After months of waiting, the Ontario government is moving forward with the building process for Highway 413. This follows an agreement reached with the federal government to proceed, despite the strong environmental protections that are in place. So, what stage is the highway in, and where will it be placed? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know when it comes to Ontario’s Highway 413 construction.
Highway 413 to Fix Gridlock Issues in GTA
Highway 413 was first publicly discussed in 2002. However, it wasn’t until August 2020 that we saw an actual confirmation from the government. The highway is proposed to run 52 kilometres throughout the GTA, spanning the York, Peel, and Halton regions. It will connect to Highway 400 in the east between King Road and Kirby Road, and to the Highway 401/407 ETR interchange in the west. The highway is made to help with the ongoing problem of traffic and congestion that Toronto has faced for years.
“We are delivering on our promise to build Highway 413 with a plan to fix gridlock and get drivers across Halton, Peel and York regions where they need to go faster,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Highway 413 will help meet the needs of our growing province as a prosperity corridor. It will create thousands of good-paying union jobs during the construction phase and make life easier and more convenient for millions of drivers in the GTA and across Ontario. We’re getting it done.”
In addition to the 413 expansion, a proposal is underway for a Highway 401 Tunnel. Click here to learn more!
The Province is Currently Undertaking Fieldwork
Currently, the province is undertaking fieldwork, including borehole drilling and engineering. This is done to evaluate soil composition and bedrock depth. Additionally, they are meeting with property owners to acquire land at fair market value. Under the Get it Done Act, if passed, land expediting is expected to begin in the fall. The province plans to release the first construction contracts for the construction of Highway 413 in 2025, pending receipt of all necessary approvals.
“We have a responsibility to ensure Ontario drivers have more time to spend on the moments that matter in life, not stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Highway 413 will bring much-needed relief to drivers across the GTA.”
As progress is made, the province is continuing to work with union and industry partners. This is so that high-paying jobs can be made for Ontario workers. During the construction phase, the province is expected to contribute $350 million to the province’s real GDP. Additionally, the province is said to support 3,500 jobs each year while Highway 413 is being constructed. These jobs include:
- Heavy equipment operators
- Drilling and coring contractors
- Concrete and steel workers
- Utility contractors
- Environmental specialists
- Laboratory technologists
- Safety inspectors
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is reviving our construction sector with critical infrastructure projects like Highway 413. This will create thousands of well-paying careers,” says David Piccini. Piccini is part of the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
“The skilled trades are a major driver of Ontario’s economic prosperity. As our government makes record investments in job-creating critical infrastructure, we’re proud to work with union and industry partners through our over $1 billion Skills Development Fund.”
Not Everyone is for the Construction of Highway 413
Although the government is adamant about proceeding with the construction of Highway 413, not everyone seems to be in favour of it. Michael DiMuccio, a director of the grassroots organisation “Stop the 413 Now,” who lives near the proposed path of Highway 413 in Vaughan, said he has noticed an uptick in activity in the area.
“All of a sudden, we have construction people moving into the neighbourhood,” DiMuccio says.
Stop The 413 Now points out that they believe the construction of Highway 413 will ignore the immediate transportation relief and economic advantage possible by using Highway 407 for trucks. On top of this, they believe the money would be better spent in other areas, such as transit, healthcare, and affordable housing. Additionally, the organisation notes that this will result in the loss of thousands of acres of prime farmland, thereby increasing the risk to habitats and endangered species.
Conclusion
Overall, Highway 413 is a central component of the government’s greater transportation plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. This plan is designed to enhance travel options and stimulate economic growth throughout the region. Additionally, reducing commute times and improving connections to housing and jobs. For now, remember to ensure you have the right insurance policy in place when driving on the highways. Contact us at isure or request a quote today.
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