(BlackburnNews.com photo)(BlackburnNews.com photo)
Midwestern

West Perth Targets Water Tower and Bridge in 2016

Looking back at 2016, West Perth Mayor Walter Mckenzie says a number of projects were completed.

One in particular finally got done after being put off for a number of years.

"Well I think our number one priority in West Perth was the Blanchard Street Bridge, and it's almost complete.   That's been an ongoing thing, and we've been trying to accomplish that the last 4 or 5 years."

Mayor McKenzie also noted the completion of the new water tower in Mitchell was a highlight as well.

Mayor McKenzie says infrastructure will be a key focus in 2017. He says one street in particular needs an upgrade in Mitchell.

"We are ongoing with our infrastructure updates, and I believe next year Nelson Street is going to be the key one we'll be doing. We do have some water issues there. It's an older part of town."

Outside of infrastructure, Mayor McKenzie says the municipalities main concern is finances, and keeping the budget in check despite recent funding cuts from the province.   He says 2017 will be challenging after the latest OMPF cuts.

"We seem to have been hit really hard over the years with OMPF funding, and this year will be no different.   We just have to manage our money well, and do what we can with what we've got."

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