Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger says he'll fight to ensure the four-laning of Highway 69 is completed.
In a news release Sunday, Bigger said that the new Progressive Conservative government has said it's reviewing the project as part of its line-by-line review of spending, but haven't said they won't complete it.
“It is commonplace for every new government to analyze projects between phases and prioritize spending but there’s been no formal indication or cause for concern with regards to the finishing of Highway 69,” the letter said.
Bigger said finishing the project is vital to Northerners and is something that should be above politics.
“I have met with several ministers since the election and though they are going through all spending line by line, I can tell you I will be advocating, lobbying and doing everything in my power to ensure this government understands the economic value and just how safer travel is now from Toronto to Sudbury, Sault. Marie and beyond. Highway 69 is much more than just Sudbury, it’s the main transportation artery of Northern Ontario. It’s a priority that’s above politics.”
Bigger said he was “taken back a bit” when asked by sudbury.com last week whether he had spoken to anyone in the provincial government regarding the future of the project.
“It’s not that we’ve been taken by surprise, it’s that there is no information that says the project will not proceed,” Bigger is quoted as saying in the release.
“For four years, I have been working with every level of government, federal and provincial and have seen both levels change power. It takes leadership, collaboration and patience to keep working together effectively. Confrontation makes great headlines, but it doesn’t accomplish many things.”
Full text of Brian Bigger's letter:
Fighting to finish Highway 69
Brian Bigger is committed to seeing this historic project come to completion.
There has been much speculation and talk within the community about the fate of the remaining unfinished portions of the four-laning of Highway 69.
Mayor Bigger wants to assure residents and those who drive the stretch between Sudbury and Barrie that he will do everything in his power and leverage every contact he can to see this project through.
“I was taken back a bit when approached last week about the project being stalled or even shelved,” said Bigger. “It’s not that we’ve been taken by surprise, it’s that there is no information that says the project will not proceed.”
It is commonplace for every new government to analyze projects between phases and prioritize spending but there’s been no formal indication or cause for concern with regards to the finishing of Highway 69.
“I have met with several ministers since the election and though they are going through all spending line by line, I can tell you I will be advocating, lobbying and doing everything in my power to ensure this government understands the economic value and just how safer travel is now from Toronto to Sudbury, Sault. Marie and beyond. Highway 69 is much more than just Sudbury, it’s the main transportation artery of Northern Ontario. It’s a priority that’s above politics.”
Bigger also called for calm and urged people not to rush too quickly or jump to conclusions with the new government at Queen’s Park.
“For four years, I have been working with every level of government, federal and provincial and have seen both levels change power. It takes leadership, collaboration and patience to keep working together effectively. Confrontation makes great headlines, but it doesn’t accomplish many things.”
Brian Bigger
