Ontario Opens Cutting-Edge Vehicle Inspection Station in the North

The Ontario government has recently inaugurated a new commercial vehicle inspection station in Shuniah, near Thunder Bay, as part of its commitment to enhancing road safety and bolstering transit infrastructure in Northern Ontario. With an investment of $30 million, this modern facility aims to facilitate faster and more effective inspections to ensure the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles on the province’s highways.

Prabmeet Sarkaria, the Minister of Transportation, emphasized the government’s dedication to making Ontario’s highways among the safest in North America. The new station, equipped with advanced technology, will be pivotal in identifying potential issues with commercial vehicles, such as tire pressure and brake malfunctions, thus reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the smooth flow of goods across Northern Ontario.

@PrabSarkaria was in Shuniah to open the new $30 million state of the art commercial vehicle inspection station! #thunderbay pic.twitter.com/m9AnsTrKCQ

— scott sumner (@tbay25) March 16, 2024

Kevin Holland, the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Thunder Bay—Atikokan, highlighted the significance of this infrastructure in enhancing road safety within the community and emphasized the government’s commitment to investing in Northern Ontario’s transportation sector to benefit families and businesses.

Currently, Ontario boasts 34 inspection stations across the province where highly trained enforcement officers conduct thorough inspections of commercial vehicles and monitor driver behavior and qualifications. In 2023, the government intensified its enforcement efforts on several key highways, resulting in over 4,000 inspections, 3,200 charges, including 700 for speeding, and over 1,000 vehicles being placed out of service.

Expanding commercial vehicle inspection facilities aligns with the government’s broader strategy outlined in the Connecting the North: A Draft Transportation Plan for Northern Ontario. This comprehensive plan aims to enhance transportation infrastructure, improve travel options for remote communities, and foster economic growth in the North by ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.