Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope gives his inaugural address on December 1, 2014. (Photo by Jake Kislinsky)Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope gives his inaugural address on December 1, 2014. (Photo by Jake Kislinsky)
Chatham

Funding Details Good News For Chatham

The province has released more details regarding infrastructure funding for the next three years, and Chatham-Kent's mayor hopes they can cash-in.

The Ontario Government is putting aside $250M over the next three years, for small and rural municipalities to "top-up" certain infrastructure projects. The province can give up to $2M per project, coming from of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund.

The program will also see over $420M distributed through formula-based funding.

This is great news for Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope, who wants to see if some of their bridges qualify for the grant.

"I look at the one in Thamesville that goes over the Thames River," says Hope. "I look at the ones in Chatham, both Third and Fifth St., that are in need or are going to be in need of some repair."

Hope adds CK's older arenas will also "need to be looked at."

Chatham-Kent is currently in the second phase of its asset management plan. Hope says that should prove to the province they deserve bonus infrastructure funding.

"You should not reward those who are taking care of its infrastructure. Here we've allocated monies and have been doing our part, not letting our deficit situation in that area run low," says Hope.

CK's Executive Management Team is current investigating which local projects would qualify for they'd be able to apply.

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