BATCHAWANA BAY — The Ontario government says it is making travel easier for drivers and truck drivers in Northern Ontario by spending more than $6 million to upgrade the Batchawana Bay rest area on Highway 17 north of the Sault.
The rest area is being expanded to accommodate commercial vehicles and "support the safe movement of people and goods across the region," the province said in a news release.
“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, in a news release.
“No matter where they’re travelling, these men and women should have confidence in safe and reliable rest stops.”
The upgrades 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 be renovated with new fixtures, enhanced lighting and upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, the province said.
The rest area will be fitted with free Wi-Fi, personal device charging stations, a TV with information displays and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
The province said work will also be done on 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," Sault MPP Ross Romano said in the release. "These improvements will create greater safety on the highway through all seasons."
After the upgrades are complete, visitors will continue to have access to picnic tables, a foot wash station, a pet exercise area and a public seating area, the province said.
"Updating the rest area in Batchawana Bay Provincial Park will provide enhanced safety and convenience for truckers, travellers and tourists to take a break, access washrooms 24/7 and gather local information to explore the natural beauty of this region, including many nearby provincial parks," said Andrea Khanjin, minister of environment, conservation and parks, in the release.
