ROCKPORT — The Ontario government is taking over direct 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 (SLPC) to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) will free up critical resources and funds that allow the SLPC to focus on providing a high-quality experience for the millions of commuters, residents and tourists who use it for boating, camping and other activities every year.
“The Thousand Islands Parkway is a landmark destination that countless families, businesses, and tourists rely on to see the best of eastern Ontario,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “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 (MOU), MTO will cover maintenance and infrastructure costs and conduct a full review of the Parkway, providing SLPC with recommendations to improve management of the corridor. In addition, the province is working with SLPC on an agreement to provide support for managing the Long Sault Parkway, located between Ingleside and Long Sault.
“I am very pleased with the expanded agreement between the Ministry of Transportation and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission,” said the Honourable Bob Runciman, chairperson of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “This agreement will markedly improve the maintenance and operational oversight of the Thousand Islands Parkway and Long Sault Parkway. The enhanced agreement ensures the safety and efficiency of our road infrastructure while enabling the St. Lawrence Parks Commission to reinvest in our parks and historic attractions, benefiting both residents and visitors to our region.”
Additionally, 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.
“Today’s announcement ensures the Thousand Islands Parkway will remain a vital link connecting visitors to one of Ontario’s most renowned tourist destinations – the world famous 1000 Islands,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “This will allow the St. Lawrence Parks Commission to focus resources on its parks, campgrounds, and other attractions that play an important part in our region’s tourism economy and the quality of life our residents enjoy. I also welcome today’s investment of $27.5 million for improvements to Highway 401 as we continue to prepare for the future expansion of the highway.”
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.
Quick Facts
In 1970, responsibility for the Thousand Islands Parkway was transferred to the SLPC by the then Department of Highways, under the St. Lawrence Parks Commission Act.
The SLPC is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
GIP Paving Inc. has been awarded a contract to resurface almost 17 kilometres of Highway 401 between Mallorytown Road and the County Road 2 interchange.
Construction is taking place in the eastbound lanes from 4.8 kilometres west of Mallorytown Road to 1.3 kilometres east of Stewart Boulevard, and in the westbound lanes from 3.3 kilometres west of Mallorytown to 1.1 kilometres east of Parkdale Avenue.
Over the next decade, Ontario is investing almost $28 billion to build and repair highways, roads and bridges to help tackle gridlock.
Upgrading Highway 401 infrastructure is one of the priorities identified in Connecting the East: A draft transportation plan for eastern Ontario.
Quotes
"The St. Lawrence Parks Commission maintains several iconic eastern Ontario sites like Brown’s Bay Beach, Upper Canada Village and Crysler Park Marina, in addition to thousands of hectares of park land and attractions on the St. Lawrence Heritage Corridor. This enhanced partnership will allow SLPC to focus on continuing to deliver excellent tourism opportunities that drive economic growth while ensuring travellers have ready access to the natural beauty of the St. Lawrence region and Ontario’s great outdoors."
- Stan Cho
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
"The Thousand Islands Parkway is vital to our local economy and communities across the corridor. With this agreement, I’m proud that our government is ensuring this scenic destination serves the public for years to come."
- Ric Bresee
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation and MPP for Hastings–Lennox and Addington
"Eastern Ontario is a destination for tourists, businesses, and families. This expanded agreement to improve the Thousand Islands Parkway and investment in the eastern corridor of Highway 401 will ensure residents can get home to their families safely and travellers have access to explore everything that our great community has to offer."
- Nolan Quinn
MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South
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