Town applies for federal infrastructure funds

By Chris Simon Innisfil Scope August 15 2012

Innisfil will be looking for some help from higher levels of government, in its quest to get five major projects built.

The town is applying for a total of about $8.1 million in funding, through the Federal Economic Development Agency’s New Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. Under the plan, the town will be seeking almost $2.5 million in funding for the Cookstown Fire Hall, and over $2.4 million for the Lefroy station. The town has also asked for $2 million, to cover the cost of a pavilion replacement and large picnic tables ($800,000), a splash pad ($500,000), pathways ($500,000), and parking lot and roadway paving ($200,000).

Another $1.3 million in funding for the Cookstown Community Centre’s park redevelopment, which would include the construction of a playground, splash pad, multi-purpose court, soccer field, baseball diamond and a patio, is also being sought.

“This fund will provide $49.6 million over two years, to support repairs and improvements of existing small public infrastructure throughout Ontario,” said town CAO John Skorobohacz. “This program is geared towards the repair and rehabilitation of existing community facilities. Municipalities, First Nations governments and and community not-for-profit organizations may qualify to receive a non-repayable contribution of up to 50 per cent of eligible costs of an infrastructure project.”

Lastly, council has also asked for $800,000 to redevelop Centennial Park. That project would include a washroom and pavilion replacement ($600,000), parking lot paving ($200,000) and the replacement of a pathway and culvert ($80,000).

Skorobohacz says priority may be given to projects that require a contribution of only 33 per cent, up to a maximum of $1 million.

“FedDev Ontario is looking to administer agreements quickly and efficiently for eligible projects that can demonstrate economic benefits to their community, with potential job creation,” he said. “Suggested projects must be in constructionready status, and be substantially completed by March 31st, 2014. All eligible recipients must also demonstrate that the proposed project would not go forward and be completed by (that deadline), if federal funding is (withheld).”

But council members say the efforts are worthwhile.

“We’ll keep our fingers crossed,” said councillor Lynn Dollin.