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Profiles of projects in Ontario
- Brampton
- Chatsworth
- Cochrane
- Earlton
- Georgian Bluffs
- Georgina
- Grafton
- Hamilton
- Hanover
- Kingston
- Kitchener
- London
- North Perth
- North York
- Ottawa
- Parry Sound
- Peel Region
- Picton
- Quinte West
- Richmond Hill
- South Stormont
- Sudbury
- Toronto
- Wawa
- Windsor
Innovative Mobility Hub
Project location: Brampton, Ontario
The City of Brampton is developing an integrated transit system that will serve residential, recreational and commercial needs in a northwest neighbourhood.
The Mount Pleasant Mobility Hub will connect to systems that serve the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, for commuter rail, bus rapid transit and conventional transit users. The $23 million price tag is shared among the three levels of government. The federal investment of $7,666,667 from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund helped make this project possible.
The Hub includes bus layover areas, shelters and amenities, such as bike storage space, to encourage alternative modes of travel. Roadwork is designed around the needs of both pedestrians and transit, and features decorative crosswalks, public art, a weather-protected canopy and sidewalk. The project also includes a public square and restoration of an historic Canadian Pacific Railway station as an arts facility and library.
Mayor Susan Fennell calls the Hub and community surrounding it a "poster child for proper planning." She hopes it will reduce car use in a modern, environmentally friendly, sustainable development that enhances "quality of life and benefits the local economy through job creation and other economic benefits."
Federal contribution:$7,666,667
From Brownfield to Serviced Subdivision
Project location: Cochrane, Ontario
Renewed mining operations around the northern Ontario Town of Cochrane increased the need for more residential housing in the town, which serves as a service and supply centre for the surrounding area. Cochrane needed to put the infrastructure in place to allow for an increased population and growing economic base. At the same time, a large abandoned brownfield site near the centre of town needed to be cleaned up and put to better use.
The Town of Cochrane combined the two needs and began work in 2009 to clean up the former school site. Hazardous materials are being removed and new water, wastewater and electrical infrastructures installed. Once the below-grade work is complete, new landscaping will help revitalize the look of the property and add green spaces that will have a chance to mature as residential development gets under way.
Up to $150,000 from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, matched provincially and municipally, will be applied toward the brownfield clean-up and installation of services. Cochrane Mayor Lawrence Martin recognizes the importance of the funding from senior levels of government. "These programs made it possible for us to renew our infrastructure.”
Federal contribution: $150,000
Resurfacing of Tenth Street
Project location: Earlton, Ontario
Tenth Street is the commercial corridor for Earlton, with significant traffic coming from Highway 11.
There is an immediate need to resurface Tenth Street by removing all bumps and dips which cause water to accumulate and freeze up during the spring and fall seasons, a potential safety concern. Repairing this road now will also better position the Township of Armstrong to host the upcoming International Plowing Match, expected to attract over 70,000 people to the area.
"The rehabilitation of the main street of Earlton Village in Armstrong County will be beneficial for all residents and visitors to our region," said Jules Gravel, Reeve, Township of Armstrong. "The road was dangerous, particularly in the spring and fall, because of the water that would accumulate on the road and freeze. Thanks to the help of the federal and provincial governments, the problem is now gone.
"
Federal contribution: $219,775
Sustainable Rural Development
Project location: Township of Georgian Bluffs and Township of Chatsworth, Ontario
The Townships of Georgian Bluffs and Chatsworth are using funds from three levels of government—including the Communities Component of the federal Building Canada Fund—to build a green, revenue-generating treatment facility for septage pumped from septic tanks and other organic waste.
The new anaerobic treatment facility and electrical power plant will reduce the strong odour of septic waste and remove up to 99.5% of pathogens. It will also harness the methane gas produced from the septage, which can be burned to produce electricity and then sold back to the power grid.
The townships contend that their plant will be among the first in Ontario to treat septage with an anaerobic digestion process that produces electrical power. The plant is capable of producing 2,400 kWh per day.
Federal contribution: $833,334
The ROC Takes Shape
Project location: Georgina, Ontario
The goal is to provide an environmentally sustainable, four-season, outdoor recreation complex that will make Georgina, located on the south shore of Lake Simcoe, a sports and recreation leader. Mayor Rob Grossi hopes it will "inspire all residents to a more active and healthy lifestyle, contribute to community pride and well-being” and attract tourists, large tournaments and high-caliber athletes to the region.
