Premier Doug Ford of Ontario has confirmed that construction for the much-discussed Highway 413 will commence in 2025. This announcement was made in Caledon, Ontario, where preliminary fieldwork and land acquisition have already started.
Highway 413, a proposed six-lane, 52-kilometre route connecting Halton to York Region via highways 401, 407, and 410, is designed to alleviate traffic congestion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The government projects a 30-minute reduction in driving time for commuters upon completion. The plan has faced delays due to environmental concerns but recently overcame a major hurdle when the federal and provincial governments agreed to proceed without an Impact Assessment Act review.
However, the project has drawn significant criticism for its environmental and social impacts. Critics, including the Green Party and local farmers, argue that the highway will endanger 29 federally-identified species at risk, compromise major waterways, and lead to the loss of approximately 2,000 acres of prime farmland, including 400 acres from the Greenbelt. These groups contest the claimed travel time savings, suggesting that the highway might instead increase regional traffic congestion.
Despite the controversy, Premier Ford described Highway 413 as a “game changer” for the region, emphasizing its potential to improve economic activity and support 3,500 jobs annually. The total cost of the highway remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from $4 billion to $10 billion.
As construction approaches, the province is planning a market sounding event in May to engage with stakeholders and streamline the process. This will be followed by expedited land acquisitions set to begin in the fall. The provincial government, in collaboration with federal authorities, has committed to a thorough assessment and management of the environmental challenges associated with the project.