Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Preliminary Design, Detail Design and Class EA Study for the Highway 11/17 Four-Laning:

What is the purpose of this study?

This Preliminary and Detail Design Study will propose a four-laned Detail Design alternative to address the current and future needs of Highway 11/17 within the study limits.  The proposed four-laning will:

What is the Ministry’s long-term plan for Highway 11/17 through this area?

The Ministry has a long-term plan for a four-lane divided Highway 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon to support a strategic link in the Trans-Canada Highway system. All Highway 11/17 four-laning projects are subject to environmental assessments and detailed engineering design. The Province will consult with regulatory agencies, municipalities, First Nation and Aboriginal communities, and the general public during planning and environmental studies.

Who are stakeholders?

Stakeholders are broadly defined as any individual or group that is affected by or is interested in the study. MTO is committed to an extensive consultation and engagement program, one that actively engages and involves members of the public and local interest groups, non-government organizations (NGOs), municipalities, First Nation and Aboriginal communities, regulatory agencies, businesses, and industry.

Have local municipalities been involved in the study?

Yes, local municipalities (the Township of Dorion, Municipality of Shuniah, and local emergency services) have been involved throughout the study. We will continue to consult with local officials as the study progresses.

What is the current status of the project?

Since study commencement, the Project Team has reviewed and identified existing environmental conditions and sensitivities through review of background materials, field investigations and inventory to update the existing environmental conditions / constraints and the preliminary design plan, as they were identified in the Environmental Study Report (1997) for this section of Highway 11/17.  The findings were presented at the first PIC for review and comment, which was held on April 13, 2016 at the Dorion Public School and Community Centre from 4:30pm – 8:00pm.

An Addendum to the 1997 ESR has been completed to document changes to the original Approved Four-Lane Plan for Highway 11/17 and is available for a 30-day public and agency review period from Thursday, October 13, 2016 to Monday, November 14, 2016. A copy of the report has been posted on the Reports page on this website, and is available for review at the locations noted on the Notice of Filing – 1997 ESR Addendum.

How is the proposed plan being selected?  Do I have a say?

To select the proposed plan, consideration was given to engineering/transportation requirements, the natural, socio-economic and cultural environment, and cost. Based on the evaluation of criteria, the preferred alternatives and options were chosen as the proposed plan.

You may provide comments regarding the evaluation criteria and proposed plan and submit it to the Project Team at any time during the study.

What is the timing for construction?

A provincial funding commitment for the construction of the four-laning of this portion of Highway 11/17 is included in the 2016 Ontario Budget.  Construction of the new 4-lane highway is anticipated to start as early as 2018.

My property may be impacted by the Proposed Plan. What is MTOs Property Purchasing Process?

Property acquisition is normally started two to three years before a scheduled construction project. There is a process that is followed, as outlined in the MTO Property Purchasing Pamphlet, however, each property is dealt with on a case-by-case scenario. If you have specific questions, please contact on the Project Members listed in the Contact Us section of this website.

Once the acquisition process commences, appraisals are prepared to determine fair market value of the requirements. A member of the property office will work with each owner to negotiate an amicable acquisition and deal with specific issues involved.

A copy of the MTO Highway Property Purchasing information brochure is available on the project website under the Reports section of this website.

How do I get involved in this study?

To receive direct notification regarding study activities, events, and milestone reports, etc., interested persons are encouraged to request their name be put on the project’s mailing list. To get on the mailing list, refer to the Contact Us section of this website.

If you have additional questions, please contact the study team.  Our contact details are included in the Contact Us section of this website.