Economic Impact
A highway that moves the economy forward – one trip at a time
Highway 407 ETR keeps Ontario’s people, goods and communities moving — saving time and reducing congestion across the GTA. That same movement fuels the economy, supporting jobs, local businesses and growth across Ontario and Canada.
These insights come from an 
economic impact assessment conducted by Steer, a global consultancy, and commissioned by 407 ETR. All amounts are in Canadian dollars and show yearly totals for 2024, unless noted differently.
Strengthening Ontario's Economy
$1.2 billion in travel-time, safety and access benefits
→ Faster commutes, fewer collisions and better access to jobs and services
$490 million in annual GDP contribution from 407 ETR’s operations
→ Local spending that fuels industries and supports communities
Proudly Canadian. Locally invested.
As a majority Canadian-owned company, 407 ETR reinvests in the local economy:
$250 million in economic output to the construction sector, including Ontario contractors and suppliers
→ Supporting small businesses and skilled workers across Ontario
1,800 jobs supported across Canada, with 550 employees based out of our Head Office in Woodbridge, Ontario — including our award-winning contact centre
→ Creating stable, local jobs
$140 million in wages paid to Canadian workers
→ Income that helps families thrive and local economies grow
100 per cent of highway costs covered by 407 ETR, including snow removal and policing
→ Reducing pressure on public budgets and freeing up taxpayer dollars
Canadian-made equipment → Investing in domestic manufacturing and innovation
These three examples represent just a portion of the Canadian-made equipment and materials used to operate Highway 407 ETR.
Transponders: designed and made in Mississauga
Approximately two million in circulation, designed and built in Mississauga, Ontario for more than 25 years.
Road salt: mined in Ontario
Sourced from underground salt mines in Goderich, Ontario, this locally-mined mineral helps keep Highway 407 ETR safe in winter.
Tolling equipment: made in Canada
Made with Canadian aluminum and steel, featuring electronic boards from Markham, Ontario and custom-designed tolling cabinets in Woodbridge, Ontario.
Time saved = value delivered
Highway 407 ETR commuters save up to one hour per trip, adding up to 480 hours saved a year. That means:
$990 million worth of saved travel time and more predictable travel
→ Making daily travel easier, less stressful, and more reliable
Drivers and passengers saved 43 million hours a year — this equals seven million minutes every day and an average of 25 minutes each trip
A user making six trips a month saves at least 30 hours a year
A user making four trips a week saves at least 87 hours a year
A five-day-a-week commuter making a round trip on Highway 407 ETR saves up to two hours a day or as much as 480 hours a year1
→ More time for family, personal well-being and work
1 Derived from 2025 data
Average time saved using Highway 407 ETR
These origin and destination examples were selected based on some of the most popular travel patterns observed on Highway 407 ETR in 2025.
Origin | Destination | Time saving % (AM peak) | Time saving % (PM peak) |
|---|---|---|---|
Hamilton | Peterborough | 31% | 39% |
Milton | Vaughan | 47% | 52% |
Markham | Pearson Airport | 50% | 64% |
Brampton | Richmond Hill | 43% | 47% |
Hamilton | Mississauga | 26% | 36% |
A smarter, safer way to travel
Highway 407 ETR is designed for safety and reliability:
60 per cent lower collision rate than other 400-series highways
110 serious collisions avoided annually reducing injuries, emergency response costs and delays
$70 million in safety-related benefits from fewer collisions resulting in fatalities and serious injury on GTA roads
Connecting people, jobs and opportunities
Highway 407 ETR helps Ontarians reach what matters most:
20 per cent more people can reach major hubs within 60 minutes
→ Expanding access to jobs, housing and services
11 per cent more people can reach Toronto Pearson Airport within 60 minutes
→ Boosting connectivity to global markets and travel opportunities for people and businesses
$130 million in productivity benefits by making travel between jobs and businesses faster and more reliable
→ Businesses can recruit from a wider talent pool supporting economic growth and competitiveness
→ Families gain access to more opportunities like jobs, schools and services across the region
Beyond the highway, 407 ETR is driving impact in the communities we serve — supporting local organizations, education and environmental initiatives, from youth programs to monarch butterfly habitat restoration.
At the same time, we’re making our highway more accessible and affordable through targeted programs and promotions.
Learn more
Explore the full Report
Dive deeper into the findings and download the full 407 ETR Economic Impact Assessment.
Research Collaboration
This analysis was conducted by Steer, a global transportation consultancy, commissioned by 407 ETR to explore the highway’s economic and travel impacts. Learn more about Steer.