TORONTO – The Ontario government is investing more than $1.3 million for new infrastructure in the Wellington-Halton Hills riding, including a bridge upgrade and road reconstruction in Puslinch and replacement of a bridge in Erin.
Infrastructure Minister Laurie Scott, on behalf of MPP Ted Arnott, announced Aug. 9 that the province has nominated three projects, with a total cost of just over $4 million, to the federal government for approval.
The funding is through the rural and northern stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), with the cost of the planned projects shared between municipal, provincial and federal governments.
In Puslinch, funding is designated for an upgrade of Moyer’s Bridge on Concession 7 and road reconstruction from the intersection of McLean Road/Concession 7 to Wellington Road 34.
The full cost for the project is estimated at $1,038,750, with design work planned for 2020 and construction in 2022.
Erin is to get funding for replacement of a bridge on the 8th Line at Sideroad 17.
According to a May 7 report to council, the estimated project cost of replacing the structure is $1.1m.
Communications officer Jessica Spina said cost sharing of projects is determined by the population size of the municipality.
She said the town is “optimistically awaiting the federal government’s decision.”
If the projects are approved, the federal government is to contribute 50 per cent of the total amount, the province 33% and the local municipality 17%.
All costs must be incurred by Dec. 31, 2026.
In the Town of Halton Hills, improvements will be made to Glen Lawson Road and Third Line.
Ontario has now nominated 144 projects to the federal government under the rural and northern stream.
The federal government will now review the projects and make final funding decisions.
“We need to build and maintain great road, bridge, air and marine infrastructure to help get people to work and home safely, so they can spend more time with the people they love,” said Scott.
“We’re continuing to work with municipalities, families and businesses, to make smart investments in our infrastructure, and keep it reliable. These investments are creating good jobs and growing the economy, shaping the future for hardworking families in Ontario.”
The ICIP is a $30-billion, 10-year infrastructure program cost-shared between the three levels of government.
Ontario’s share per project will be up to 33%, or $10.2 billion spread across four streams: rural and northern, public transit, green, and community, culture and recreation.
The funding for the rural and northern stream has now been fully allocated.
