An expansion of 20 kilometres of Highway 69 south of French River is set to begin in 2027 or 2028 Although four-laning 152 kilometres was announced in 1991, a 68-kilometre gap between Parry Sound and Sudbury remains a two-lane highway.
Will Highway 69 be completed soon? Here is what we know.
Work to turn Highway 69 into Highway 400 is moving ahead but no completion date is set. Although four-laning 152 kilometres was announced in 1991, a 68-kilometre section between. Parry Sound and Sudbury remains a two-lane highway. “The fact that we still have a significant portion of the highway incomplete by now is frustrating. It is tough to hear about all the constant accidents out there,” said Jim Marshall, a Parry Sound realtor, who regularly drives through the highway. This 68-km section passes through the first nation communities of Shawanaga, Magnetawan, and Henvey Inlet. Today, Shawanaga First Nation is “working with the ministry to finalize an agreement on this project,” said Shawanaga First Nation Chief, Adam Pawis, and work is scheduled on a separate section south of the French River. “Shawanaga First Nation has reached an agreement in principle with the province to see the highway expansion to its completion. Our technical teams are working together to this end,”wrote Pawis in an email to the North Star. Pawis adds that the government has been open to dialogue in a “productive and constructive manner.” Recently, a notice of study commencement was issued for further work on a 20-kilometresection south of French River. The expansion is projected to cost between $250 to $500 million and to start by 2027 or 2028, according to Ontario’s highways program website. Marshall says drivers today still face hills, curves, tractor-trailers, passing lanes, and “far too many white-knuckle moments” when driving on Highway 69 north of Nobel. “The highway is awful. I have to drive the highway because of my job, but I personally avoid it,”said Marshall. On Aug. 12, 2025, the Town of Parry Sound passed a resolution — supported by West Parry Sound municipalities — requesting the province to complete the four-laning of the remaining section “as soon as possible.”
When would the highway be completed?
The province is providing $30 billion to build, repair, and expand highways, including the Highway69, according to the Ministry of Transportation. After the expansion south of French River, three other sections of Highway 69 north of Highway559 remain to be completed, according to the highways program website.
One section is 12 kilometres north of Highway 559, the second is 11 kilometres north of Highway 7182 (Shebeshegong Road), and the third one is 15 kilometres from the South Junction of Highway 529. Completing each section is projected to cost between $100 to $250 million, and none of them has a start date. Construction to expand the remaining sections will begin “once all necessary approvals and duty to consult obligations have been met,” according to the ministry. While a precise completion date is yet to be set (at one time the completion date was 2017),Marshall said the expansion of Highway 69 “should have been done 15 years ago,” adding that it would save many lives and bring economic growth for the region. “I hope to hear an announcement from the government soon, saying they are allocating money to get this project done by at least 2032. That’s what people are looking for, I think,” said Marshall.
By Julian Orlando Chaves Parry Sound North Star
Jan 7, 2026
The 2026 Calendar is now available to order. Go to the store tab on this web site.
Harris Lake South Magnetawan Photo Contest Winner Announcement! 🌲
We’re thrilled to announce the winner of this year’s Harris Lake South Magnetawan Photo Contest — a celebration of the wild beauty and quiet magic that surrounds our cherished community.
Congratulations to Celina!
Her captivating photo of raccoons nestled in a tree, peeking out with curious eyes and woodland charm, stole the hearts of our judges and perfectly captured the spirit of lake living. It’s a moment that reminds us why we love this place — where nature surprises us, delights us, and sometimes poses for the perfect shot.
Thank you to everyone who submitted their stunning snapshots. From misty mornings on the lake to foxes, your photos brought our landscape to life.
Stay tuned for next year’s contest — and keep your cameras ready. You never know when the forest will smile back.
The HLSMR Cottagers Association would first like to thank Walter, Renata and family for continuing the tradition of hosting the annual corn roast event. It continues to be a welcome social event every year, and an opportunity to connect with other cottagers. Once again, it was a big hit with every one who attended.
