This community was among those who were shut out when it came to a grant for its sewage treatment plant, but Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj was still feeling upbeat last week about getting some cash.
The township had sought $10-million – a huge amount for any program – for an upgrade to the Elora sewage treatment plant. Each level of government, including the township, would pay one third of the cost.
But the township did not receive funding from the communities component of the Building Canada Fund.
Ross-Zuj noted the county did receive some cash that will help replace a one-lane bridge on a county highway in former West Garafraxa.
“We’re not quite certain why the wastewater treatment plant didn’t rise to the top,” Ross-Zuj said. But, she added, she expects that money could come in further announcements.
“I heard there were nine more rounds,” she said, while adding that it was “a bit of a shock” the township’s grant request was turned down.
She said when the application was submitted, it received “a positive response” from officials, who said it was complete. She added those who approve the grants do not explain to anyone why their bid was rejected, so township staff have no idea why the application was turned down.
But, she said, “The opportunity will come back – that was just a small amount released.”
The joint program last week announced just over $1-billion in total funding.
Ross-Zuj said she has heard that some of the larger centres are now starting to complain that they, too, would like to see the competitive nature of the applications stop, and the program start dividing the money on some other basis so all municipalities can get their share.
