Safer Highways, More Affordable Homes Near Transit

Summary#

Bill 70 changes two Ontario laws to improve transportation and add affordable housing on some public lands. It directs Metrolinx to help link city bike-share systems with transit, requires a share of affordable homes on housing built on Metrolinx land sales, and sets stricter rules for winter road care and upgrades on key northern highways.

• Metrolinx must promote and help integrate routes, fares, and schedules of municipal bike-share systems with the regional transit network.
• When Metrolinx sells land for housing, at least 20% of the homes built must meet Ontario’s definition of “affordable residential units.”
• Sets clear standards for Highways 11, 17, and 69: bare pavement within 4 hours after snow stops; ice cleared within 3 hours of awareness; large potholes fixed within 4 days of awareness.
• The Minister must publish a plan within 12 months to convert these highways to a “2+1” design (three lanes with a center passing lane that switches direction every 2–5 km), start construction within 1 year of the plan, and finish within 5 years.
• Requires an annual public report on progress, costs, delays, and procurement (contract) details.

What it means for you#

• Transit riders and cyclists

  • Bike-share and transit could be easier to use together, with better aligned routes, schedules, and possibly simpler fares or passes.
  • First-and-last-mile trips (the short trip to or from a station) may become smoother.

• People looking for housing near transit

  • On housing projects built on land that Metrolinx sells for that purpose, at least 20% of units must be “affordable” under the province’s definition. This could create more lower-cost homes near transit.

• Drivers and communities along Highways 11, 17, and 69

  • Faster snow and ice clearing and quicker fixes for big potholes aim to make winter driving safer and more reliable.
  • A 2+1 highway design should add regular safe passing lanes, which can ease congestion and reduce risky passing.
  • Expect road work over several years once the plan starts, which could mean temporary delays and detours.

• Local governments along the routes

  • The province must consult local communities when designing the 2+1 plan, so municipalities and residents can give input on safety, access, and timing.

• Road workers and construction companies

  • New, time-bound projects and stricter maintenance standards could mean more contract opportunities and more precise performance requirements.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

• Stricter winter maintenance standards and faster pothole repairs would likely increase provincial operating costs for Highways 11, 17, and 69 (e.g., more crews, equipment, materials).
• Converting long stretches to a 2+1 design would require multi-year capital spending on planning, design, construction, and safety features.
• Annual public reporting and consultations add small administrative costs.
• Requiring at least 20% affordable units on housing built on Metrolinx land sales could affect sale proceeds or project financing, depending on each site and market conditions.

Proponents' View#

• Safety and reliability: Faster snow and ice clearing and structured passing lanes reduce collisions and winter closures, especially on major northern routes.
• Better connections: Linking bike-share with transit makes it easier to leave the car at home for short trips to stations.
• More affordable homes near transit: Reserving 20% of units on these public land projects supports mixed-income communities and helps people live closer to work and school.
• Clear timelines and accountability: A public plan, firm deadlines, and annual progress reports make the highway upgrades more transparent.
• Efficient passing without full twinning: A 2+1 design can deliver safety gains at lower cost than building full four-lane highways.

Opponents' View#

• Cost and deliverability: Meeting strict winter standards in heavy storms may be expensive and difficult, especially over long rural distances.
• Tight timelines: Starting within a year and finishing in five may be unrealistic, leading to rushed work, higher costs, or fewer bidders.
• Construction disruptions: Multi-year upgrades could bring frequent lane closures and delays for residents and freight.
• Housing trade-offs: A 20% affordability requirement on Metrolinx land sales may complicate financing, reduce sale proceeds, or limit overall housing built on those sites.
• Limited reach of bike-share: Outside larger cities, few areas have bike-share systems, so benefits may be uneven and coordination could be complex.