between Renfrew and Deep River. County officials say the routes are critical to regional connectivity, economic activity and public safety.
Highways 17 and 417 serve as the primary corridors for moving people and goods across Eastern Ontario. With rail service discontinued in 2010, the routes have become increasingly important to major employers such as Garrison Petawawa and CNL, while also supporting the transport of Northern Ontario resources to the Port of Montreal.
The issue of twinning Highway 17 has been a priority for Pembroke mayor Ron Gervais throughout his tenure and continues to be a major area of concern. The Highway 417 extension announced in 2019 remains without a firm completion date. Highway 17 includes 11 signalized intersections, several identified as collision hotspots. Just 19 per cent of the 110-kilometre corridor between Renfrew and Deep River has passing lanes, a factor officials say contributes to unsafe driving conditions.
(Richard Evans)