The Georgina Recreational Outdoor Complex, or the ROC, includes everything from soccer pitches and lawn bowling greens to toboggan runs and a tubing hill, a beach volleyball court, baseball diamonds, water playground, rock climbing, a ropes course, ski hills, hiking trails, an ice rink and tennis and basketball courts. Picnic and banquet facilities, gardens and interpretive conservation areas are also planned.
The entire complex follows the principles of sustainable design to enhance the quality of the environment, conserve energy and resources, and manage storm water runoff. A forest community will be preserved and several ponds and wetlands added.
This more than $14-million project is getting a third of its funding from the Government of Canada through the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund.
Federal contribution: $14,000,000
Replacement of Benlock Road Overflow Bridge
Project location: Grafton, Ontario
The Benlock Road Overflow Bridge is a narrow, single-span, concrete, rigid-framed structure with an asphalt wearing surface. The bridge has deteriorated over time and needs to be replaced. It is a vital part of the local road system.
A new two-lane structure with a bridge and approach barrier will be built in its place.
In speaking about the project, Chris Bent, P.Eng., G.D. Jewell Engineering Inc. said, "The Building Canada Fund has allowed for the replacement of a deteriorated bridge that was a top priority with the Township. The new structure will have a life expectancy of 75 years.
"
Federal contribution: $175,000
Ensuring Safe, Secure Water Supplies
Long-Term Water Treatment Upgrades
Project location: Hamilton, Ontario
As part of a major investment in water treatment in Hamilton, Ontario, $14 million in federal funding from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is being used to modernize the city's Woodward Water Treatment Plant. The province and municipality are contributing equal amounts to this project.
In the short term, the project to upgrade and replace key components in potable water treatment at the plant will create about 500 jobs, according to the City of Hamilton.
In the long term, Hamilton residents will continue to enjoy safe drinking water for decades to come.
The revitalization of the plant is expected to meet population growth projections and potable water demands for the City of Hamilton for the next 60 to 80 years.
The reconstruction of the Woodward Water Treatment Plant is part of a larger investment in water management in the Hamilton region.
Federal contribution:$14,000,000
New Recreation Complex Adds to Community Pride
Project location: Hanover, Ontario
The new Regional Recreation Complex will feature hockey, ringette and figure skating for the town of Hanover, Ontario.
Thanks to the Building Canada Fund and provincial and municipal contributions, Hanover was able to replace an existing arena that, while rich in nostalgia and history, no longer met the needs of the community.
The new 6,224 square metre complex was built on the site of the old arena and is attached to the town's aquatic centre. In addition to a new, regulation-size rink, the complex features a dry land training area and a multi-purpose room. Engineers used the latest technology to ensure a reduced environmental footprint.
Mayor Kathi Maskell sees the new complex as a way for her generation to enhance the health of future generations. It also adds “to the vibrancy of our town and the pride in community felt by the people who live here.”
Hanover is located in southwestern Ontario.
Federal contribution: $3,500,000
Applying New Technologies
Project location: Kitchener, Ontario
The City of Kitchener has become a proponent of a relatively new and more economical approach to repairing leaking or older sewers and water mains.
With a commitment of over $833,000 from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, Kitchener is using trenchless technology to rehabilitate sewer and water mains that are candidates for the new approach.
If a water main is cracked and leaking but an inspection of the pipe with a remote camera indicates damage is not extensive or the pipe has not collapsed, crews flush out the main and insert an inflatable liner. This reseals the pipe along its length.
Wasteful leakage of treated, potable water has been eliminated and the city has two small holes in the road to repair — one at each end of the repaired length of pipe — rather than having dug up the road all along the water main. With trenchless technologies, repairs take a lot less time and money than with traditional methods.
Grant Murphy, Director of Engineering for the city points to the importance of keeping sewers and water mains in good repair. "At the end of the day a cleaner water supply leads to a strong environment and a healthier community."
Federal contribution:$833,000
Centre in the Square Rehabilitation Project
Project location: Kitchener, Ontario
The Centre in the Square Rehabilitation project involves renovating sections of Kitchener's premiere live performing arts venue, located in the heart of the city.
The Centre in the Square opened in September 1980 and welcomes approximately 190,000 audience members a year to a wide variety of events from dance, music and comedy performances to children's plays and musicals. The federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is contributing $400,000 to this project with matching contributions from the Province of Ontario and the municipality.
Work to rehabilitate the Centre includes creating a new access road on the property to facilitate patron drop-off, upgrading the seating of the main performance space and creating a new, smaller performance space near the entrance. The water and drainage system for the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery is also being upgraded and retail space is being added to the lobby. Finally, office lighting will benefit from more energy efficient models.
