ONTARIO—Infrastructure funding has been announced for both the municipality of Central Manitoulin and Billings township through the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM). Ontario is investing close to $27 million to support improvements to critical infrastructure while creating local construction jobs in Northeastern Ontario.
The province is supporting 28 projects through the Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Fund, which is providing $100 million to help municipalities across the province build and maintain key infrastructure.
Central Manitoulin will receive $1.4 million for its reconstruction of portions of Yonge Street. As well, Billings is upgrading the Kagawong water treatment plant (as was reported in last week’s edition of the Recorder) and has received $1.4 million in funding.
For Central Manitoulin, the project application criteria was based on health and safety issues. The reconstruction work will take place from the Highway 542 intersection heading up to Anglin Street, on Yonge Street and portions on adjoining side streets including Thorne, Duke and Anglin Streets.
The work to be done involves changes and improvements, removal of existing asphalt, road grading, lowering of the profile of Yonge Street (to allow drivers better visibility of the road) as well as adjusting the Duke Street profile, a new road base, new asphalt, new storm sewers, catch basins and outlet drainage, new curbs and gutters, new sidewalks, and three new crosswalks. The drainage work to be carried out will include open channel work and closed storm sewer work.
“A strong, prosperous Northern Ontario requires modern and efficient infrastructure,” said Jeff Leal, minister of Rural Affairs. “Through this fund, our government is helping communities renew and replace roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure that will attract investment, create jobs and help drive economic growth.”
Glen R. Murray, minister of Infrastructure said, “the Ontario government is committed to working with municipalities, especially our rural and Northern partners, to help make critical infrastructure investments that will strengthen our communities across the province. Through the Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Fund, we are ensuring that the right investments are made at the right time.”
“Our government continues to invest in new and modern infrastructure that is building stronger communities, growing regional economies and creating jobs across the North,” said Michael Gravelle, MNDM minister. “By investing in these crucial projects, we are expanding opportunities for Northern residents and businesses and improving the economic well-being of the province.”
