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The Provincial Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is making monies
available to municipalities with priority given to projects that are
labour intensive in order to create jobs.
Each municipality may contribute up to three projects for funding
and, although the approval process has not yet been defined, it is
anticipated that decisions will be made based on the labour
component, whether municipalities will save money in the long run
and whether or not there is sustainability.
At the Saugeen Shores Town Council meeting Monday, April 27th, four
projects were put forward for Council's consideration -
- Southampton Sanitary Sewer Expansion north of the Saugeen River
$17,000,000
- Market Street Storm Sewer Installation & Road Reconstruction $
3,890,000
- Concession 10 Storm Sewer Installation $ 1,210,000
- Fairy Lake Park Improvements $ 160,000
Notice of the funding came out only two weeks prior to the
council meeting and has restrictions. Projects must be proven to be
'shovel-ready' and must be completed by March 15, 2011. In other
words, they must be projects where all the pre-work has been done so
that they can go to tender quickly.
Vice Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock felt that if a low priced project
was included in the bid for funding, i.e. the Fairy Lake project,
then the government may approve that one only and therefore, he
suggested it be eliminated from the list.
"I agree with him [Gowanlock]," said Councillor Fred Shildroth. "I
think we should look at the largest projects. I would ask however,
how many property owners will be affected in the area?"
According to CAO, Ron Brown, there are approximately 480 existing
properties.
The funding formula has been set up so that each level of government
is responsible for one third (1/3) of the total. The Federal and
Provincial will each contribute one third of the total amount with
the remainder to be paid by the municipality.
(next column)
03/05/2009 12:06 AM
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The Southampton Sanitary Sewer Expansion is the largest project being
put forward for funding. It will see the sewer system expanded across
the Saugeen River (under the river) and up through the housing division
north of the river. Instead of the town paying one third however, it has
been proposed that it be passed on to those who are 'benefitting' from
the project. Therefore, each of the 480 property owners (approximate)
will have to pay $12,000 (approximate) to meet the one-third
stipulation.
New Councillor, Taun Frosst said that he thought the Southampton
Sanitary Expansion was way overdue. "Until this funding came along, we
had no way of doing it.""If this goes ahead," said Councillor Dianne
Huber, "the roads would also have to be upgraded in the area."
"This will create a stimulus and create jobs," said Councillor Luke
Charbonneau, "and the Fairy Lake project can always be put into the next
budget."
"I suggest the $17 million project be priority number one, if these
projects are applied for in order of rank," added Councillor Thead
Seaman. "I have a problem though with the one-third funding being passed
on to property owners. Maybe we should set up a policy about passing
this on to the owners."
"When, and if, we get approval," explained CAO, Ron Brown, "the shovels
must be in the ground within 60 days. I think this will definitely be an
issue in Southampton."
"Well," said Seaman, "my number is in the book. If someone wants an
answer, they can phone me."
Councillor Victoria Serda questioned why all the projects being put
forward are sewer related. . "Perhaps, in the future, we could consider
projects that are more cultural."
"Well," said Mayor Smith, "given the time constraints being imposed, I
hope we are successful in getting any one of the three."
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