By Stephen Vance, Staff
The much needed replacement of a cast iron water-main that connects Grandview Drive to the main trunk line at Meaford’s water treatment plant will move forward after a significant funding announcement from upper levels of government.
On Monday June 29, Meaford Mayor Barb Clumpus was joined by Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Larry Miller, MPP Bill Walker, as well as Barrie MPP Anne Hogarth at Fred Raper Park to make the announcement of the $1.8 million in funding. $909,500 has been granted from the federal government through the Small Communities Fund, and the Province of Ontario will contribute the same amount to the project.
The project will include the replacement of the cast iron water main that connects Grandview Drive to the main trunk water main at the Meaford Water Treatment Plant in order to help to reduce the risk of further breakage and improve water quality by removing corroded pipes. The project will also include associated road work to ensure motorist and pedestrian safety.
“I am very pleased that the Federal Government will be investing in the Grandview Drive and Susan Street Reconstruction,” said MP Miller at the announcement. “This project will benefit the local economy and will also ensure the safety of local drinking water for years to come.”
Miller added that assistance for projects such as this is important to small communities.
“We are pleased to invest in projects like the Grandview Drive and Susan Street Reconstruction that will benefit our community by improving much needed local infrastructure. Our Government’s commitment to municipalities, big and small, has never been stronger. Through the New Building Canada Plan Small Communities Fund we are investing in priority infrastructure projects that have a strong impact on the quality of life of Ontario’s residents while helping job creation and economic growth,” offered Miller.
Mayor Clumpus was pleased with the help from upper levels of government.
“Today is a great day for the Municipality of Meaford. We all remember the serious situation two summers ago when a large break occurred in a major water-main. So the news today of this $1.8 million grant from the Federal and Provincial governments, to help improve our water/waste-water and road infrastructure is most welcome, and might I say comes not a moment too soon,” said Clumpus. “These improvements will mean many things for our community. It will mean continued safe, high-quality drinking water, improved water and wastewater services, and safer roads for our vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The addition of 950 meters of sidewalk will allow better access for our residents to downtown, and a safe route to take a walk – or cycle – along our beautiful waterfront, which as you can see from this view is truly a natural wonder, particularly on beautiful summer days like today.”
