WC recipient of inter-government $11.2 million funding announcement

WEST CARLETON – Two West Carleton projects are part of an $11.2 million investment in municipal infrastructure in Ottawa made by the provincial and federal government yesterday (May 10).

“The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing more than $11.2 million to improve municipal and community infrastructure in the City of Ottawa,” the federal government released in a statement yesterday.

Details were provided by the Catherine McKenna, Minister of Communities and Infrastructure; Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; and Mayor Jim Watson, Mayor of the City of Ottawa.

“Communities across Canada are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and need immediate assistance to ensure their public infrastructure is safe and reliable,” the government said. “That is why both orders of government have been taking decisive action to support families, businesses and communities, and continue to look ahead to see what more can be done in these unprecedented times.”

The Government of Canada is investing over $8.9 million through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario is contributing more than $2.2 million.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the wellbeing of all Canadians,” McKenna said. “As we continue to battle this crisis, we are ensuring that residents of Ottawa have access to safe and inclusive community spaces. Federal funding of 80 cents on every dollar is supporting projects across the city, from multi-use pathways and picnic facilities to public wifi access. We are also rehabilitating the Carling Family Shelter and Cornerstone Women’s Shelter so they can continue the great work that they do, providing critical services to our most vulnerable residents of Ottawa, and ensure that they are in a comfortable and safe environment. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds stronger, more resilient communities.”

The majority of funding will support the rehabilitation of community and municipal buildings across the city, and improve active transportation options.

Two projects in West Carleton are listed in the announcement.

“We are ensuring residents of Kanata-Carleton have access to safe and inclusive community spaces,” Kanata-Carleton MP Karen McCrimmon released in a statement today (May 11). “Over $2.7 million in federal funding through the COVID-19 Resilience Stream to support projects like community renovations, multi-use paths and picnic facilities.

In West Carleton, $260,000 is earmarked for a new multi-use pathway at Old Second Line Road at Terry Fox Drive leading to some of the area’s Kanata-based schools from the South March Highlands Conservation Forest.

Another $180,800 will go towards creating a picnic facility in a West Carleton park that has yet to be determined.

Other projects include facilities like the Carling Family Shelter benefiting from improved air ventilation and digital connectivity. The Cornerstone Women’s Shelter will undergo building renovations and repairs to the electrical, mechanical and security systems, as well as upgraded flooring. These projects will provide clients with improved air quality, and a more comfortable and safe environment.

Additional investments will improve sidewalks and multi-use pathways, create new pedestrian crossovers, and add new picnic facilities and wayfinding signage in public areas, facilitating active lifestyles, increased connectivity, and expanded active transportation.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult on our community and our residents,” Watson said. “The City of Ottawa is grateful for this support from our federal and provincial partners, which will help us provide safe, accessible and inviting spaces for everyone. This funding will also assist us in making improvements to active transportation infrastructure in our city, which promotes physical activity and connectivity, and helps improve neighbourhood livability.”

The COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, implemented in response to the pandemic, allows the Government of Canada to invest up to 80 per cent of eligible costs for projects in provinces, and up to 100 per cent for projects in territories and Indigenous communities.

Other nearby projects include:

Ward 4 Kanata North

• New Multi-use pathway – Old Second Line Road at Terry Fox Drive from MUP missing link leading to schools (and cross-ride) $325,000
• Multi-use pathway – major pathway – Fentiman Park from Goldridge Drive to 70m west of Herlihey Way $460,000
• Sidewalk – Terry Fox Drive (both sides) from March Road to March Valley Road $680,000
• Total $1,465,000

Ward 23 Kanata South

• New Multi-use pathway – Akerson Drive MUP extension $1,300,000
• New Multi-use pathway – Larsen Court to Eagleson Road $100,000
• Total $1,400,000

Ward 6 Stittsville

• Picnic facility in park (park TBD) $226,000
• Pedestrian Cross-over – Brightside Avenue at Hopetown Street $30,000
• Pedestrian Cross-over – Brightside Avenue at 75m south of Baywood Drive $40,000
• Total $296,000

Ward 7 Bay

• Digital Connectivity – Foster Farm Community Centre $7,000
• Digital Connectivity – Bayshore Community House $7,000
• Digital Connectivity – Michele Heights Community Centre $7,000
• Carling Family Shelter Renewal, including Generator, Air Conditioning and Digital Connectivity $835,000
• Total $856,000