Province commits $6M to Batchawana Bay rest area
The Ontario government is spending $6 million to upgrade a highway rest area in the north.
The Batchawana Bay rest area on Highway 17 near Sault Ste. Marie. It is the only stop of its kind that can accommodate truck drivers in the middle of a 220-kilometre stretch of the highway.
The province says the expansion supports the safe movement of people and goods across the region.
“Ontario’s truckers are crucial to our economy, keeping our shelves stocked and moving $3 billion worth of goods on our highways every day,” said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria. “No matter where they’re travelling, these men and women should have confidence in safe and reliable rest stops.”
The upgraded amenities will include newly constructed entrance and exit lanes, giving truck drivers year-round access to heated washrooms and a separate parking area with nine spaces for commercial vehicles. The washrooms will also be renovated with new fixtures, enhanced lighting and upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The rest area will also be fitted with free Wi-Fi, personal device charging stations, a TV with information displays and closed-circuit television cameras. Work will also be done to support underground infrastructure to allow for future electric vehicle charging stations.
“The improvements to the Batchawana Bay rest area are welcome news for all who travel Highway 17 north. These improvements will create greater safety on the highway through all seasons,” said Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano. “Our government will continue to invest in upgrading our highway system across northern Ontario, making travel easier and safer for all drivers.”
Once the upgrades to Batchawana Bay rest area are complete, visitors will continue to have access to picnic tables, a foot wash station, a pet exercise area and a public seating area.
Pioneer Construction Inc. has been awarded the contract for the Batchawana Bay rest area project.
As part of a five-year plan to improve the rest area network across Ontario, the government is upgrading 14 existing rest areas, building 10 new rest areas and adding 165 additional truck parking spaces at four existing ONroute locations.