Highway 17 Expansion Proposal Announced for Renfrew to Arnprior

Feb 27, 2026  •  Last updated Feb 27, 2026  • 

Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault speaks at the announcement that the Ontario government has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to design the expansion of Highway 17 from two to four lanes between the Town of Renfrew and Arnprior while Ric Bresee, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Transportation, looks on. The announcement was made on Friday, Feb. 27 in Renfrew. Photo by Anthony Dixon /Pembroke Observer and News

RENFREW – The long-anticipated widening of Highway (Hwy.) 17 between Arnprior and Renfrew took a significant step forward on Friday as the Ontario government revealed it has put out a request for proposals (RFP) for designing the upgrade from two lanes to four.

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The announcement at Renfrew’s town hall on Feb. 27 marks an important milestone in a project that local leaders have been advocating for over ten years. Widening Hwy. 17 is seen as vital for enhancing safety, boosting economic ties, and pushing forward the development of four-lane highway infrastructure through the Ottawa Valley.

The province confirmed that the RFP encompasses a stretch of Highway 17 that is about 22.5 kilometers long, running from Scheel Drive near Arnprior to approximately three kilometers west of Bruce Street near Renfrew.

Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation Ric Bresee informed attendees that this step officially begins the next phase of expansion work.

“I’m very pleased to announce that we have issued requests for proposals, RFPs, to design the widening of Highway 17 from two to four lanes between the town of Renfrew all the way to Arnprior,” Bresee said.

He noted that Hwy. 17 serves as a crucial transportation route connecting communities in Eastern Ontario while facilitating movement across regions within Ontario.

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“This 22.5 kilometer stretch will create good-paying jobs during construction and will enhance safety and reliability for both drivers and businesses once complete,” he added.

Ric Bresee, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Transportation, announces that the Ontario government has issued the RFP to design the expansion of Highway 17 from two lanes to four lanes from Renfrew to Arnprior on Friday, Feb. 27 at town hall in Renfrew. Photo by Anthony Dixon /Pembroke Observer and News

A project decades in progress

The planned expansion represents another advancement in a long timeline filled with advocacy efforts toward establishing four lanes on Highway 17 westward from Ottawa.

In **2012**, **the County** ***of*** **Renfrew formally requested** ***that*** **the province speed up** ***the*** **extension** ***of*** **Highway** ***417 beyond*** **Arnprior**. **By** ***2016***, **the four-lane highway reached Scheel Drive**, but ***the remaining two-lane section toward Renfrew remained unfinished despite design approvals granted in** *2017*.

A major commitment came in *2019*, when *the new Doug Ford-led Conservative provincial government pledged* ***to widen*** *the corridor within a decade*. The following year,* *the government advanced* **the first stage** *of construction,* including development *of* **a new interchange at Calabogie Road**.

This interchange and bridge project was completed in November ***2023***.

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*Friday’s announcement moves* ***the project further ahead*** , starting detailed design work needed before major construction can kick off.*

Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault mentioned that this announcement showcases years’ worth of regional pressure aimed at progressing this initiative.

“Hwy. 17 is more than just another road,” Denault expressed; “It’s our corridor – it’s essential for connecting our communities.” He continued by saying it “supports our economy” while “bringing families home safely every day.”

*Denault also pointed out* “***that changes were recently made” regarding* its procurement model,* allowing more local contractors opportunities.*

“This change matters because it reflects current market conditions,” he explained; “and will give local contractors chances they didn’t have before.”

*He highlighted how dividing up this project into five contracts enables multiple portions* ***to move along simultaneously – minimizing risks due to potential delays.*

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Safety remains central concern

County officials stressed beyond growth initiatives concerning economics; primarily ensuring safety drives these highway expansions.

County Warden Jennifer Murphy said locals across Ottawa Valley pushed hard over many years seeking upgrades.

“For us,” Murphy stated emphatically; “this corridor represents part each day.” It’s frequently used by those commuting before sunrise or emergency responders needing quick access.”In her remarks during today’s event announcing RFP issuance by Ontario Government aimed towards expanding next portion along Hwy. Seven: she emphasized first priority being public welfare. This picture shows Jennifer Murphy speaking passionately about importance placed onto this investment particularly emphasizing how safer infrastructure leads towards fewer tragedies accompanied alongside improved emergency responses leading towards better peace-of-mind resulting whenever utilizing highways altogether!
* She remarked upon connectivity offered through existing routes serves families students alike thus fostering business opportunities while acknowledging serious accidents occurring here historically.*
* “So first,” she reiterated accordingly; “this financial backing hinges upon ensuring heightened levels surrounding welfare!”

While adding modernized transit systems essential rural territories aiming remain competitive..
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< Regional advocacy paying off<

Municipal leaders credited cooperation among various municipalities together with several successive provincial representatives namely former M. P. P John Yakabuski alongside current one – Billy Denault which helped maintain momentum throughout multiple phases involving planning stages all relevant governmental reviews associated too!/ end. phase/ # / Resultant outcome witnessed appreciable milestone announced!Mayor Tom Sidney characterized statement reflecting utmost significance factor existent. – district authority realizing immediate improvements offer benefits extending far reaching potentialities hence augmenting overall standards represented benefiting vast array encompassing diverse segments ranging population sectors involved actively participating directly contributing positively! –* After thanking neighboring municipalities plus prior councils supporting unified voice urging positive developments here within region..
This collective effort showcases evident importance placed toward investments required enabling growth possibilities manifestly demonstrating collective resolve yielded significant achievements benefitting entire region collectively working harmoniously together!/ ad — ads — } /* }—- ) ( “`END ); nnn}}. for Each( ( size =>{ return ; })->| | ——– HERE ———– | | Title Goes Here =>| ) } ); if( , // By # ‘#’ } ;{{ |%.1 }]}} __.__._.__._.–.___. ________ _.-[_] {]} H E A D L I N EHeadlines Heading | ` ). text() } `; “` “`