Peterborough – In response to a letter to the editor submitted by Ontario Minister of Transportation the Honorable Kathleen Wynne, M.P. Dean Del Mastro maintains his call to the Government of Canada to withhold funding pending firm commitments for a full completion of the Hwy. 407 project.

“In her letter to the editor, Minister Wynne very carefully neglects to commit to any firm date for completion of the project through to Hwy. 35/115 as agreed to under the FLOW agreement.  In Peterborough, the Parkway serves as a prime example of why a protected corridor does not indicate that there is any commitment to complete a roadway, merely that the opportunity is available for the future” states MP Del Mastro.

The completion of Hwy 407 through to Hwy 35/115 is a key component of a three part infrastructure upgrade plan that will eliminate the infrastructure deficit that exists in Durham, Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough.  The refurbishment of the Canadian Pacific Havelock Sub-Route rail line to support enhanced freight service and the re-establishment of passenger rail service along with the upgrade of the Peterborough Airport are the remaining components that will support long-term economic expansion and opportunity throughout the region.

Del Mastro emphasizes “It is critical for this entire region that the Hwy. 407 project be completed in full at the earliest possible date.  In the FLOW agreement, the completion date for the entire project was established as 2013.  While I would support a measure of flexibility on the completion date, if needed, I am not prepared to support an open-ended commitment.  The stakes are simply too high for this entire region and my constituents are counting on me to fight for them and their future.”