The Ontario government has announced a permanent increase in the speed limit from 100 km/h to 110 km/h on 10 additional sections of provincial highways in both northern and southern Ontario. This decision follows the successful implementation of higher speed limits on six highway sections in 2022 and aligns Ontario’s speed limits with those in other Canadian provinces.
“Most of Ontario’s highways were originally designed to safely accommodate speed limits of 110 km/h, and the data from our 2022 changes confirm this capability,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “These evidence-based increases are a common-sense change to make life more convenient for Ontario drivers while aligning our speed limits with other Canadian provinces.”
Amarjot Sandhu, MPP for Brampton West, added, “This increase not only enhances the driving experience but also promotes the efficient movement of goods and people across the province. By standardizing our speed limits with other provinces, we are making Ontario’s roadways more consistent and predictable.”
Starting July 12, 2024, the speed limit will be permanently raised to 110 km/h on the following provincial highway sections, with the remainder coming into effect by the end of the year:
- Hwy 401: Tilbury, extending the existing 110 km/h zone further east by 7 km
- Hwy 401: From Hwy 35/115 to Cobourg (approximately 35 km)
- Hwy 401: From Colborne to Belleville (approximately 44 km)
- Hwy 401: From Belleville to Kingston (approximately 66 km)
- Hwy 401: From Hwy 16 to Quebec boundary (approximately 107 km)
- Hwy 403: From Woodstock to Brantford (approximately 26 km)
- Hwy 403: From Brantford to Hamilton (approximately 14.5 km)
- Hwy 406: From Thorold to Welland (approximately 13 km)
- Hwy 416: From Hwy 401 to Ottawa (approximately 70 km)
- Hwy 69: From Sudbury to French River (approximately 60 km)
These highway sections were chosen based on their ability to safely support higher speed limits. Other Canadian provinces, including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan, have a maximum speed limit of 110 km/h, while British Columbia’s maximum speed limit is 120 km/h.