A major sewage infrastructure upgrade and expansion project in the Town of The Blue Mountains received a big financial boost on Sept. 23.
Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson was in Thornbury to announce that the town would be receiving $25,397,523.99 from the first round of provincial Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund.
The announcement was made at The Blue Mountains town hall in downtown Thornbury and Saunderson was joined by The Blue Mountains Mayor Andrea Matrosovs, Grey County Warden Brian Milne, town staff and other local officials.
“Simcoe-Grey is growing and we know a major piece to responsible and sustainable growth is infrastructure,” said Saunderson. “This funding will allow the town of The Blue Mountains to create critical housing for hundreds of families and people who want to make this beautiful part of Ontario home.”
The funding will be used to support the town’s plans to upgrade the sewage pumping station on Mill Street, the sewage lift station in Craigleith and the installation of a new sewage forcemain in Thornbury.
Town staff told CollingwoodToday the provincial funding would cover approximately 73 per cent of the total estimated project cost of $35.7 million.
Matrosovs said the funding is the largest amount the province has committed to a town project in her time on council.
“In my six years, I can’t remember having such a significant contribution from the province to make sure we can move some mountains here,” she said in an interview after the announcement.
Matrosovs thanked town staff for their efforts to secure the grant in what Saunderson called an “extremely competitive process.”
“Our project stood out among many,” Matrosovs said, who said the upgrade project would open up capacity for approximately 2,000 new housing units. “This project will significantly increase our wastewater storage and pumping capacity. This investment is crucial for meeting the demands of our growing population and ensuring the continued vitality and sustainability of our community.”
Saunderson said the funding program was “oversubscribed” with applications from municipalities across the province.
“Only the really great bids came to the top,” he said.
Milne welcomed the news and the big provincial cheque.
“We’re grateful to be part of this announcement. Grey County has seen tremendous growth over the past decade,” said Milne. “Rising costs for new services is a challenge. This funding is much needed.”
