$3.2 million in funding for Minto

The provincial government is providing the Town of Minto with up to $3.2 million for road projects in Clifford and Palmerston through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and Connecting Links program.

In a press release, the province states the funding will “build and repair important infrastructure, stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

The province is providing Minto with up to $1.3 million through OCIF to rebuild sections of Jane and Inkerman streets in Palmerston, including water main and sewer line replacement and road rehabilitation – one of 59 approved projects across the province that will receive new funding through the program.

Additionally, the province is providing Minto with $1.9 million in funding through the Connecting Links program “to improve road safety and create jobs” through the reconstruction of Elora Street (Highway 9) in Clifford.

“I’m proud that our government is investing in various infrastructure projects in the Minto community,” said Kitchener Centre MPP Daiene Vernile, who made the announcement at the town’s administration centre on April 1.

“The province’s commitment to investing in small and rural infrastructure will help keep our communities strong while creating jobs.

“This is very good News and I promise you it is not an April Fool’s joke,” Vernile quipped.

“As you know, our government has made investing in infrastructure a top priority. Communities like Minto rely on a network of roads, bridges, water systems, telecom networks and other very critical infrastructure. And the cost of keeping them in working order, as you know, in a community this size can be very challenging.

“I’m proud to work in a government that is doing something to  address this need, to help municipalities. I’m a strong believer that a strong, healthy Ontario requires strong, healthy and equally vibrant rural communities.”

Minto Mayor George Bridge stated, “We are thrilled the province has chosen to fund our Connecting Link and the Ontario Community Investment Fund applications.

“Elora Street in Clifford and Jane and Inkerman Streets in Palmerston are both high-priority projects in our asset management program. This work upgrades aging infrastructure and helps us make significant progress on our infrastructure deficit.”

Bridge told Vernile the Clifford reconstruction project would not be possible without upper tier funding.

“We couldn’t afford to fix it with our infrastructure dollars without the Connecting Links program,” he stated.  “It’s a good investment. That $1.9 million, we’re very proud that we’re getting that from the province, but it’s not just for us. As you’re aware, we have about 6,600 vehicles go through Clifford every day and on the weekends close to 20,000.

“We talked about connecting links, that’s what it is, its connecting all our people from all the cities up to their cottages and everywhere else – so I’m glad the province has seen that and they’ve certainly come to the forefront with that.”

Vernile explained the funding is part of a $20 million annual commitment to supporting Ontario roads and bridges. She noted the province’s 2016 Ontario budget indicated funding for OCIF will triple from $100 million to $300 million per year by 2018-19, which will include $200 million in “predictable, formula-based funding” and $100 million in application-based funding.

“I love the fact that we’re starting to get that sustainable infrastructure (funding), and we’re moving some of that money from project-based so we can do more planning at the local level,” said Bridge, who has long advocated for a switch from application-based funding. “I really appreciate your government listening to us, through Good Roads and … AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario),  coming up with these new efforts.”

“Can I say to that your community is very lucky to have you steering at the helm, because you’re their advocate, you’re a loud, clear voice. We’ve heard you and your community is well-served,” Vernile told Bridge.

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