The County of Prince Edward is set to receive nearly $20 million from the Province of Ontario through the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Fund to support the rehabilitation of County Road 49. This announcement marks a significant step forward in addressing one of Ontario’s most deteriorated roads.
“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,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “It is 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.”
Housing and Infrastructure Goals
The rehabilitation project will pave the way for more than 2,000 housing units to be developed on the east side of Picton over the next 10 to 15 years. Additionally, County Road 49 plays a critical role as a transportation route for the municipality’s tourism, hospitality, and employment sectors. On average, the road sees traffic volumes of approximately 6,000 vehicles daily, with heavy trucks making up about 5% of this total. Peak traffic typically occurs during morning and evening rush hours.
Funding Breakdown
The total cost to rehabilitate County Road 49, including the urban portion (phase 3 reconstruction of Picton Main Street), is $52.3 million. This figure includes a 25% contingency ($10.4 million) as required by the province during the funding application process.
- Provincial portion (38.2%): $19,993,424.94 from the Housing-Enabling Core Services Fund
- Municipal portion (14.9%): $7.8 million allocated in the 2024 budget for phase 3 Picton Main Street reconstruction
- Unfunded portion (46.9%): $24.5 million to be sourced through federal government contributions and/or private sector partners
Mayor Ferguson and the County Road 49 Working Group will continue advocating for federal funding to close the financial gap. “The taxpayers cannot afford to shoulder anymore of the cost for rehabilitating County Road 49. That’s why it’s critical the federal government step up and support this project,” Ferguson stated.
About the Housing-Enabling Core Servicing Fund
This $400 million provincial fund assists municipalities in constructing, maintaining, or repairing road and bridge infrastructure. County Road 49 was identified as an eligible project due to its potential to enable housing development and its alignment with other eligibility requirements, such as being a rehabilitation project that has not yet begun construction.
A Road with History
Opened in 1966, County Road 49 spans 18.4 kilometres, with 17.3 kilometres consisting of concrete pavement. The road connects Picton—the municipality’s largest settlement area—to the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge, one of the key entry points into the region from Highway 401. Originally a provincial roadway, it was downloaded to the County in 1998. Since then, it has consistently ranked among the worst roads in Ontario, as reported by CAA.
Related Infrastructure Funding
Earlier this year, the municipality secured $18.3 million through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF). That funding will support the development of a regional water plant and a new raw water intake in Wellington, demonstrating continued provincial support for essential infrastructure projects in Prince Edward County.
