Ontario Construction News staff writer
Highway 413 construction will start next year, Premier Doug Ford announced on Tuesday, calling the project “game changer for the region.”
The release of first early works construction contracts will be released shortly, to begin building Highway 413 in 2025, subject to all necessary approvals. It’s estimated the project will create 3,500 construction jobs each year that it’s being built, the premier said.
During construction, Highway 413 is expected to contribute $350 million to the province’s real GDP and support 3,500 jobs each year, such as heavy equipment operators, drilling and coring contractors, concrete and steel workers, utility contractors, environmental specialists, laboratory technologists and safety inspectors.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is reviving our construction sector with critical infrastructure projects like Highway 413, which will create thousands of well-paying careers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “The skilled trades is a major driver of Ontario’s economic prosperity.
“As our government makes record investments in job-creating critical infrastructure, we’re proud to work with union and industry partners through our over $1 billion Skills Development Fund to create the talent highway for workers to land a better job with a bigger paycheck in the skilled trades.”
Provincial officials will be meeting with property owners to acquire land and the “Get it Done Act” if passed, will allow land acquisitions to happen in the fall.
“Highway 413 will help meet the needs of our growing province as a prosperity corridor that will create thousands of good-paying union jobs during the construction phase and make life easier and more convenient for millions of drivers in the GTA and across Ontario,” Ford said in a statement.
The province has started fieldwork, including borehole drilling and engineering, to evaluate soil composition and bedrock depth. By mid-May, a “market sounding” event will be held with private sector experts to discuss ways to “move construction forward quickly and efficiently,” taking advantage of new technologies.
“We have a responsibility to ensure Ontario drivers have more time to spend on the moments that really matter in life, not stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Highway 413 will bring much-needed relief to drivers across the GTA and our government is proud to be getting it done.”
Highway 413 is a proposed 52-kilometre highway and transitway that will include extensions to Highways 410 and 427.
Here’s what construction industry officials are saying:
“Highway 413 will be critical infrastructure for the fastest growing region of Ontario. RCCAO members, the men and women building our province, are proud to support this project and build it so all Ontarians can benefit from it for generations to come. The building of Highway 413 will create thousands of jobs and provide training opportunities for our province’s next generation of builders, offering economic benefits and increased prosperity for Ontario.”
Nadia Todorova, Executive Director, Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario
“Highway 413 represents a vital artery for the Greater Toronto Area’s future economic growth, connectivity, and quality of life. Its construction will generate thousands of jobs, reduce commuter times, and allow for urgently needed new housing and industrial development. Together with its transit investments, it is clear that the Ontario Government recognizes the pivotal role transportation infrastructure plays in driving prosperity. We also applaud the Ministry of Transportation’s continued practice of using recycled aggregate in the construction of its 400-series highways to protect non-renewable resources and reduce carbon emissions.”
Raly Chakarova, Executive Director, Toronto and Area Road Builders Association
“Today’s announcement is great news for the people of Ontario and the 56,000 workers employed by the province’s transportation infrastructure industry. As the leading voice of the industry, we welcome the government’s plan to get shovels in the ground next year, and our members are ready to deliver this generational project.”
Walid Abou-Hamde, CEO, Ontario Road Builders Association
“The recent announcement of the Hwy 413 construction will create jobs for many Ontarians and Ironworker members. This is a testament to our provincial government’s commitment to building Ontario through infrastructure growth and respect of the skilled workers who make it possible.”
Neil MacDonald, BM/FST Ironworkers Local 721
“LiUNA has been a long-time advocate for this project. Highway 413 represents a vital artery which will not only ease the commute for our members but also ensure the seamless flow of material, equipment, and people power to our construction sites. In addition to the thousands of proud and skilled LiUNA Local 183 members who will be responsible for the construction, Highway 413 will also provide tremendous opportunities for much-needed apprentices to enter the skilled trades.”
Jack Oliveira, Business Manager, LiUNA! Local 183