As well, it is an opportunity for the HLSMR Cottagers Association to raise funds at the event from an annual bake sale and auction. The funds raised provide much needed funds to support for ongoing initiatives that the association provides.
A special thank you goes out to the bakers and auction item providers who generously contribute their time and hard earned dollars to the event. A special shout out to the provider of the Michael Kors bag; it proved to be the hi-lite of the auction! As well, the bakers were especially busy this year, providing a great selection of treats. The bakesale raised over $500 and the auction raised over $1,100. Again, thank you to all who participated.
Hope to see everyone again next year!
Meeting Update
Just a quick update on the HLSMR cottages association meeting. There are some changes to the board members. Richard Walda has stepped down after 10 years as President. We would like to thank him for all his efforts, enthusiasm and contributions to the lake association. He has truly made a difference during his time as President.
The new elected president is Ben Edwards. Ben has been Vice President for some time. New to the board and filling the position of Vice President is Bruce Sunley. Bruce has been on the lake for 50+years, and helps out with the fire team. And a newly formed position to the board is the Fire Prevention Officer, Dave Chisholm. Dave has been involved with this fire team for sometime now, along with Monique Renault, who has been pivotal since the fire boat committee has started. Without her help, the program would not have taken off. The new position will be handling the management of the fire program. Remaining in their positions, Dan Walda- treasurer, Loren Mackay Loder- Environmental, Mark Mcdonell- Environmental, Linda Weylie- secretary.
More info to follow. We will have the minutes out shortly.Along with detailed financials.
From: Murphy, Bonnie (MTO) <Bonnie.Murphy@ontario.ca>
Sent: June 17, 2025 10:22 AM
To: Brian Mclellan
Subject: RE: HWY 69 rehabilitation
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Hello Brian McLelland,
Thank you for your email regarding the rehabilitation of Highway 69 from 1.4 km north of Highway 559, northerly to 4.5 km north of Shebeshekong Road, including the Shawanaga River Bridge. The contract for this highway improvement project was tendered in March of this year, and construction is planned over the next two years, commencing this summer. Work under the project includes the following:
• Resurfacing of Highway 69 for 20.0 km;
• Rehabilitation of the Shawanaga River Bridge;
• Treatment of pavement distress areas;
• Drainage improvements including culvert lining and replacements;
• Replacement/adjustment of select guide rail;
• Replacement of select static signs;
• New left turn lane for northbound traffic on Highway 69 at Woods Road;
• New left turn lane for northbound traffic on Highway 69 at Highway 7182 (Shebeshekong
Road); and
• New illumination at the intersection of Highway 7182 (Shebeshekong Road) and repositioned to accommodate the new left turn lane Should you require any additional information, please feel free to send me an email.
Again, thank you for your interest in the project.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Murphy, P. Eng.
Lead Engineer, Projects | Design and Engineering Branch
Ministry of Transportation | Ontario Public Service
Bonnie.Murphy@ontario.ca
Taking pride in strengthening Ontario, its places and its people
Fire Donations
We Did It!!
Thanks to the generous support of the Harris Lake & South Magnetawan River community, we have achieved our HLSMR Fire Committee fundraising goal of $8,000!
What an amazing community we have. A huge thank you to everyone who donated cash and/or materials to help us achieve this lofty goal. With your support we have taken a huge step towards ensuring the safety of our lake, our volunteer firefighters, and preventing another terrible loss like we saw this past summer.
If you are still thinking of donating, it is never too late and the need never ends. Visit the website for details (https://www.hlsmr.org/fire-fundraising)
We would also like to thank you for all your support throughout the year. The Harris lake community is truly something special to belong to.
Thank you all and have a wonderful holiday season.
The work for the dam has been completed. Water levels are stable. morinfo to come
Each participant is challenged to raise a $100,000 ransom to guarantee their release from the island. Will you help them?
Welcome to the Harris Lake & South Magnetawan River Cottagers’ Association portal. On this site you will find information from various meetings, and upcoming events for the area. If you are not a member of the cottagers association we encourage you to join in and help us preserve our environment for generations to come.
© 2023 Harris Lake & South Magnetawan River Cottagers' Association
