Cottagers who use Ontario’s Highway 407 to bypass Toronto may be grappling with a slightly higher bill in 2025.
On Nov. 22, 407 ETR, the company that operates Ontario’s only tolled highway, announced that it will be upping its rates starting January 1, 2025.
“The toll rate increase for light vehicles ranges from three to 14 cents per kilometre, depending on the time of day and zone travelled. In addition to new toll rates, fees are increasing for the first time in five years, including the camera charge, account fee, and transponder lease fee. With the adjustment to tolls and fees, the majority of personal transponder customers can expect a monthly bill increase of about $8,” the company said in a statement.
The reason for the rate increase, according to the company, is traffic. In an email, 407 ETR explained that it anticipates considerable growth in the region over the next several years. By increasing toll rates, it’s attempting to proactively manage traffic volumes. More vehicles on the road also means more wear and tear. The toll fees go towards maintaining the road, as well as paying for policing on the highway, winter maintenance, and free roadside assistance.
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According to the new rates, the most expensive section of highway to drive will be between Highway 427 and Highway 404 from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
The rate increase only applies to the stretch of highway operated by 407 ETR (Burlington to Pickering). The provincial government, which operates the stretch between Pickering and Clarington, has not announced a rate increase.
In addition to increased toll rates, 407 ETR has created new toll zones, expanding its original four to 12. This includes the QEW to Dundas, Dundas to Neyagawa, Neyagawa to Highway 403, Highway 403 to Highway 401, Highway 401 to Highway 410, Highway 410 to Highway 427, Highway 427 to Highway 400, Highway 400 to Yonge, Yonge to Highway 404, Highway 404 to McCowan, McCowan to York Durham Line, and York Durham Line to Brock.
The company explained that creating additional toll zones allows it to be more granular, setting different toll rates on variations in traffic along specific segments of the highway.
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Finally, 407 ETR has created new vehicle classifications, adding in motorcycles and medium vehicles. They join the other classifications: light vehicles, heavy single unit vehicles, and heavy multiple unit vehicles. The company said this will ensure toll rates better reflect a vehicle’s impact on the highway, meaning heavier vehicles will have a higher toll rate.
While most cottagers would fall under light vehicles, some may be lumped into medium vehicles. Similar to light vehicles, medium vehicles includes any vehicle under 5,000 kg, but the category targets sprinter vans, large pick-up trucks, large SUVs, and any vehicle towing a trailer.
“Starting next year, if you’re towing a boat or a travel trailer behind your SUV, van, or truck, you will be charged medium toll rates,” the company said.
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For households tight on cash who still want to use the highway, 407 ETR has launched a route relief program. If a household meets the income requirements, it could receive its first six trips on the highway free each month. The pilot program is currently open for applications.
For drivers who want to find out how much their 407 commute will cost them, they can calculate it on 407 ETR’s route calculator. Although, the updated toll rates won’t apply to the calculator until January 1, 2025.
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