Feds, province spend $42 million on projects across Ontario
In a series of announcements, the federal and provincial governments have pledged more than $42 million for a series of infrastructure projects across the province.
At $27.6 million, Toronto will receive the lion’s share of the funding. The city and its partners will put the money toward 14 cultural, community and active transportation infrastructure projects.
Among projects funded are eight components of the City of Toronto’s Ravine Strategy to improve the city’s active transportation infrastructure. Project work includes the construction of a new connection from Meadoway Trail to Highland Creek Trail, as well as upgrades to trails through Taylor Creek Park and Rowntree Mills Park, including trail reconstruction and site drainage. Additional work involves a new trail wayfinding signage in ravines at the East Don Trail, Upper Highland Trail, Meadoway and Upper Black Creek. Finally, upgrades to existing entry points at approximately seven ravines across the city, including Edwards Gardens, will improve community access to green spaces.
Other projects funded will support upgrades to HVAC, humidifiers and heating systems in long-term care homes across the city, as well as improvements to community, cultural and recreation facilities throughout the city, such as the rehabilitation of the Don Montgomery Community Centre, improving accessibility and quality of visitor experience at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre; renovations to the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, and improved accessibility at the Toronto Zoo.
"Investments in local infrastructure are critical to the well-being of our communities,” said Scarborough Southwest MP Bill Blair. “Today’s announcement of over $2 million to the Don Montgomery Community Recreation Centre in Scarborough Southwest through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, and nearly $12 million for 13 other projects across the City of Toronto, will assist with facility rehabilitation costs and help ensure that the residents of Scarborough and Toronto have places to gather for years to come."
Meanwhile, five projects in York Region, Ajax, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and Central Ontario will share in nearly $12 million.
In York Region, funding will support upgrades to municipal buildings. The project includes the installation of an emergency generator and low-water fixtures, insulation for heating units and windows, as well as HVAC and lighting upgrades. Additional work includes the restoration of flooring and paint, rehabilitation of mechanical, electrical and water systems, replacement of septic system and fire pond, and interior structure work.
In Ajax, funding will support the expansion of the existing ActiveTOA trail network. The project involves adding three active transportation routes of three to six kilometres in length. It includes the design and implementation of the routes, the addition of wayfinding signage and stencil installations, and two bike repair stations.
Other projects funded include upgrades to trail infrastructure in conservation areas located in Caledon, Erin, Halton Hills and Mississauga, for the design, fabrication and installation of an indoor and outdoor children’s gallery at the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre, and upgrades to the Community Centre within the Unionville Seniors Hub in Markham.
Finally, the governments made $2.8 million available for work on 12 projects elsewhere. Six of those projects are located in Central and Northern Ontario.
Among those projects are renovations and renewals of the elevators at the fitness and recreation centres in the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario in the Sudbury location, and the one-person lift at the North Bay location, with a full-service elevator.
In the Town of The Blue Mountains, funding will support renovations of the Craigleith Heritage Depot. This project includes updating the roof, siding, accessible doors, and fenestrations. Other updates include work to improve air flow, the interior climate, and air quality.
Finally, investments in the City of Peterborough will upgrade the HVAC system at the Sports and Wellness Centre by replacing the dehumidification unit.
The remainder of funding will support the rehabilitation of the shoreline in the Town of Goderich by installing a retaining wall to provide better protection against shoreline erosion along Lake Huron; high-speed broadband internet will be installed in the municipal office in the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry for the benefit of staff and visitors; the town soccer clubhouse will undergo repairs in the City of Thorold; and upgrades will be made to the municipal office, firehall and library in the Village of Newberry. Furthermore, funding will support new sidewalks and a new crosswalk on Inglis Street in the Township of North Dumfries.