Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated on Wednesday that he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of buying back Highway 407, a toll highway in the Greater Toronto Area that his government has been contemplating purchasing for several years.
Background on Highway 407
- Highway 407 is currently owned by a consortium of investors led by Cintra S.A.U. and Ferrovial S.A., two Spanish companies.
- The province has been studying the feasibility of acquiring the highway since 2019, when it announced plans to purchase it for $3 billion.
- Discussions regarding the acquisition have not been confirmed as ongoing or serious by the premier’s office.
Concerns and Challenges
- The initial plan to buy Highway 407 stalled after then-finance minister Vic Fedeli raised concerns about its cost and potential impact on taxpayers.
- The province estimated that taking over Highway 407 would require tens of billions of dollars in investment over several decades.
Infrastructure Needs
During an unrelated event at a construction site in Brampton, Ford emphasized that investment alone would not necessarily alleviate traffic congestion in the region. He stated:
“We need new infrastructure projects.”
Key Points from Ford’s Remarks:
- Simply adding more lanes to existing highways will not provide a long-term solution to traffic issues.
- New infrastructure projects, such as Highway 413 or a tunnel under Hwy. 401, are essential for building capacity.
- Adding more lanes will “not solve anything long-term.”
Current Transportation Initiatives
The Ontario Progressive Conservative party campaigned on promises to build more roads and highways during last year’s election campaign. However, they have yet to announce any major transportation initiatives beyond those already underway, which include:
- Widening sections of Hwy-427 north from Toronto Pearson International Airport into Vaughan.
- Extending GO Transit rail service westward from downtown Toronto into Mississauga along Hurontario St., which is also being widened with private funding from Metrolinx partner Infrastructure Ontario (IO).
Public Sentiment on Highway Tolls
Highway tolls have become increasingly unpopular among commuters, with some drivers paying upwards of $20 per day for their daily commutes, depending on their distance from work.
Government Response
A spokesperson for Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney declined to comment on whether she had discussed buying back Highway 407 with her colleagues recently. In response to inquiries about alternatives to purchasing the highway, Mulroney’s office highlighted that:
- The provincial government has already partnered with private sector companies through Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) on several major transportation projects, including GO Transit rail expansion.
Current Partnerships Include:
- A partnership between Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario (IO) along Hurontario St..
- A planned partnership involving IO along Eglinton Ave W, extending eastward across Etobicoke towards downtown Mississauga, both expected to be completed before the end of the decade.
A spokesperson for Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy also declined to comment on any plans related to acquiring highways.
Conclusion
As discussions around Highway 407 continue, the Ontario government faces significant challenges in addressing traffic congestion and public sentiment regarding tolls. The focus on new infrastructure projects and potential partnerships may shape the future of transportation in the region.
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