Cochrane seeks interim funding for Highway 11–652 truck route upgrades, citing three-fold traffic increase

Cochrane, Ont., is seeking interim funding from Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation and industrial users to upgrade and help maintain the municipal truck route that connects Highway 11 and Highway 652 through town, Mayor Peter Politis said in a July 26, 2026 press release.

The request comes as the town continues its long-running effort to secure a dedicated provincial truck bypass and as it reports higher volumes of heavy trucks using local roads to travel between the two highways.

The town has pursued a truck bypass for about 40 years, according to the release. While that remains the stated long-term goal, the municipality has been working with the Ministry of Transportation since August 2025 on interim funding to upgrade and maintain the Highway 11–Highway 652 municipal connection.

Municipal data cited in the release shows heavy truck traffic on the route has increased three-fold over the last 10 years. The town said the increase is accelerating wear on local roads.

The town estimates the capital upgrade will surpass $6 million, and projected annual maintenance costs at about $250,000. For comparison, the town said a 1% tax increase in Cochrane would raise about $90,000.

In the release, Politis said, “it is simply not sustainable for the tax base of a small Canadian municipality to support provincial highway infrastructure, along with the ongoing and relentless maintenance required by highway-level industrial traffic.”

The release said the Ministry of Transportation is working with the town “on a path toward establishing” interim financial relief.

The town did not identify the industrial users it is seeking funding from. It also did not provide a timeline for interim upgrades or for a truck bypass.