MTO identifies rest area site in Wawa, Ont.

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The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has identified vacant crown land within the boundaries of Wawa, Ont. for a new rest area (see map below).

This location was selected as it avoids impacts to private property, minimizes disruption to Highway 17 operations, and provides a suitably sized, well-serviced site with favorable topography and visibility to safely accommodate the proposed facility and potential future expansion, according to a news release.

Map with the rest area in Wawa, Ont.
(Map: MTO)

The proposed rest area will operate 24 hours per day, year-round, and will provide potable water and heated washroom facilities for the travelling public. The facility will also include parking and outdoor amenities to support both passenger and commercial vehicle users.

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  • What the news release fails to mention is that the rest area will be immediately adjacent to the Michipicoten Rod and Gun Club’s firearms and archery ranges and will be subject to noise from gunfire. Nowhere in any of the MTO’s online materials is this indicated that the club objects and feels that this is an incompatible land use. The club has occupied the range property for 60+ years.

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  • The general public and passenger traffic require this facility much more than commercial vehicles.
    The litter and congestion associated with the commercial trucking participation will be a negative impact for the general public whose tax dollars facilitate this development. I travel 17 constantly and so many times the ignorance of the majority of the commercial operators makes the experience of stopping at existing rest areas unpleasant. Existing rest areas are already occupied mostly with big rigs and the litter associated with them. Wawa already has a vast commercial space along the refueling strip to accommodate them.
    Great idea for general public space.
    Keep commercial vehicles OUT!!!!

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