While it’s hard to find fault with a cynic of HWY 174 after so little action by provincial and municipal officials, there is more work being done this year than in the previous ten.

Our residents have made it clear – “idle governing” will no longer be tolerated.

As such, the City and province are contributing towards ending the daily grind on HWY 174. Ottawa on the Move will provide reconstruction from the Split to Montreal Road.

We have also approved a $5 million EA to widen from the Split to Rockland after the last council rejected $80 million from the federal and provincial governments.

There is also a review of Orléans transportation priorities with a view to bring LRT to Orléans ASAP, along with a $17 million investment to extend Brian Coburn Blvd to Navan Road.

The Province is expanding Hwy 417 from the split to Nicholas; consultations on the final design underway with construction to begin after designs have been completed.

Until residents spend less time in their cars and more time with their families, the job is not done and we shouldn’t be patting ourselves on the back – but after decades of inaction progress is being made.

Stephen Blais
City Councillor, Cumberland Ward

(Better late – really late! – than never)