Bill 48: Uploading Highways 174 and 17 Act, 2025

This bill primarily affects businesses operating along the Ottawa Road 174 and County Road 17 corridors in the Ottawa and Prescott-Russell regions of eastern Ontario. Businesses such as trucking and logistics companies, gas stations, restaurants, construction contractors, and commercial property owners along these routes will now deal with the provincial Ministry of Transportation instead of the municipality for road access permits, encroachment agreements, signage approvals, and utility crossings. Existing municipal agreements and permits remain valid but are effectively transferred to the province, meaning future renewals or modifications will go through provincial processes. Size doesn't particularly matter — any business from a solo-operator roadside shop to a larger employer with driveway access or development agreements tied to these highways will need to adjust to dealing with provincial rather than municipal authorities for road-related approvals.