Feds, province announce infrastructure commitments
Several Ontario communities are sharing in millions of dollars of infrastructure funding being provided by the federal and provincial governments as part of programs to reboot the country’s economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a series of announcements in February, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced $6.6 million in funding for projects in Bancroft, West Elgin and Markham. When combined with the funding being provided by the local governments, the spending on infrastructure projects exceeds $9 million.
The largest share of the funding was directed to the City of Markham, which will receive $3.5 million from the senior levels of government through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan for the expansion of the Parya Trillium Foundation community centre in Markham. The foundation itself is contributing a further $1.3 million to the project. The funding was announced on February 12.
The scope of work calls for a series of improvements to the community centre, including the addition of a two-story extension, the construction of a gymnasium, change rooms and washrooms, and the creation of additional classrooms and a new reception area. Solar panels will also be installed to increase the building's energy efficiency. Improvements will also be made to the parking area, including the construction of 90 additional parking spaces, four barrier-free spaces, and redesigned landscaping.
"We are very thankful to the federal and provincial governments who approved our proposed project of a two-storey addition of around 10,000 square feet to the Parya Trillium Foundation Community Centre,” said Ahmad Tabrizi, founder and president of the Parya Trillium Foundation. “This large, multi-purpose facility will help us provide more dynamic programs and services for the Iranian, Chinese, Afghani and Russian communities living in the York region, and Greater Toronto Area. With this funding, our dedicated donors, staff and enthusiastic volunteers will continue to ensure that we meet the needs of our community and fulfil the visions of our founders."
Meanwhile, in West Elgin, the federal and provincial governments have earmarked a combined $1.7 million in funding for improvements to the Rodney Wastewater Treatment Plant. The money is being provided through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan, and is being supplemented by $628,000 from the Municipality of West Elgin.
The project includes the rehabilitation of a secondary clarifier, the replacement of a storage tank, and upgrades to the lagoon decant system. The upgrades will improve the reliability and effectiveness of the wastewater treatment process, extending the facility's performance lifespan, and reducing future maintenance costs. It will also ensure area residents have efficient wastewater services while also protecting local waterways and supporting a healthier living environment.
"This funding will allow for the first major updates to the plant since it was built, extending its lifespan and ensuring West Elgin residents have efficient wastewater services for years to come," said mayor Duncan McPhail.
Finally, the Town of Bancroft will receive nearly $1.4 million for construction of the North Hastings Community Hub, and provide $500,000 of its own money for the project.
The project involves the construction of an accessible 4,000-square foot community hub, which will include new space for the North Hastings Public Library. Located on the ground-floor of a new, three-storey mixed-use building with twenty affordable housing units, the new Community Hub and public library will better serve the needs of the residents of North Hastings.
"This will benefit the residents of our entire region and will revitalize and change the course of downtown Bancroft,” said mayor Paul Jenkins.