Province wants feedback on Northern transportation strategy.

• Position: NEWS

The province is seeking feedback from Ontarians after releasing a draft of the long-awaited 2041 Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy on July 12.

Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, the strategy will help guide provincial transportation strategy for Northern Ontario's transportation system over the next 25 years.

It outlines goals with respect to all modes of transportation, including air, rail, road and marine.

"Our government is committed to ensuring a safe and efficient transportation network exists across the province, and especially in Northern Ontario," said Steven Del Duca, minister of transportation, in a release.

"We know that there are unique challenges that people in the North face, whether you live in Kapuskasing, work in Sault Ste. Marie, or attend school in Thunder Bay."

The strategy outlines five goals:

* Increase and modernize transportation options to support everyday living and economic activity in Northern Ontario.

* Enhance traveller safety and system reliability and minimize travel delays and complications.

* Work with remote and Far North communities to address unique transportation needs with more reliable connections between communities and to the all-season ground transportation network.

* Anticipate and respond to economic, technological, environmental and social change to link people, resources and businesses.

* Create a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system in Northern Ontario by reducing GHG and other environmental and human health impacts.

To increase transportation options, the province suggests "reinvigorating passenger rail service where appropriate," in addition to four-laning the...