Federal contribution:$400,000
Ensuring Continued Growth
Project location: Kingston, Ontario
Population growth and warmer weather have increased the use of potable water in Kingston, a city of about 118,000 located at the mouth of Lake Ontario. Despite implementation of water conservation measures, demands on the existing system have sometimes caused low water pressure and made it difficult to fight fires.
To address the water concerns of the ever-expanding city, Kingston is upgrading its water plant and distribution system. The changes that address aging infrastructure and accommodate the increased demands are now possible thanks, in part, to a federal funding through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
The work includes a new water reservoir facility and booster pumping station. Workers will also install large water mains in key areas to expand the distribution system. The project added needed jobs to the region's economy.
Mayor Harvey Rosen calls the changes "a critical piece of Kingston's infrastructure planning” that is essential if the city is to continue to thrive.
Federal contribution: $3,333,333
Improving water quality in Southwest Ontario
Project location: London, Ontario
The HELP (Huron Elgin London Project) Clean Water program will serve half a million people in southwestern Ontario municipalities. Without adequate resources, these municipalities faced the challenges of leaking mains, aging pumps and other machinery used to distribute and ensure water quality. Emergency repair crews working at high cost to maintain the aging system were often needed.
Thanks to an investment through the Major Infrastructure Component of the federal government's Building Canada Fund, the HELP Clean Water project will go a long way in solving these problems. It will increase the size of London's Southeast Reservoir and improve its pumping station, and build treatment plants to handle sediment and residue. A new pipeline for the London water supply will be added as well as an emergency backup generator for the Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant, and more.
"The goal of HELP Clean Water is to maintain the quality of life and economic growth in the Region," says London Mayor Anne-Marie DeCicco-Best. "This innovative, forward-looking project will ensure the continued provision of safe, sufficient drinking water to our homes and businesses for generations to come."
Federal contribution: $49,985,307
London Industrial Park, Phase III
Project location: London, Ontario
London, Ontario's Innovation Park is the third of a four-phase, prestige industrial park development plan. It is located along Highway 401 on the main road to the London International Airport. Innovation Park is key to London's Industrial Land Development Strategy, a vital component of the City's overall economic development plan.
Through Canada's Economic Action Plan investment, approximately 50 hectares (124 acres) of serviced prestige industrial land is being provided by installing industrial sewer and water requirements, storm management ponds and road construction. The roads will accommodate oversized industrial traffic.
Hopes are that Phase III will continue to attract economic development within the corridor.
"We thank the other levels of government for partnering with the City of London on these projects," says London Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best.
Federal contribution: $4,700,000
Essential Bridge Rebuilt
Project location: North Perth, Ontario
The 2007 closure of the Hilpert Bridge in Perth County, Ontario forced local residents, farmers moving equipment, emergency services and school buses to detour for several kilometres around the unsafe, single-lane structure. No one was happy with the extra travel time to reach essential community services.
But, like many other communities in Canada, the Municipality of North Perth was struggling with the effects of the economic downturn that had to be balanced against the need for necessary infrastructure renewal. Rebuilding the bridge was delayed.
That situation changed with a successful application to the federal Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund for help in rebuilding the bridge.
Completed with a few months' work, the new Hilpert Bridge opened to traffic. The structure is now two lanes wide and can accommodate wider, heavier loads. The approaches have been raised and widened, and guardrails added to improve safety.
North Perth Mayor Ed Hollinger appreciates the federal and provincial contributions that helped put a key component of the transportation infrastructure in his municipality back in use. "Rural transit in the Municipality of North Perth is very important." Thanks to the new Hilpert Bridge, traffic is flowing smoothly again.
Federal contribution: $182,117
Basement Flooding Relief
Project location: North York, Ontario
When it rains it sometimes pours in North York – directly into basements. Combined with intensive land development and an aging sewer system, a heavy downpour frequently leads to flooded basements.
Now, with the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund picking up about one third of the total $30 million dollar price tag, the City of Toronto is digging up affected neighbourhoods, street by street in a multi-year storm water management program that involves 24 different projects.
Work began in the fall of 2009 and will continue well into 2011 as crews move through the affected neighbourhoods building storm drainage facilities, improving sewer systems and constructing dry ponds and underground storage tanks.
