Province to take over maintenance of Thousand Islands Parkway

ROCKPORT – The Ontario government is assuming direct responsibility for the annual maintenance and rehabilitation of the Thousand Islands Parkway.

The move, aimed at reducing financial strain on the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) and ensuring the scenic stretch remains in good condition, was announced Wednesday at a press conference held at Rockport's Hucks Marine.

By transferring maintenance responsibilities and costs to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), the SLPC hopes to gain resources to focus on its core mission of providing high-quality amenities and experiences for the millions of commuters, residents, and tourists who use the parkway each year for boating, camping, and other recreational activities, officials said.

They added the province is also working with the SLPC on an agreement to provide support for managing the Long Sault Parkway.

“I am very pleased with the expanded agreement between the Ministry of Transportation and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission,” said former senator Bob Runciman, the SLPC chairman.

“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.”

Under a revised memorandum of understanding, the MTO will take over maintenance and infrastructure costs and conduct a full review of the Thousand Islands Parkway. The ministry will provide recommendations to improve its management.

“The Thousand Islands Parkway is a landmark destination that countless families, businesses, and tourists rely on to see the best of Eastern Ontario,” Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said at the local event.

“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.”

As part of broader infrastructure investments in Eastern Ontario, the province is also committing $27.5 million to resurfacing nearly 17 kilometres of Highway 401 between Mallorytown and Brockville.

The project includes culvert repairs and replacements, new lighting at County Road 2 ramp terminals, and rehabilitation of the Mallorytown Road underpass to prepare for future highway widening, provincial officials said.

“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 Thousand 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 is an important transportation artery, accommodating about 120,000 vehicles and 10,000 trucks carrying $380 million in goods daily.

This latest investment follows completed work on the Highway 49 Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge and resurfacing efforts on sections of Highway 401 near Kingston.

Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.