BATCHAWANA BAY — The Ontario government is making travel easier for drivers and truck drivers in northern Ontario by investing more than $6 million to upgrade the Batchawana Bay rest area on Highway 17 north of Sault Ste. Marie. The rest area is being expanded to accommodate commercial vehicles and support the safe movement of people and goods across the region.
“Ontario’s truckers are crucial to our economy, keeping our shelves stocked and moving $3 billion worth of goods on our highways every day,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “No matter where they’re travelling, these men and women should have confidence in safe and reliable rest stops.”
The upgraded amenities will include newly constructed entrance and exit lanes, giving truck drivers year-round access to heated washrooms and a separate parking area with nine spaces for commercial vehicles. The washrooms will also be renovated with new fixtures, enhanced lighting and upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The rest area will also be fitted with free Wi-Fi, personal device charging stations, a TV with information displays and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Work will also be done to support underground infrastructure to allow for future electric vehicle charging stations.
“The improvements to the Batchawana Bay rest area are welcome news for all who travel Highway 17 north. These improvements will create greater safety on the highway through all seasons,” said Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. “Our government will continue to invest in upgrading our highway system across northern Ontario, making travel easier and safer for all drivers.”
Once the upgrades to Batchawana Bay rest area are complete, visitors will continue to have access to picnic tables, a foot wash station, a pet exercise area and a public seating area.