By Rosalind Russell – Michael Mantha, the MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin says the Ford government is still failing to address snow removal issues for Highways 11 and 17.
Mantha says Friday’s announcement from the Ministry of Transportation that the two main Northern highways must be cleared within 12 hours is a step in the right direction, but still not enough.
He says the government created a new clearing standard to avoid applying the same 8-hour clearing requirement to the Trans Canada highways as highways in southern Ontario.
He emphasizes the government should give Highways 11 and 17 the same priority as the 400-series and ensure that the contracts for snow removal are being fulfilled promptly to ensure the safety of travellers.
Photo: Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Mantha says the new clearing standard for snow removal on Highways 11 and 17 from 16 to 12 hours is still not good enough. Photo – unsplash.com