Ontario Premier Doug Ford has sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney asking the federal government to prioritize ‘nation-building’ projects, including a tunnel under a stretch of Highway 401.
Ford says that the projects will help Canada unlock its full economic potential, and with U.S. President Donald Trump in office it can’t be “business as usual.”
“You made a promise to Premiers to take urgent action to cut red tape and streamline approvals for nation-building projects,” Ford said. “It is crucial… that you meet this commitment.”
The projects include a new James Bay deep sea port, expansion of GO Transit service including the creation of new lines, investment in nuclear projects, developing the ring of fire region, and building the controversial 401 tunnel.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) May 5, 2025
The tunnel was announced by the province in the fall as an attempt to ease congestion on busy sections in Toronto and the GTA.
The province says the tunnel will stretch as far as Mississauga and Brampton in the west to Scarborough and Markham in the east.
“With the greater golden horseshoe population expected to reach nearly 12 million by 2051, every single one on Ontario’s 400-series highways will be at or exceed capacity within a decade,” Ford said.
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Ford’s attempt to have the federal government prioritize the project has some Ontarians once again speaking out against the plan, with many claiming that “we don’t want the tunnel.”
“There are so many worthwhile projects, this isn’t one of them,” a Reddit user said.
“The 401 tunnel is not nation building, it’s not even province building. It’s GTA building and no one wants it,” another Reddit user said.
One Reddit user said, “I truly thought he was kidding,” when the plan was first announced.
Other users went on to suggest that the province should focus its attention on transit projects, such as LRT’s, high-speed trains, and building on existing highways.
Meanwhile, some users said they aren’t a fan of the tunnel idea, but appreciate Ford trying to tackle congestion in Toronto.
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“Traffic to and from Toronto daily is some of the heaviest in the world and causes a lot of issues. Emissions are higher, accidents are higher… I don’t love the idea of a tunnel either but I’m happy to see ideas get proposed anyways,” a Reddit user said.
The Ford government has issued a request for proposals for a feasibility study for the tunnel with an expected completion date of 2027, according to various reports.
The Ford government has not announced any formal funding for the tunnel or indicated how much it could cost but says it’s part of a nearly “$100 billion” transit plan.
