Government invest $1.1 million in local infrastructure projects

Dufferin County municipalities are receiving more than $1.1 million in funding from the provincial and federal government to invest in local infrastructure.

The funding, which is through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), was officially announced in a press release last Thursday (July 8). Local municipalities will see over $900,000 invested from the federal government and over $183,000 contributed by the province for a total of nine projects.

According to the press release, the funding will support the development of modern and accessible recreational spaces, the replacement of equipment in health and emergency facilities, increased options for active transportation, and the renovation of municipal buildings.

“Dufferin-Caledon municipalities continue to be supported through provincial and federal funding for projects that benefit all residents in our community,” said Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones. “This investment in local municipalities and Dufferin County will help to upgrade and repair municipal buildings and outdoor spaces that we rely on.”

Shelburne will be receiving $109,187 in funding to make upgrades to Town Hall. A report to Shelburne Town Council on Monday (July 12) from Carey Holmes, town treasurer, said the application was made to address the HVAC system and ventilation in relation to COVID-19 to provide a safe work environment for staff and the community.

A request for proposal has been issued for a replacement of the system’s Chiller and quotes are being obtained for window repairs.

The Town of Orangeville will be receiving funding for two projects which includes $79,500 for Town Hall upgrades and $104,314 for the Parkinson Neighbourhood Trail Connectivity.

Upgrades to Town Hall include replacing the existing automatic entrance doors, construction of an accessible ramp at the Theatre Orangeville Broadway entrance, and the instillation of glass shields at customer service, and ticket sales desks.

Funds being directed to the Parkinson Neighbourhood Trail Connectivity will be used for the installation of two boardwalks to the south side of the trail to connect to Veterans Way Trail, and an entrance connection to Veterans Way Trail to the west.

Melanchthon ($92,000), Amaranth ($100,000), and Mulmur ($100,000), will be using the funds for municipal building improvements, while East Garafraxa ($100,000), and Mono ($100,000) will work on recreational upgrades.

The County of Dufferin ($132,040) will be doing touchless upgrades.