HARRISTON – The province is committing $1,008,000 to the reconstruction of Arthur Street East in Harriston.
“Our government is working with Ontario’s municipalities to strengthen infrastructure, especially in our rural communities,” said Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece. “Through the investments we are making, we are ensuring that our rural municipalities remain great places to live, work, and raise a family.”
“We are very pleased with this announcement,” said Town of Minto mayor George Bridge. “The Town of Minto has made good use of previous funds received under the Connecting Links program for projects located in Harriston and Clifford.
“Minto was gratified to see the restoration of this program as it provides vital funding to maintain highways that are of significant importance to the provincial transportation network.”
Bridge continued, “The Arthur Street East portion of Highway 89 is the last section of Connecting Link located in the Town of Minto to be replaced. It bears an increased traffic load as it is used to transport materials for critical businesses in addition to its role as part of the east-west corridor between Lake Huron and central Ontario. We expect to see design work commence very soon with tenders awarded in early 2020 in time for next summer’s construction season.”
‘Keep families safe’
“We are investing in municipal roads and bridges to keep families safe and to support jobs and growth in local communities,” stated provincial transportation minister Caroline Mulroney.
“We are working with municipal partners to make investments to help ensure Ontario’s transportation system works for everyone.”
The reconstruction of Arthur Street East, Highway 89, is one of 25 projects receiving funding from the province in 2019-20.
The Connecting Link program helps municipalities, build, renew or replace municipal roads and bridges that run through their communities, which connect to provincial highways. The funding covers up to 90 percent of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $3 million.
The Government of Ontario is providing $30 million in provincial funding in 2019-20 to improve road safety and ensure Ontario is open for business.
Funding for the 2020-21 Connecting Links Program will be open to applications from eligible municipalities later this year.
