Getting from Here to There, Part 2
Getting from Here to There, Part 2: System Gaps and Their Policy Implications
March 2017 | Julien Bonin
As the second report on the Getting from Here to There series, this piece identifies gaps in the transportation network in the regions of Northern Ontario and provides policy recommendations.
The road network has numerous gaps, which worsen as the distance from urban areas increases. Such gaps make the network vulnerable to delays and disruptions. The approach undertaken has been to four-lane, or twin, highways. Such upgrades strengthen key links, increase road safety, and improve accessibility. Additional policy is required to address the lack of road accessibility of First Nation communities, particularly in the Kenora District.
The Motorcoach service is restricted to the road network and is subject to its conditions and disruptions. Road disruptions or closures, therefore, also result in a disruption of the motorcoach service. A decline in profitability for motorcoach services has resulted in reduced services. Change in motorcoach service significantly impacts the elderly population since many older individuals can no longer drive or choose not to. Increased accessibility and mobility for Indigenous communities are also required.
The railway network lacks passenger service, North-South access, and the support infrastructure to service the Northern Ontario economy efficiently. Greater collaboration between all levels of government (municipal, provincial, and federal) and private stakeholders is required to utilize the economic potential of rail for the Northern economy. For passenger services, infrastructure should be instituted to increase the connections between the largest urban centres.
Airports suffer from an aging and deteriorating infrastructure. A future infrastructure reduction is expected since newer airplanes cannot safely land or take off on the current gravel runways.
Seaports are underutilized and should be expanded. The seaports, however, need to be upgraded to increase the volume of shipments and to accommodate different types of products.
To know more about the gaps in the transportation network in the regions of Northern Ontario and its opportunities for expansion and growth, click here:
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Related Research:
Connecting the Dots: Lessons from the International & Community Matchmaker Northwest Pilot