The federal contribution helped accelerate the work schedule, which means more homes will be protected sooner from flood risks and the resultant health hazards than if the city had carried the cost burden on its own.Federal contribution: $10,000,000
Better Drainage Improves Road Safety
Project location: Ottawa, Ontario
The Village of Metcalfe, Ontario, in the southern part of the City of Ottawa, serves the surrounding rural area and the many commuters who choose to live in Metcalfe neighbourhoods. Over the years, these residential areas gradually expanded, making the 8th Line Road North a major commuter corridor to more urban parts of Ottawa.
Regular repairs to the storm water system along the 8th Line had become routine. The ongoing need to cut through the pavement to fix problems left the roadbed with multiple, irregular patches that increased vehicle wear and tear, and commuter frustrations. Drainage was also an issue.
To improve conditions and reduce the cost of these ongoing repairs, the City of Ottawa applied to the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund for one third of the money required to fix the storm water system and repave the 8th Line Road. The city and province matched the federal funding.
Workers replaced and extended the storm water system to connect with a sewer line on a nearby street that feeds into the main municipal drain. Once that was done, crews resurfaced the road and installed curbs and sidewalks to increase safety for pedestrians. Improved signage and crosswalks now also make getting to school safer for children attending the two elementary schools in the area.
Federal contribution: $833,333
Celebrating Diversity
Project location: Ottawa, Ontario
The City of Ottawa and Beijing, China are working together to build a gateway arch across Somerset Street in the heart of Ottawa's vibrant Chinese community.
Beijing is providing the design, decorative materials and specialized artisans, with the federal government contributing $125,000 through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. In addition to federal and provincial funding and donations from the City of Beijing, the project has successfully raised $250,000 in donations from the community.
Once completed, the gateway will beckon residents and visitors alike to explore a unique part of the city. In addition to creating jobs, the gateway will preserve the historical characteristics and cultural spirit of the area, putting a vibrant community on the map for tourists and increasing economic activity for the many businesses along Somerset Street.
Federal contribution: $125,000
Southwest Transitway Extension—Fallowfield to Barrhaven
Project location: Ottawa, Ontario
This $52-million transit project will improve environmentally friendly transit and reduce road congestion. This road work, with a federal contribution of over $17 million, will link this area of the city to the bus-only road network known as the "Transitway," encouraging people to take public transit and reducing road congestion for commuters.
Federal contribution: $17,000,000
Improvements to South Shore Road
Project location: Parry Sound, Ontario
Pointe au Baril Station is a waterfront community on Georgian Bay and provides access and services to more than 1,500 water-access cottages, 500 local residences, pleasure boaters and tourists.
The existing road infrastructure of the Station entails three main roads: Highway 69, South Shore Road (Hwy 644), and North Shore Road.
The infrastructure of Hwy 644 is dated and there are road drainage issues. There are also vehicle versus pedestrian safety concerns in the community and there is insufficient parking to accommodate the permanent residents, seasonal ratepayers and tourists.
This project involves the realignment and restoration of 800 metres of South Shore Road (Hwy 644). A sidewalk will be installed and roadside parking will be added.
"This Building Canada Fund - Community Component funding will allow the Township of The Archipelago to repair the dilapidated South Shore Road, not only making it safer for motorists and pedestrians but also enhancing the entrance to our picturesque village of Pointe au Baril,
" said Peter Ketchum, Reeve of the Township of the Archipelago
Federal contribution: $597,714
Expanding and Revitalizing the Peel Heritage Complex
Project location: Peel Region, Ontario
The Peel Region, west of Toronto, is home to more than one million residents. Its history dates back to First Nations and settlement in the seventeenth century, a story preserved by the Peel Heritage Complex through its archives and art gallery, museum, former county jail building and the Whitney Community Gallery. The Complex needs upgrades to continue its work.
Revitalizing the Peel Heritage Complex involves expanding the heritage buildings and renovating amenities to better serve local residents and visitors alike. Thanks to the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, together with provincial and municipal funding, this project is moving forward.
"Peel is very pleased that the Government of Canada and Province of Ontario have listened to us on our economic recovery priorities," says Emil Kolb, Peel Regional Chair, "and have now come to the table to join us in stimulating employment and supporting critical services for our residents and businesses."
The renewed Complex will help tell the "Peel Story"– one of immigration, innovation and development – and present a strong focal point for its diverse cultural communities.
Federal contribution: $3,333,334
Improved Water Management
Project location: Picton, Ontario
Located on the north shore of Lake Ontario along the Bay of Quinte, Picton is a destination for tourists who come to Prince Edward County's many cottage communities, historic sites and wineries, and to admire its beautiful vistas. But Picton's sewer and water systems, with cast iron water mains and clay sewers, were out of date and running out of capacity.
