Ontario taking over maintenance of Thousand Islands Parkway and resurfacing Highway 401

Ontario’s provincial government is assuming responsibility for the annual maintenance and rehabilitation of the Thousand Islands Parkway, the province wrote in a news release.

According to the province, this is in efforts to protect local communities from the rising costs of upkeep, as well as ensuring the 40-km parkway is well-maintained.

Maintenance responsibility is being transferred from St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), working to free up resources and funds.

This will allow SLPC to prioritize positive experiences for millions of commuters who use the Thousand Island Parkway for boating, camping and more each year, the province claims.

The eastern corridor of Highway 401 accommodates around 120,000 vehicles and 10,000 trucks carrying $380 million in goods each day..

“We are stepping up our support for the St. Lawrence Parks Commission so that they (SLPC) can focus more of their resources on restoring trails, campsites, and other amenities, improving the visitor experience for everyone,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.

The Ministry of Transportation is set to cover maintenance and infrastructure costs, as well as conduct a full review of the Parkway — providing recommendations to improve management of the corridor, noted the province.

“This agreement will markedly improve the maintenance and operational oversight of the Thousand Islands Parkway and Long Sault Parkway, ensuring the safety and efficiency of our road infrastructure while enabling SLPC to reinvest in our parks and historic attractions,” said the Honourable Bob Runciman, chairperson of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission.

Additionally, Ontario is collaborating with SLPC, in efforts to come to an agreement to provide support for managing the Long Sault Parkway, located between Ingleside and Long Sault.

According to the Government of Ontario, the province is also investing $27.5 million to resurface an estimated 17 km of Highway 401 between Mallorytown and Brockville — preparing for future expansion of the highway.

This includes 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 province said.

“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,” Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, said.

While the announcement is promising for the SLPC, which can now focus on other initiatives, the move also reinforces the Conservatives mandate to improve highways across the province.