The Need For Paved Shoulders in Northern Ontario

The Highway 65 Coalition, citizens of Temiskaming, health care advocates and entire municipalities are asking for meter-wide paved shoulders to be included along Highway 65 West from New Liskeard to Kenabeek.

We create this petition directed at the Minister of Transportation, Glenn Murray asking him to commit to investing in our highway system by including meter-wide paved shoulders along Highway 65 West and further for all new roadway projects in this region and the north.

Meter-wide shoulders should be included on all new paving projects taking place in Temiskaming and northern Ontario.

Not one kilometre of new paving should be installed in northern Ontario without at least a meter-wide paved shoulder.

This is an issue involving the safety,the economy and health of the residents of Temiskaming.

The condition of road infrastructure directly affects our health and quality of life.

Studies reveal the benefits of paved shoulders reduce accidents,increase the safety factor for motorists and cyclists and makes economic sense because roadways with paved shoulders last longer.

We assert that paved shoulders lead to safer roads thus spurring economic growth, job creation and keeps people and goods moving.

The government seems to be concerned with obesity levels and the costs to the health care system.

Paved shoulders would support healthy activities like cycling, running and walking that would promote positive health outcomes.

Because the Ontario Northland passenger train was cancelled recently, all we have in terms of transportation is our roads.

Roadways in desperate need of upgrading.

We now rely on our roads to get from point A to point B.

The recent cancellation of the Ontario Northlander passenger train has resulted in increased bus and car traffic putting extra strains on our roads.

We don't have the luxury of subways, streetcars, Go-trains and four-landed highways that most of southern Ontario enjoys.

LOWERING OF STANDARDS

Professional risk management evidence is available attesting to the lowering of standards for northern roadways resulting in increased accidents, injuries and yes, even deaths.

Lowering of standards means eliminating paved shoulders from our roads. 

This is simply not acceptable.

The standards for northern highways should not be compromised to save money.

We shouldn't accept any less when it comes to safe roads.

Visitors to the region are shocked at the condition of our roadways compared to southern Ontario and in nearby Quebec.

A paved shoulder is a gesture of a progressive government concerned about the safety of its citizenry.

We are committed to working with the government to make our roadways more "liveable and safe".

We ask the Ministry of Transportation to create a strategic master plan for northern highways that has safety at the forefront which would include paved shoulders.

Thank you, merci, meegwetch for signing this petition.