Ontario Premier Doug Ford is optimistic that Prime Minister Mark Carney will support his proposal for a tunnel beneath Highway 401 spanning the Greater Toronto Area. While there is no confirmation of Ottawa’s endorsement yet, Ford remains hopeful about Carney’s backing.
Carney recently unveiled the first batch of projects deemed to be in the national interest, intended to bolster the country’s economy amidst U.S. tariffs. Among these projects was the construction of small modular nuclear reactors in Ontario. Ford revealed that the next phase will likely involve accessing the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region, a move hinted at in Carney’s announcement, which also highlighted energy, high-speed rail, and port developments.
Although Ford did not confirm any direct assurances from Carney, he expressed confidence in the Prime Minister’s support for expediting the tunnel construction under Highway 401. Highlighting the economic significance of the highway as a vital artery for North America’s commerce, Ford emphasized the urgent need to address the gridlock issues costing billions in productivity losses.
Ford’s proposal includes the tunnel project among his top five recommendations to Carney, alongside initiatives such as a deep-sea port in James Bay and expanded GO train services. While Ford champions the tunnel as a solution to traffic congestion and productivity challenges in Toronto, critics have dismissed it as impractical.
Opposition leader Marit Stiles criticized Ford’s inclusion of the tunnel in his list of priorities to Carney, suggesting that such vanity projects could obscure essential nation-building endeavors. Despite the skeptics, Ontario has initiated a request for proposals for a feasibility study on the tunnel project, signaling the government’s commitment to moving forward with the plan.
Ford envisions a large-scale tunnel accommodating multiple traffic levels from Brampton to Scarborough, with the potential for various stop/start points along key highways. The feasibility study will explore different tunnel configurations to optimize traffic flow and transit connectivity in the Greater Toronto Area.