As traffic congestion continues to plague the busy Highway 401 corridor, pressure mounts on the Ontario government to explore solutions, including the underutilized Highway 407. Premier Doug Ford and his transportation minister have sparked speculation about the potential buyback of this toll road, originally sold to a private consortium during the Mike Harris administration in 1999.

In response to inquiries about a possible buyback, Christina Basil, Vice President of Communications and Government Relations for Highway 407, confirmed to CTV News, "The Ontario Government has not engaged in any discussions with us regarding a potential buyback of Highway 407 ETR." This statement heightens curiosity around the government's plans and intentions for one of the region's most significant routes.

Members of the Progressive Conservative party are pushing for a proposal that would have the province cover toll fees for heavy trucks. This initiative aims to incentivize truck drivers to use Highway 407 instead of the congested 401, which could alleviate some traffic pressure. "We’re always in conversation with 407 on a variety of issues and measures. Our government’s response has always been to find ways to relieve congestion in the province," commented Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria when questioned about the considerations surrounding Highway 407.

Advocates like Peter Miasek, president of the advocacy group Transport Action Now, argue that subsidizing truck tolls on Highway 407 holds significant advantages over a costly buyback or building new highways. "It can be implemented quickly. It spans the entire GTA. It’s lower cost. It saves truckers a lot of journey time," Miasek said. He highlighted that easing congestion on Highway 401 and nearby thoroughfares like Highway 7 could have substantial benefits for regional transport.

Using data from a 2017 study published during the Wynne administration, Transport Action Now estimated that waiving tolls for trucks could reduce the number of heavy vehicles on Highway 401 by between 12,000 and 21,000 each day. While estimates suggest that the annual cost of toll relief could reach $260 million — a figure that has likely increased — Miasek argued that the cost of subsidizing trucks remains significantly lower than the construction of new road infrastructure.

Environmental advocate group Environmental Defence estimated that covering truck tolls could cost approximately $4 billion over 30 years. In contrast, Premier Ford has placed a staggering $35 billion valuation on Highway 407.

In the midst of this dialogue, Vaughan's mayor, Steven Del Duca, remains on the sidelines, advocating for a prudent review of all options. "I know our residents want to move from point A to point B. I sincerely hope that the province takes a very prudent and responsible look at all options on the table," Del Duca stated.

As discussions evolve, Vaughan city councillors will assess a motion this afternoon that encourages the province to pursue a feasibility study on the buyback of Highway 407 and to initiate a one-year pilot program to cover truck tolls. The stakes are high as the clock ticks on finding effective solutions for Ontario's growing congestion issues. Stay tuned as this story develops!