Prince Edward County set to work to rehabilitate Picton's infrastructure thanks to a federal contribution of $2 million. The below grade, 1930s-era sewers and water mains are being replaced along two streets in the older part of the town. The work also involves upgrading sidewalks and curbs.
A modernized water and sewer system will provide more dependable services and ensure water is readily available to firefighters. Improved roads and sidewalks will also facilitate traffic flow and increase safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Federal contribution: $2,056,667
Meeting Long-Term Transportation Goals
Project location: Quinte West, Ontario
In planning for the Smithfield Overhead Bridge replacement, Quinte West city council wanted a structure that would meet the needs of the community for years to come. The old bridge was reaching the end of its lifespan and load restrictions hampered the movement of trucks and farm equipment locally. Rail lines through the region were becoming busier, and bicyclists and pedestrians needed safe access to the nearby Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail.
Thanks to $2,365,833 in funding from the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund, matched by the province and the municipality, and moneys from the rail companies, construction on the new bridge is expected to be complete in August 2010.
The new wider bridge has no load restrictions and approaches have been widened and improved. Moving farm equipment and heavy loads locally can now be done safely and efficiently, and traffic periodically detoured from nearby Highway 401 can use the bridge rather than nearby side roads not built for heavy traffic.
Additional tracks on the bridge now accommodate more rail traffic through this part of the much-used Québec City-Montreal-Toronto-Windsor corridor. The new bridge also provides a safe crossing point to recreational trails for pedestrians and bicyclists.
As for the old bridge, it was dismantled and recycled. The new Smithfield Overhead Bridge is expected to meet transportation needs in the region for the next 75 years – the projected lifespan of the new structure.
Federal contribution: $2,365,833
Old House, New Recreation Space
Project location: Richmond Hill, Ontario
A house built in 1828 in Richmond Hill is being restored to its original character and detailing, but with interior spaces upgraded to support programming for youth who might not otherwise be inclined to participate in active recreation.
The heritage structure and surrounding parkland are all that is left of the David Eyer homestead, one of the earliest Pennsylvania-German Mennonite dwellings still standing in the city.
Thanks to $1,020,000 from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, matched provincially and municipally, Eyer House will be updated to meet current building standards. This includes improving accessibility, wiring and telecommunications, the heating and ventilation system, insulation, and installing an alarm system and sprinklers. Planned programming space includes two general-purpose rooms, computer room, kitchen and a preparation room. Planned outside facilities include a giant chessboard, basketball hoop, grassed areas for informal games and a ropes course to promote physical activity and team building.
A full slate of indoor and outdoor activities is planned with the home becoming Richmond Hill's base for delivering youth-oriented programming in the city.
Federal contribution: $1,020,000
Energy-Efficient Municipal Complex
Project location: South Stormont, Ontario
The new town hall for the Township of South Stormont in Eastern Ontario provides residents with what Mayor Bryan McGillis calls a "first-rate modern facility" that reflects a "positive future" for the Township.
Made possible with funding of over $900,000 from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, together with equal shares from the province and the municipality, the multi-functional building centralizes township offices in one energy efficient, low maintenance structure designed to reduce operational costs now and in the future.
The new complex includes facilities for the local detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police and a community hall that accommodates up to 285 people. The hall also functions as the Township's emergency operations and training centre. The entire complex has been wired for high-speed connectivity.
The completely accessible building gives residents central access to municipal services and a modern facility for social functions, community events and meetings.
Federal contribution: $904,739
Outdoor Amphitheatre Revitalization
Project location: Sudbury, Ontario
Built as a centennial project in 1967, the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre, located in downtown Sudbury's Bell Park, had long been an essential venue for promoting special events, public gatherings and annual festivals. But crumbling concrete seating and a substandard stage area left the facility unused in recent years.
Thanks to the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund and matching provincial and municipal contributions, the Amphitheatre is getting a facelift and upgrade.
The concrete seating is being replaced. The improved security and easier set-ups provided by the new stage, dressing room, roof and sound system should also make it easier to attract more and bigger events and concerts to Sudbury. Existing events, such as the Northern Lights Festival, will also be able to expand.
Additionally, the main entrance to Bell Park is being enhanced with upgrades to access roads, pathways, parking, site lighting and the box office. The Amphitheatre also becomes more accessible for people with disabilities while added landscaping acts as a sound buffer around the property.
