The Ontario Government is opening up the studded tire market so there’s more competition.

The Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation made the announcement at Kal Tire on Friday.

Kinga Surma says some models of studded tires weren’t making it to market in Northern Ontario and the government wanted to change that after consulting with the public.

“There was no opposition. The consultation was very supportive. Our government has promised to cut red tape and make life easier for Ontarians and we’re taking action,” she says.

She says the move means motorists will be able to buy tires that have more studs and at the same time don’t damage roads.

Kim Lee Hamelin is the manager at Kal Tire.

He says he’s pleased the province is opening up the studded tire market.

“The announcement is incredible and good for people and their familiies to keep them safer on the road. We are the last province to get the Nokian Hakk 9 introduced. It’s a big day for us and we’re very excited,” he says.

The Nokian Hakk 9 is a Finnish produced tire. The company says there are 50-100 % more studs than the average studded tire.

The company says the tire also is lighter and doesn’t damage the roads.

Filed under: Kal Tire, Kinga Surma, Ontario Finance Minister and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli, tires