Councillors generally proceed slowly and thoughtfully when they consider motions to do something – but when it came to a chance to rebuilt old Nichol Sideroad 19 on Monday, they climbed all over.
Councillor Walt Visser was moving the motion almost before Mayor Joanne-Ross-Zuj had finished reading it. Councillor Bob Foster was not far behind him in seconding that motion.
The motion stated that since Infrastructure Canada was offering the township a grant opportunity of 50% of the cost of work on Sideroad 19, Burnett Court, and Victoria Crescent in Fergus, that the township declared its support for the program.
Township Treasurer Wes Snarr warned, “It’s not absolutely certain that it’s approved – but it’s very likely.”
The township had been turned down for the project, and suddenly last week, Infrastructure Canada officials called to ask the township to resubmit its application.
Snarr said that since then those official have been working on the application with the township, which is cause for optimism.
“We’ve been discussing it back and forth,” Snarr said. “This is very likely.”
The grant would be for half of the $3.6-million cost to repave Sideroad 19, as well as supply sewer and water services there, plus to the other two roads.
The township would pay half the cost. It would use the money it receives from OLG, Ontario Lottery and Gaming, from its share of the slots facility profits.
Snarr said work would likely start in May, and it would have to be completed by March 31, 2011.
He expected the work to be done by fall, because preliminary work is already in place.
Ross-Zuj said she wants the work done “as soon as possible.”
Foster noted of Sideroad 19, “It’s one of the worst roads in the township.”
To which Public Works Director Ken Elder said, “I can give you a list.”
More grants arrived
Earlier, at its committee of the whole meeting, council learned Centre Wellington, Heritage Centre Wellington, and the Fergus Business Improvement Area is receiving a $16,335 grant through the Rural Economic Development Program.
That grant cash will be for the BT Corner project that has been ongoing for several years.
Ross-Zuj thanked Susan Powell, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs for the rural economic development grant.
She said it is “a wonderful tribute to the Beatty family.”
David Beynon, who has been working on the BT Corner project for several years, thanked Powell for all her help in obtaining the grant.
Kathy Baranski, the chairman of, Heritage Centre Wellington, said, “We are thrilled to welcome the province as a partner in helping to develop BT Corner in Fergus’ historical downtown area. With this support, we can pay tribute to the community’s industrial and agricultural heritage.”
The province provided the grant because Fergus is developing a community meeting place to draw visitors and tourists to the downtown core.
Through the Rural Economic Development program, Ontario is helping Fergus to:
– create a central outdoor community and special events venue at the downtown gateway;
– highlight the significance of Fergus’ history through interpretative plaques;
– attract visitors and residents to downtown Fergus;
– increase revenues for downtown merchants with increased visitor traffic; and
– enhance the downtown streetscape with a revitalized downtown green space.
