Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario says it is taking over responsibility for annual maintenance and rehabilitation of the Thousand Islands Parkway to protect local communities from the rising costs of upkeep and ensure the 40-kilometre scenic parkway remains in good repair.
The transfer of additional maintenance responsibilities and costs from the St. Lawrence Parks Commission to the Ministry of Transportation will free up resources and funds to allow the Parks Commission to focus on providing a high-quality experience for the millions of commuters, residents and tourists who use the area for boating, camping and other activities.
“The Thousand Islands Parkway is a landmark destination that countless families, businesses, and tourists rely on to see the best of eastern Ontario,” Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, said in a statement announcing the move.
“That is why we are stepping up our support for the St. Lawrence Parks Commission so that they can focus more of their resources on restoring trails, campsites, and other amenities, improving the visitor experience for everyone.”
Under an expanded memorandum of understanding the transport ministry will cover maintenance and infrastructure costs and conduct a full review of the parkway, which follows the north shore of the St. Lawrence River in southeastern Ontario.
It will then provide the commission with recommendations to improve management of the corridor. In addition, the province is also working with the commission on an agreement to provide support for managing the Long Sault Parkway between Ingleside and Long Sault west of Cornwall.
The statement says the Ontario government is investing $27.5 million to resurface nearly 17 kilometres of Highway 401 between Mallorytown and Brockville. The investment will also include culvert repairs and replacements, new lighting at the County Road 2 ramp terminals, and rehabilitation of the Mallorytown Road underpass to accommodate the future widening of Highway 401.
The eastern corridor of Highway 401 accommodates approximately 120,000 vehicles and 10,000 trucks carrying $380 million in goods each day. Ontario recently finished work on the Highway 49 Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge and awarded a contract to resurface sections of Highway 401 near Kingston.
