Province Commits Nearly $20M Toward Long-Awaited County Road 49 Rehabilitation

Prince Edward County is moving closer to a long-needed overhaul of County Road 49 after the Ontario government announced a funding commitment of nearly $20 million toward the project.

Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp confirmed the province will contribute $19.99 million through the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Fund, supporting major reconstruction work on the roadway and helping the County pursue additional funding sources.

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The full rehabilitation project is estimated at $52.3 million, including upgrades to the urban section tied to Picton Main Street. Officials say the investment is closely linked to future housing growth, with plans for more than 2,000 new units on Picton’s east side over the next 10 to 15 years.

County officials welcomed the announcement but stressed that a significant funding gap remains. With $7.8 million already committed through the municipal budget, approximately $24.5 million still needs to be secured likely through federal programs or private partnerships.

Mayor Steve Ferguson said the provincial contribution marks an important step forward but emphasized that further support is essential.

“This project is critical to our community’s safety, growth, and economic future,” Ferguson said, urging the federal government to help close the remaining funding gap.

Efforts to address the deteriorating roadway have been ongoing for years. Municipal leaders have repeatedly lobbied provincial officials, while past attempts to transfer responsibility for the road back to the province were unsuccessful. A community fundraising effort launched in 2023 also failed to attract contributions.

County Road 49 carries about 6,000 vehicles daily, including commercial traffic, and has long been criticized for its poor condition. Maintenance costs alone have reached roughly $182,000 annually.

Built in 1966 and transferred to municipal responsibility in 1998, the 18.4-kilometre route serves as a key connection between Picton and the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge, linking the County to Highway 401. The road is widely considered to be at the end of its lifespan and has consistently ranked among the worst in Ontario, according to the CAA.