On January 17, 2016, the Ministry of Transportation turns 100. The ministry, originally called “The Department of Public Highways of Ontario,” was created on January 17, 1916. Findlay G. MacDiarmid was the first Minister of Transportation.
Over the past 100 years, the Ministry of Transportation has built highways and bridges, expanded and improved public transit and implemented laws to help keep Ontario’s roads safe:
- In 1917, Ontario assumed responsibility of its first provincial highway
- In 1939, the Queen Elizabeth Way was officially dedicated by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth
- In 1967, GO Transit began operations
- In 1976, Ontario became the first province in Canada to make seatbelts mandatory
- In 1994, Ontario became the first North American jurisdiction to introduce a comprehensive Graduated Licensing System for novice drivers
- In 2005, child booster seats became mandatory in Ontario
- In 2009, Ontario banned hand-held devices while driving
- In 2013, Ontario recorded the second-lowest drinking and driving fatality rate among all jurisdictions in North America
- In 2014, Ontario became the first jurisdiction in the world to include cognitive screening tools as a mandatory component of periodic driver’s licence renewal
- On January 1, 2016, Ontario became the first of Canada’s provinces and territories to allow testing of automated vehicles on its roads.
Improving Ontario’s transportation network is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.
“The Ministry of Transportation’s 100th anniversary is an exciting, historic milestone. From the first provincial highway to automated vehicles, our government remains committed to creating a safe, reliable and efficient transportation network for the people of Ontario. And we are equally committed to helping keep our roads among the safest in North America.”
— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
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