Wellington North Township is teaming up with Wellington County in a joint bid for part of a $100 million provincial fund for infrastructure work needed in the village.
CAO Mike Givens informed council at its Oct. 21 meeting that the joint “expression of interest” application will be submitted to the province under its Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Fund.
The project, known as the Frederick Street East project, is estimated to cost about $2.2 million and will include municipal and county roadwork.
A similar application was made under the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative – Capital Program (MIII) earlier this year, but was unsuccessful.
“Staff at the township and the county have discussed the new funding opportunity and have agreed that the Frederick Street East project in Arthur is well suited for the program and are planning to proceed with submitting an expression of interest for this project,” Givens said in a report to council.
“The project would entail the replacement of sanitary sewer, sanitary force main, water mains, repairs to storm sewer, curb repairs and asphalt resurfacing on Frederick Street from George Street to Eliza Street.
“Additionally, curb repairs and asphalt resurfacing would be completed on Eliza and Charles streets.”
Givens said the township will be the “lead applicant” for the funding request to the Ministry of Rural Affairs.
“The expression of interest will be altered slightly from the original application in hopes to make it more appetizing to the approval authorities,” Givens said in his report.
“Focus will be put on the health and safety of our residents. The guidelines clearly indicate that joint applications will receive additional consideration.”
The paper work, once completed, will require a review and resolution from township council.
The deadline for submitting the expression of interest is Nov. 1.
If approved, Givens said the project could get underway by mid-2014.
