Highway 7 construction sees further delays

It's a case of deja vu – as development on Highway 7 has been delayed yet again.

Opportunities to bid on construction related to Highway 7 have been cancelled by the Ford government.

The construction of the Frederick Street bridge had been up for grabs for developers for approximately $27 million.

Art Sinclair, vice president of public policy and advocacy for the Greater K-W Chamber of Commerce, said the development of Highway 7 has been a staple of the Ford government's platform.

“There have been a series of commitments in the last two years.” Sinclair explained. “In 2020, there was a commitment from the provincial government saying 'we're going to go ahead with this', and then this was a key point in the platform for the Ford administration in the election campaign last year. The premier was here saying that 'yes, we're going to build this highway'.”

Sinclair added that he is optimistic that the project will be completed.

He also highlighted that the rebuilding is not only important for it's connection between the Region of Waterloo and Guelph, but also for it's connection to Toronto.

“This highway would be an asset.” Sinclair stated. “It's a matter of moving goods and products into the Greater Toronto area.”

Construction on Highway 7 was approved all the way back in 2007 under the McGuinty government and has been delayed on numerous occasions.

The current Ministry of Transportation initially planned to have the bridge completed as early as 2022.

More than $120 million has already been spent in preparation for the project.