To support truck drivers who are working hard to deliver food, equipment and other essential supplies to Ontario families during the COVID-19 outbreak, Ontario is providing more safe places to stop and rest across the province. These rest areas, along with truck-friendly restaurants, can now be easily found on Ontario 511’s interactive map and text reports.

We encourage you to share the information and resources below with your members.

More truck parking and rest areas:

The Ministry of Transportation has expanded the truck rest area network by:

• Opening rest areas earlier than normal, including portable washrooms. 45 rest areas are now open.

• Providing truck parking at 32 Truck Inspection Stations, and 14 truck lay-bys with portable washrooms available at most stations.
• In partnership with Metrolinx and the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) we have opened one GO station parking lot, five Park ‘n Ride lots and one commuter car pool lot in the GTHA. All sites are equipped with toilets and hand washing stations.
• Keeping all 23 ONroute travel plazas open for take-out, and drive-through services, including washrooms with enhanced cleaning.

Find rest area information with new Ontario 511 features:

We are making it easier for truck drivers to find traveller information with improvements to Ontario 511:

• The new Ontario 511 “Trucker Mode” makes it easier for truck drivers to access rest area information.
• We now provide Truck Rest Areas as a layer on the interactive map and text report that includes locations and details about rest areas.
• We now list privately owned Truck Friendly Stops, including available washrooms, take-out, vegetarian options and more, courtesy of the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA).

Online Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) renewals now available

We have also launched the new online CVOR renewal service, as part of our commitment to provide simpler, faster and better services. You can now renew 24/7, 365 days a year in 3 easy steps in 15 minutes or less.

Traveling outside Ontario:

To assist truck drivers traveling outside provincial jurisdictions, the ministry recommends having access to your proof of validity extension letter, either electronically or by carrying a hard copy with your government issued document(s).

Ontario will continue to monitor emerging developments and will provide updates as they become available.

At this time, we would like to thank drivers and carriers for their continued efforts to help keep Ontarians safe and healthy.

Questions related to this email may be directed to the Ministry of Transportation by contacting 511Feedback@ontario.ca.

Please visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians and stop the spread of COVID-19 and what you should do if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.