A quarter-century after handing the County a cheque for $3 million, a ticking concrete time bomb, and best wishes, the Ontario Government is back to pick up the impossible tab.

The Province has found $45 million: everything required to repave County Road 49 from the Skyway Bridge to Picton. 

It’s the next best thing to taking it back.

Ministry of Transportation Parliamentary Assistant Ric Breese and MPP Tyler Alsopp were at the municipality’s Lake Street garage in Picton last week to make the announcement, which was greeted by a  loud cheer and much applause from councillors, senior staff, and reps from every media outlet from Trenton to Kingston. 

The total cost of the project is estimated at $52 million. The County is contributing a long-budgeted $7.8 million. 

 “Construction tenders are all ready to go —  as soon as we can approve them,” said a beaming Mayor Steve Ferguson. 

“We expect to have the whole thing done by the end of 2027.”

The concrete surface will first be pulverized to rubble, and all 18.4 kilometres between Picton and the Skyway Bridge will be repaved. New culverts, wide, paved shoulders, and guard rail improvements are also planned.

What Mayor Ferguson described as a once-in-a-generation announcement is part of the province’s $30 billion infrastructure plan, dedicated to highways, roads and bridges from one end of Ontario to the other.

“Every year, countless tourists use 49 to access world-class wineries, restaurants, theatres, and maybe a beach or two,” PA Breese remarked. 

“We’re ensuring County Road 49 is a reliable option for residents, businesses, and tourists alike. We’re keeping people and goods moving here in PEC. Our government was elected on a promise to protect Ontario and that is exactly what we’re doing by investing in highways all across the province.”

Part of the funding for 49 was delivered to the municipality in January 2025. The  $20 million Main Street Rehabilitation project is repaving the section of 49 that connects to Picton. That money came from the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Fund through Ontario’s Ministry of Infrastructure.

Federal coffers empty

Newly elected Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette tried to make 49 a trilateral project, with the balance of funding coming through a federal infrastructure or economic trade program.

But when nothing materialized in the 2025 federal budget, the phone lines between Mayor Ferguson, Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp, Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria and Premier Ford’s office heated up.

“It became pretty clear we would have to go it alone, and fixing 49 is something that Premier Ford is very strong on. He really wanted to see this road get done,” Mr. Allsopp told the Gazette.

Meanwhile, time was growing short. The province’s original $20 million investment has an expiry date. 

“I knew 49 was the needle mover for this community, so Mayor Ferguson and I went back to the table and said ‘We are going to have to do this on our own…can we do it? What would that look like?’ And we’re very happy to get the support from Premier Ford, Minister Sarkaria, and from PA Breese,” says Mr. Allsopp.

Advocacy

Mayor Ferguson lauded MP Malette’s attempt to include the federal government on the project and thanked past Mayor Robert Quaiff, current and former councillors, advocates like the Grain Farmers of Ontario and Quinte Health, and local residents, who complained loudly and often.

“This has been such a major topic for Prince Edward for many years. We are grateful to the province that we are going to get this done for our residents and we are thankful that all the phone calls and emails we get regarding the state of 49 can be answered today,” the Mayor said. 

“MP Malette did a wonderful job advocating on behalf of the residents on this issue. It didn’t work out this time but he raised the attention of the various ministers and I’m sure it helped along the way.”

In a statement, MP Malette said he was pleased to hear the Government of Ontario is funding the long-awaited reconstruction.

“As a key gateway into Prince Edward County, this project will strengthen local industry, agriculture and tourism while improving safety and reliability for residents and visitors,” he said. “Thank you Mayor Steve Ferguson, Council—past and present—and County residents for your continued advocacy to bring this project to life.”

Shovel Ready

The municipality has long had plans in place, so the project can commence as soon as the tender is approved. 

Environmental and other studies as well as detailed design plans were completed in 2024. 

“If Council hadn’t funded the prerequisite work back in 2022, we wouldn’t be ready to go now,” CAO Adam Goheen said.

The County spends $125,000 every year to patch the crater-like holes in the concrete. Those funds and human resources can now be diverted to other areas of need. 

“I’ll be happy about all of that but I’ll be most happy I won’t have my staff on that road in dangerous conditions, patching it up while cars and trucks go whizzing by. That’s what keeps people like me up at night,” the CAO said.