A new collective agreement between the Ontario government and the Professional Engineers Government of Ontario (PEGO) is set to restart work on the Highway 413 project, following weeks of halted progress due to labor disputes.
The strike, which began several weeks ago and escalated today (Jan. 23) with a full withdrawal of services, has now been resolved. Engineers and surveyors represented by PEGO will return to the job, according to Ontario Treasury Board President and Minister Caroline Mulroney.
“This agreement ensures we can avoid unnecessary and costly delays to critical infrastructure projects,” Mulroney said. “Our government remains committed to building roads, highways, hospitals, and homes for the next generation.”
Highway 413, a 52-kilometer road system, will connect Highway 400 in the east to the 401/407 interchange in the west, cutting through Vaughan, Caledon, Brampton, Halton Hills, Milton, and Mississauga.
The project, estimated at $10 billion, aims to alleviate severe traffic congestion in the GTA. Once completed, the highway is expected to save drivers an average of one hour per day in commute time.
While some preliminary work has been completed, construction contracts are set to be awarded later this year. Despite significant opposition from environmental groups, the project remains a key part of the Ontario government’s infrastructure development plan.
The settlement marks the end of a 16-month bargaining process, during which engineers and surveyors rotated their withdrawal of services across various projects, including Highway 413.
If ratified, the four-year agreement will allow essential projects like Highway 413 to move forward without further delays.
Mulroney emphasized the importance of keeping Ontario competitive and improving infrastructure: “This plan to build makes Ontario one of the most competitive jurisdictions in the world.”
Though construction is expected to take approximately 10 years, the government has not set a firm timeline for completion. The project has faced backlash from environmental advocates concerned about its impact on local ecosystems.
Despite the controversy, Highway 413 remains a centerpiece of Ontario’s strategy to improve transportation infrastructure and reduce gridlock in the Greater Toronto Area.
With the strike resolved, attention will now turn to awarding contracts and moving forward with construction, bringing Ontario closer to achieving its ambitious infrastructure goals.