Canada’s federal and provincial governments are helping to fund Northern Ontario infrastructure projects.
In a flurry of announcements Monday, the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) pledged millions of dollars to the region for projects including water treatment and sewage system upgrades, as well as for road work.
Greenstone received a grant of $6.2 million for upgrades to Geraldton’s sewer system.
Lindsay Mannila, Nipigon’s chief administrator, said upgrades to his town’s sewage treatment plant wouldn’t have been possible without the $3.8 million grant received Monday. Nipigon also will add a secondary treatment process to the plant.
Other water-related recipients were Kenora, $1.3 million for renewal of water distribution and sewer systems; Manitouwadge, $5.6 million for water system work; and Sault Ste. Marie, $2.4 million for water system upgrades.
The grant process was competitive, with requests for $1.3 billion. There was $249 million available.
COMRIF is a joint effort of the federal and provincial and municipal governments and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to renew aging infrastructure it the province.
The municipalities also chip in money for the jobs.
Source: The Chronicle-Journal
