Ontario Construction News staff writer
The province and federal government have announced $3 million will be going to municipal infrastructure projects in the City of Barrie to improve Lake Simcoe’s health and local tourism.
Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard, Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin, Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MP Doug Downey and MP of Newmarket-Aurora Tony Van Bynen were all on-hand for the recent funding announcement of $2,985,553 in joint funding for three projects.
“All governments came together and asked how do we improve our infrastructure, how do we improve the environment around us?” said Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin, standing on the shore of Kempenfelt Bay. “Not only to be more resilient as a city, province and country after COVID-19, but how do we build up the infrastructure that people used so much of during the pandemic.”
Funded projects:
- Kidds Creek Stormwater Pond upgrades, which will upgrade the Sunnidale Stormwater Pond.
- Pave shoulders along Dunlop Street for active transportation between Ferndale Drive North and Miller Drive.
- Rehab of multi-use trail along the lakeshore.
The money will come from the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, a cost-shared, application-based infrastructure funding opportunity.
Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard says the health of Lake Simcoe was not only crucial for the residents and environment, but also for the travel and tourism aspect of the area.
“These are three projects that are near and dear to residents. Issues of active transportation, making sure that our waterfront is maintained, but most importantly, the health and wellness of Lake Simcoe,” said Brassard. “If there is anything that we need to advocate for going forward with all of us working together, it is to ensure the health and sustainability of Lake Simcoe,” he said.
A COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure stream has been added to the over $33-billion Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. The new COVID-19 Resilience stream will provide up to $1.05 billion in combined federal-provincial funding for infrastructure projects across Ontario.