During the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa last week, Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette facilitated a meeting between Mayor Steve Ferguson, Interim CAO Adam Goheen and the Ministry of Transport. 

Getting the federal government into a tri-partnership alongside the municipality and the province was a key plank in Mr. Malette’s successful election campaign this spring.

About $52.3 million is needed for the project. The County has set aside $7.8 million, and the province committed $20 million through the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Fund last year. That leaves $24.5 million still outstanding.

“It’s safe to say we have been working on putting the 49 file on Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland’s desk since the day I was sworn in,” said Mr. Malette.

The meeting between the County and Transport Canada is the latest step in the process. The MP classified the meeting as “encouraging.”

“While we remain hopeful and are buoyed by the positive response, we have no confirmation one way or another of a funding commitment yet,” cautioned the MP. The decision will be announced when the 2025 Budget is tabled in the House of Commons this fall. 

“I reiterated how essential a rehabilitated County Road 49 is for the continued economic growth, safety, and well-being of our community,” Mayor Ferguson said following the meeting. “The message was well received by everyone in the room, and I was assured they are working diligently to find a solution that will allow this project to move ahead.”

The 18.4 km roadway, of which 17.3 km is concrete pavement, connects Picton with Skyway Bridge and Highway 401 and consistently ranks as one of the worst roads in Ontario by CAA.