Batchawana Bay Rest Area to Receive $6 Million Upgrade
BATCHAWANA BAY — The Ontario government is enhancing travel for drivers in northern Ontario with a $6 million investment in the Batchawana Bay rest area on Highway 17, north of Sault Ste Marie. The expansion is designed to accommodate commercial vehicles, supporting the safe movement of people and goods in 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,” stated Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “These men and women should have confidence in safe and reliable rest stops.”
Our government is making travel easier for families and truck drivers in northern Ontario! 🚛
We’re investing more than $6M to upgrade the Batchawana Bay rest area with a separate parking area for commercial vehicles, new entrance and exit lanes and year-round access to heated… pic.twitter.com/tFn5Z3XyfV
— Victor Fedeli (@VictorFedeli) August 13, 2024
The upgrades will include newly constructed entrance and exit lanes, heated washrooms, and a separate parking area with nine spaces for commercial vehicles. Washrooms will feature new fixtures, improved lighting, and upgraded HVAC systems. Additional amenities will include free Wi-Fi, personal device charging stations, a TV with information displays, and CCTV cameras. The rest area will also be prepared for future electric vehicle charging stations.
Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste Marie, welcomed the improvements, noting, “These upgrades will create greater safety on the highway through all seasons. Our government will continue to invest in our highway system across northern Ontario, making travel easier and safer for all drivers.”
Visitors will also have access to picnic tables, a foot wash station, a pet exercise area, and a public seating area after the upgrades are completed.
