Municipalities in Grey-Bruce are receiving millions in funding from the provincial and federal government for water infrastructure projects.
The Canadian government announced nine local municipalities were among the 144 across Ontario to receive part of $190.2 million in federal funding and $140.5 million provincial funding, with a total of $108.5 million being contributed by local municipalities.
The federal funding is coming through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
The local municipalities include Arran-Elderslie, Owen Sound, Hanover, South Bruce, Huron-Kinloss, South Bruce Peninsula, Meaford, Kincardine, and Grey Highlands.
The municipality of Arran-Elderslie is receiving $170,400 in federal funding, $141,986 in provincial, with the municipality contributing $113,614 for the Hamilton Street watermain replacement project. The project includes the replacement of about 450 meters of watermain from John Street to the end of Hamilton Street.
The city of Owen Sound is receiving $1.5 million in federal funding, $1.2 million in provincial, with the city contributing $1.03 million for the water treatment plant filtration system. This project includes mechanical and electrical upgrades for four filters to increase the reliability and efficiency of the water treatment plant.
The town of Hanover is receiving $2 million in federal funding, $1.6 million in provincial, with the town contributing $1.3 million for the replacement of the 7th Avenue water tower. The project includes the demolition of the water tower, excavation of the site, and construction of a new water tower.
The municipality of South Bruce is receiving $1.9 million in federal funding, $1.6 million in provincial, with the municipality contributing $1.3 million for the construction of the Teeswater portable water storage facility and well. The project includes the construction of a new portable water storage facility and installation of a new ground water well, as well as treatment equipment to improve water assets.
The township of Huron-Kinloss is receiving $1.9 million in federal funding, $1.5 million in provincial, with the township contributing $1.2 million for the Lucknow standpipe replacement project. The project includes the demolition of the existing standpipe, construction of a new elevated water storage facility, and replacement of about 255 meters of watermain.
The town of South Bruce Peninsula is receiving $1.06 million in federal funding, $883,703 in provincial, with the town contributing $707,122 for the Gould Street and Pengally Avenue watermain replacement. The project includes the replacement of over 1.3 kilometres of watermain on Gould Street and the looping connection on Pengally Avenue. It also includes the renewal of nine fire hydrants and 24 gate valves.
The municipality of Meaford is receiving $729,278 in federal funding, $607,671 in provincial, with the municipality contributing $486,246 for the replacement of watermains along Lakeshore Road and Algonquin Drive. The project consists of the replacement of about 900 meters of watermain to increase the reliability and capacity of the watermain infrastructure.
The municipality of Kincardine is receiving $451,440 in federal funding, $376,162 in provincial, with the municipality contributing $300,998 for the watermain replacement along Andrew Malcolm Drive. The replacement will increase the reliability and capacity of transmission infrastructure.
The municipality of Grey Highlands is receiving $191,859 in federal funding, $159,866 in provincial, with the municipality contributing $127,922 for the water asset upgrade at the Markdale Community Centre. The project includes the replacement of about 150 meters of iron pipes, and an existing hydrant with a new reservoir.
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy says they have had great water for a number of years and this funding allows them to continue to provide some of the best water going forward.
“I think that is good news for Owen Sound. Of course we got a perfect mark on the operation of our water system at the end of 2021. So to be able to continue to upgrade the infrastructure and continue to supply really good, clean water for our citizens is important and we appreciate the money,” says Boddy.