Chamber supports four-laning of Trans-Canada Highway

The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce has added its endorsement to a proposed four-laning of the TransCanada Highway from coast to coast.

Chamber President Ben Pascuzzi says the initiative is needed for both economic development and public safety reasons.

"I have to travel to our Wawa branch office on business," Pascuzzi, a local lawyer, tells SooToday.com.

It certainly can be a dangerous highway, especially when the weather conditions aren't the best."

Pascuzzi has written to federal Transport Minister David Collenette and finance minister John Manley, arguing that four-laning the Trans-Canada Highway would benefit both Northern Ontario and Sault Ste. Marie.

"By committing to four-lane the Trans-Canada highway, you are really committing to ensuring that northern Ontario continues to be a place where people can live and work," Pascuzzi advises the ministers.

At its last meeting, Sault Ste. Marie City Council Council passed a resolution calling on local MPs Carmen Provenzano and Brent St. Denis to get behind the project, which is expected to cost $10 billion to $15 billion over 10 years.

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