KENORA — Premier Doug Ford says that there is almost nothing more frustrating than potholes and bad roads. The Premier said this speaking at Bowman Electric in Kenora flanked by Dryden Mayor Wilson, and Kenora MPP Minister Greg Rickford.
The Premier says that “Ontario is on fire” with the economy doing better than ever.
Ontario is putting people first through a new infrastructure project in Kenora that will improve road safety and commutes for drivers by fixing potholes and tackling much-needed road repairs.
“I know many Northerners are fed up about the delays in road repairs in the region,” said Premier Ford. “Fixing these roads is a matter of safety for Northern drivers, especially when it comes to winter driving. Our government is going to put shovels in the ground, repair our roads, and ensure Northerners can get to where they need to go safely and quickly.”
This project will include full roadway reconstruction of 1.7 km of Railway Street and 10th Avenue South in Kenora, worth about $3.9 million in provincial funding. The project will fix potholes, replace sidewalks, and add on-road cycling lanes and new street lighting to make these roads safer for the community. People in Kenora will also benefit from shorter travel times, gaining more time to spend with friends and family.
Ontario is also investing $1.4 million to fix Van Horne Avenue in Dryden, which will replace the asphalt surface and curbs, and repair sidewalks to improve road safety and accessibility.
“Keeping people and goods moving in Kenora-Rainy River and across Northern Ontario is a priority for this government,” said Minister Rickford. “Funding critical road reconstruction in Kenora and Dryden improves our local infrastructure and supports our plan to develop our economy in Northwestern Ontario.”
This upgrade and reconstruction project will improve road safety right across the region and connect people with jobs, and businesses with customers — helping to make Northern Ontario Open for Business.
“We’re continuing to work with municipalities, families and businesses to make smart investments in our infrastructure,” said Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure. “Our investments are supporting job creation and growing the economy for hard-working families in Ontario.”
“The City of Kenora is extremely grateful for the Ford government recognizing the importance of local infrastructure improvements and this investment in Kenora,” said Mayor Daniel Reynard, City of Kenora. “This is an important area to our citizens to see these improvements and this project will realize a long outstanding capital need. This announcement of infrastructure funding is on the cusp of completing Phase IV of Kenora’s downtown revitalization plan and improvements to this area only add to the vitality of our business community with a vital link to residences. We thank Minister Rickford and Premier Ford for the investment in the City of Kenora.”
“The City of Dryden is very appreciative of this important infrastructure investment in our community,” said Mayor Greg Wilson, City of Dryden. “Premier Ford and Minister Rickford have proven that they are aware of the needs of our area with this funding announcement today.”
