“Premier Ford, take back 49.”

Council has unanimously approved a motion calling for a meeting between Premier Doug Ford and Mayor Steve Ferguson to discuss the return of County Road 49 to the province.

Late last month, Premier Ford stood shoulder-to-shoulder with City of Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to announce the province was reassuming responsibility of Ottawa Road 174. The move was part of a larger funding agreement between the city and the province.

Like County Road 49, Ottawa Road 174 was downloaded to the Capital region in 1998. The four-lane, 27 km roadway connects the city with the outlying suburbs of Orleans and Cumberland.

With this precedent top of mind, Councillor Chris Braney tabled the resolution calling on the Premier to meet with Mayor Ferguson to discuss taking back the responsibility for rehabilitating and maintaining the County’s 18.6 km concrete roadway used by an estimated 6,000 personal and commercial vehicles per day.

Or, at the very least, becoming a partner in what could be a $30 million project.

Upon its completion in 1966, the provincial roadway is the primary connecting link between Prince Edward County and the rest of the world.

Connected to the Skyway Bridge when the arch was completed in 1967, the eastern path of egress from this island was smooth. Expansion grooves carved into the roadway after its grand opening helped the reinforced concrete expand and contract with seasonal temperature fluctuations. It remained in relatively good shape and was a low maintenance asset for the province well into the mid-1990’s. About the same time that steel rebar started to show itself on the Skyway, the province handed the County Highway 49.

Connecting Link

Councillor Braney noted the vital importance of the now County Road 49. The sheer volume of visitors here, in addition to daily agriculture, commercial, and commuting traffic, makes for wear and tear.

“Current and former Ministers of Transportation have borne witness to its deterioration. However, there’s been a regrettable absence of provincial funding opportunities to support its much needed rehabilitation,” noted Councillor Braney.

Juxtaposed to Premier Ford’s recent announcement in Ottawa, the inaction by the province on 49 has been “disheartening.” It’s not just an infrastructure investment that is at stake.

“This is a matter of ensuring public safety, accessibility and the economic viability of our community.”

Councillor Bill Roberts noted Highway 49 represents the most vital and direct ambulance route to three major hospitals while also serving as prime access road. If there’s no action on 49 “very, very soon”, he said, $250,000 invested in research, engineering and technical studies will be stale-dated.

The councillor from Sophiasburgh also noted that County Rd. 15, which goes through Northport, is now an unofficial detour route. That roadway will soon experience heavy truck and traffic damage without improvements to 49.