On the edge of a provincial election, Premier Doug Ford has announced action on County Road 49.

Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp was at Shire Hall Friday to announce the County will receive $20 million from the Government of Ontario for the cracked and crumbling roadway.

“We are one step closer to fixing one of the worst roads in the province, thanks to the outstanding support of the Government of Ontario. “It’s now vital that the federal government join with us and financially support this project that is essential for the continued economic growth, safety, and well-being of our community.”

— Mayor Steve Ferguson

The rehabilitation project will support more than 2,000 housing units on the east side of Picton slated for the next 10 to 15 years. The funds come from the province’s Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Fund. 

The road also serves the tourism, hospitality, and employment sectors.

Highway 49 experiences average daily traffic volumes of approximately 6,000 vehicles. This includes commercial and industrial traffic. Heavy trucks account for about 5 percent of the total.

MPP Allsopp pointed to census data indicating a population growth rate of over 3 percent. Seniors as well as young families are finding their way to the County.

The MPP noted the province has made several investments in recent years, including the Memorial Hospital build, the new St. Greg’s Catholic Elementary school, and a new HJ McFarland Memorial home. 

Also approved are an expansion at Hallowell House and another $18.3 million for a regional water plant and a new raw water intake in Wellington. 

“But we still need a viable road network in Prince Edward County,” the MPP said. “We’ve heard from Mayor Ferguson and our shared constituents and today, we are formally coming to the table to help fix County Road 49.”

The total cost to rehabilitate 49 is $52.3 million. This total includes a 25 percent contingency ($10.4 million), required by the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Fund.

The County has set aside $7.8 million. But it is looking to the federal government and other revenue streams to fund the $24.5 million still outstanding.

Mayor Ferguson said he and the County Road 49 Working Group will continue to advocate at the federal level for additional funding.

“The municipality is currently carrying the heavy financial burden of maintaining, upgrading, and replacing aging infrastructure,” Mayor Ferguson said. “The taxpayers cannot afford to shoulder any more of the cost for County Road 49. It’s critical that the federal government step up and support this project.

“This is a testament to the power of persistence. I want to acknowledge all the hard work regarding this file — it has finally paid off,” he added.

Regarding road networks and future development, MPP Allsopp said he has been in discussion with Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra regarding an MZO for the Picton Terminals site.

“He’s received some of the documents pertaining to that application but I don’t foresee a decision anytime soon and I don’t view today’s announcement as contingent on any development there or vice versa,” MPP Allsopp said.