Federal contribution: $1,665,000
Major Library Revitalization Project
Project location: Toronto, Ontario
The Toronto Reference Library wants to be the foremost public centre for lifelong learning, the exchange of ideas and community engagement in the City of Toronto. But, since the library building's original construction in 1977, the role of libraries has changed dramatically.
To that end, the Toronto Public Library embarked on an ambitious fund-raising and revitalization project that will create a new state-of-the-art event facility, exhibition space, gift store and coffee shop, expand research areas and purchase more computers for public use. The goal is to better support the way people study, seek and share information.
The entranceway will also be updated, a rotunda with advanced environmental controls built to house the library's special collections and energy conservation measures, such as a green roof and more efficient electrical controls, added to the building envelope. The federal contribution to the project comes from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
As Matthew Church, Chair of the Toronto Public Library Board, puts it, the project "will provide users with more and better technology to access the library's rich resources, study areas to meet their unique needs, and an open forum for community dialogue.”
Work will be undertaken in stages, with all work to be completed in 2012.
Federal contribution: $3,000,000
Revitalizing a Legend
Retrofit for Landmark
Project location: Toronto, Ontario
The President of Ryerson University, Sheldon Levy, calls it a "game changer" for his university and the City of Toronto. It preserves, rejuvenates and revitalizes an historic Toronto landmark, connecting past generations with generations yet to come.
With $20 million from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, Ryerson University is transforming part of the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens into a sports facility for the university and the community that also provides academic space and improved recreational opportunities for the entire city. The project will provide 13,935 m2 for sports and recreation, and the changes include an NHL-sized skating rink, running track, basketball and volleyball courts, a fitness centre, and a high-performance gym.
Loblaw Companies Ltd will also renovate and develop the ground floor of the Gardens for retail use.
The Maple Leaf Gardens project will revitalize the Toronto landmark, preserving the existing façade and roof lines while redeveloping and retrofitting the interior to maximize the buildings functionality in a sustainable, energy-efficient manner.
Federal contribution: $20,000,000
Upgrades to Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre
Project location: Wawa, Ontario
The Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre opened in Wawa in 1996. This multi-purpose recreation facility combines an arena and curling facilities, meeting and special event space, squash courts, a fitness center, a dance room, showers and a sauna area. Residents from neighbouring communities including White River, Dubreuilville and Hawk Junction also use the Centre.
Contractors will replace the arena's dasher board, build higher plexiglass barriers around the rink for spectator safety, replace vinyl flooring with stone tiles and add stadium seating.
Improving the arena will attract more sporting events and more residents from neighbouring communities.
Howard Whent, the Mayor of the Municipality of Wawa stated, "This project will bring much community pride to Wawa and help make our Community Center very attractive to host regional tournaments during the winter months. This will have a very positive impact on the local economy.
"
Federal contribution: $58,333
Airport Operations Building Rehabilitation
Project location: Windsor, Ontario
The Airport Operations Building Rehabilitation project at the Windsor International Airport is upgrading two important primary facilities – the Airport Terminal Building and the Combined Services Building. Both buildings date back to 1950s. "Today, we are using the airport to attract jobs, encourage development, and to work for the people of our City," says Eddie Francis, the Mayor of Windsor.
This project involves several structural repairs to the Airport Terminal Building and will improve its accessibility, energy efficiency and security. The funding is providing new automatic terminal doors, heating and cooling upgrades and the replacement of outdated telecommunication lines. New fibre optic cables will better serve the call centre, airport and NAV Canada operations. The Combined Services Building is receiving new windows, doors and siding.
"Four years ago, no one was thinking about the potential of our airport. It was just there," says Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis. "We have taken control of our assets - ensuring our airport, tunnel and infrastructure are there for us, operating more efficiently and effectively."
These improvements, expected to be complete in 2011, will extend the useful life of the buildings while bringing them in line with current building codes.
Federal contribution: $750,000
Facilitating Future Growth
Project location: Windsor, Ontario
The site is perfect for development: 2,500 hectares of land just north of one of North America's busiest highway corridors — the 401 — and very near Windsor International Airport. The City of Windsor realized its worth for residential, commercial and industrial development and began planning for the future.
Called the Sandwich South Employment Lands, the massive undertaking involves laying 12 kilometres of new sanitary sewers, made possible thanks to $30 million in funding, split equally between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Windsor. The federal moneys will come from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
In the immediate term, the project created much-needed local jobs at a time when the entire area was feeling the effects of layoffs in the automotive industry. In the long term, a foundation has been laid for community growth and economic development that will be felt for years to come.
Federal contribution: $10,000,000
Project profiles in other provinces and territories: