Councillors here are looking at another option for funding local projects.
In her July 17 report to council, town finance director Sharon Marshall noted the announcement by the federal Minister of State on the launch of the new Community Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF) could be used to repair and upgrade community and recreational facilities.
Initially, it was suggested that funds of up to 50 per cent could cover projects such as ramps for accessibility, extending trails and new technologies.
“Since then staff, including the roads superintendent, has checked into this a bit more carefully and discovered that deep within the eligibility clauses it does state that the funds could be used for projects such as roads and water.”
Marshall said that while the priority is given to recreation, accessibility and green technologies, “you are not restricted to just those.”
Marshall noted water superintendent Frank Smedley suggested making an application for trails funding under the recreation component, while roads superintendent Larry Van Wyck had suggested a funding application for the Station Road bridge to address a final solution for the issue.
She asked for a resolution from council to direct staff to prepare a report regarding potential projects.
However, she noted there was not another council meeting until Aug. 15 and the deadline for submissions was Aug. 24.
As such, Marshall asked council for authorization to bring in an engineer to provide cost estimates – if required.
She explained, that way, the Aug. 15 report would allow council to endorse specific projects and leave a week to prepare the applications.
Councillor John Brennan asked for a bit of an explanation from the roads superintendent.
Van Wyck said the guidelines for the eligible projects are quite explicit.
But there are a couple of items which could relate to Station Road – such as other community assets.
Van Wyck said any potential future widening of Station Road would enhance access to the Elora-Cataract trail from Trafalgar Road.
He added there can be some creativity with an application that would see different criteria apply to Station Road.
Van Wyck, however, said it was unclear whether this was one-third or one-half funding.
“We’re in a unique situation with the bureaucratic shuffle we’ve had to deal with in order to get approval for work on Station Road. I believe we may have most of the preliminary work done to meet the project completion deadline.”
He said it is just a matter of whether the application is viewed upon favourably by the government agencies.
Marshall said while the Station Road project is potentially the largest application, councillors should consider other projects as well.
She added projects with community and economic benefits are also on the criteria list of the CIIF funds.
Brennan noted the report also indicates there would be a maximum grant of $1 million.
Councillor Josie Wintersinger said her review of the document indicated it was for projects the community would make use of.
“I can see quite a few projects which could be done,” said Wintersinger.
Marshall stressed one part of the fund is that it cannot be used for new infrastructure.
“It has to be used for repair or updating,” she said.
Brennan added, “You might as well apply. If we get it, that’s great.”
If funds come to assist with Station Road, Brennan said the money would provide more flexibility to decide what will be the permanent solution.
