The cost of relocating Talbot Trail could be alleviated from the municipality if a local councillor gets his way.
The section of Talbot Trail near Coatsworth Line has been closed since 2019 because of shoreline erosion. In 2024 council approved relocating the road for around $5 million, which is still in the development stage.
At the time, council voted for Mayor Canniff to write Queen’s Park seeking funding for the project. Now South Kent councillor Antony Ceccacci has tabled a notice of motion, urging council to ask the provincial government to foot the entire bill.
“This [Talbot Trail] is an agricultural driver for the transportation of agricultural goods for processing,” Ceccacci said. “And because it was a provincial highway at one time, and the provincial government is investing significant funds to upgrade number three highway in the Leamington-Essex area, this is a perfect example to ask for funds for a project…that is nearing commencement.”
Ceccacci hopes that Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, who was recently named Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness, will aid the municipality in getting the funding approved.
“He is a huge supporter of the agricultural community,” said Ceccacci. “And I think that if anybody in this area will see the value in assisting the municipality and repairing that road, I’m sure it will be Minister Jones.”
With tendering and construction of the recommended improvements targeted for some time in 2025, Ceccacci’s motion has no date as of yet when it will be presented to council.
