Ontario to Invest in Northern Rest Areas

THUNDER BAY, ON – The province of Ontario has committed to building four new rest areas in Northern Ontario and will also expand or repair 10 existing facilities.

The announcement was made October 9 by Transport Minister Caroline Mulroney and Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. Improvements will include more bathrooms, improved lighting, and increased parking.

As part of the government's commitment to raising awareness and combating human trafficking, the province is exploring anti-human trafficking measures at rest areas, such as improved lighting, posting information such as a support hotline and adding security cameras.

To support the province’s trucking sector, Ontario has also provided portable washrooms at 32 truck inspection stations providing a place to stop and rest safely.

Ontario 511 and the 511 app, with its easy-to-use map view and drive mode, will be updated whenever a rest area is expanded or developed to identify new facilities for truckers.

A list of projects can be found here.