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Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke’s MPP is reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to expanding Highway 17 in the Ottawa Valley despite concerns raised by Renfrew County council.
At a May 27th meeting of Renfrew County’s Development and Property Committee, county leadership figures raised concerns about the expansion project’s absence from the Ontario government’s five-year infrastructure plan.
In an interview, Billy Denault said the province is fully committed to work through the project.
Denault also said the contract for the project is being split up into five smaller contracts, to ensure multiple local businesses can work on the expansion.
Denault added that the project is a part of the province’s $30-billion capital plan for transit.
He says the province is moving forward in a positive direction in regards to the project.
According to Denault, he’s also in regular contact with the Ministry of Transportation. He says many of the county’s concerns aren’t based in the information the Ministry has provided.
In the fall, the Ministry is expected to have a service provider for the design of the expanded highway, and he expects more concrete timelines to become clear once that decision is made.
While he understands some of the concerns raised by the county, he insists that his office is the best place to go for information regarding the expansion.
Contract delivery on the expansion is currently expected to start at some point in 2028, although Denault reminds residents that it’s not set in stone.
Denault also commented on the federal government’s role in the project, saying multiple provincial ministers have written to the federal government requesting their support.
Denault’s constituency office has a petition that’s been tabled in the house urging the federal government to partner with the province on the highway expansion. He says his team is continuing to advocate for the project as his own personal top priority as local MPP.
A public meeting about the project is being held at the Murray Yantha Centre in McNab-Braeside on Thursday, June 18th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Denault is encouraging residents to attend.
Denault also shared the following written statement:
“To the residents of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke,
“I am writing in response to concerns raised at a recent County Council meeting regarding the Highway 17 expansion project between Arnprior and Bruce Street.
“Following the meeting, I spoke directly with the Ministry of Transportation and the Premier’s Office to seek clarification on the issues that were raised. I would like to provide residents with the most up-to-date information available regarding this important project.
“The Ontario Government continues to take steps to widen this highway section, supporting the safe movement of people and goods in eastern Ontario. There are no changes to plans for the delivery of this expansion project since the February 2026 announcement.
“The ministry noted that the phasing plan and timelines in the RFP are intended to help service providers prepare their bids. The plan shows contract delivery dates starting in 2028, with the final contract identified for delivery in 2032, and the design assignment concluding in 2034. However, the actual phasing and construction schedule will be determined as detailed design progresses. This will depend on factors such as Indigenous consultation, and obtaining required approvals and permits, including third-party crossings, utility coordination, and other requirements.
“Indigenous consultation started in 2020/21, is ongoing and will continue through the design and construction.
“Significant utilities relocations have been completed to date to prepare for the twinning project. The remaining utilities are on track to be relocated prior to construction beginning.
“The ministry and I recognize Highway 17 as a critical link in the Trans-Canada Highway system and a vital trade corridor, connecting communities across eastern Ontario and supporting the movement of people and goods throughout our region.
“On April 20, 2026, Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria and Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth George Pirie wrote to Federal Minister of Transport Steven McKinnon requesting federal support to accelerate continued widening of Highway 11 and Highway 17.
“As stated in the February 27, 2026 announcement, a public information meeting will be held on June 18, 2026, at the Murray Yantha Community Centre in McNab/Braeside from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. I encourage residents to attend, speak directly with ministry staff, and learn more about the project and the next steps ahead.
“Please be assured that Highway 17 remains one of my highest priorities. While work continues toward the expansion between Arnprior and Bruce Street, our government is continuing to invest in transportation infrastructure across the riding, In the northern section of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, the Highway 17 corridor from Chalk River through to Head, Clara and Maria Township will be paved this summer, improving safety and accessibility for residents, visitors, tourists and cottage owners alike.
“As your voice at Queen’s Park, I remain committed to raising this issue at every opportunity and advocating for the timely advancement of this critical project. Highway 17 is more than a roadway, it is a lifeline for our communities, businesses, and families. Because this project matters to the people of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, you can be rest assured it matters deeply to me as well.
“Sincerely,
“Billy Denault, MPP
“Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke”
(Written by Steve Berard)
