A few communities located along Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair will receive federal funds to improve infrastructure.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen was in Erieau Thursday evening for a funding announcement on behalf of Jonathan Wilkinson, the minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. The Government of Canada is investing $2.76 million to revitalizing small craft harbours in Rondeau, Wheatley, and Lakeshore.
The break-down involves a $1.66 million investment in Rondeau. The funds will be put towards the replacement of timber piles and steel pipes, as well as the replacement of concrete decking on six jetties. East Elgin Concrete Forming has been awarded the project, which is set to be completed by March 2019.
Wheatley will receive $244,000 in funding for rehabilitation work on a timber pile wall, as well as a new asphalt deck. This will help prevent further erosion damage. Goodreau Excavating and Construction will take the lead on the project, with work expected to start this month.
The Small Craft Harbour Thames River facility (also known as the Lighthouse Cove Pier) -- which will eventually transfer ownership to the Town of Lakeshore -- has received an $860,000 investment. The rehabilitation project, which will be done by East Elgin Concrete Forming Limited, will focus on sections of timber crib wall structures, concrete capping, repairs to the boat launch, and a new asphalt parking lot. Construction on that project is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of May 2019.