The Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce has an idea that it says will help with repairs to Sarnia's aging infrastructure.
This comes on the heels of a few watermain breaks in the city over the past few weeks, including a sizable one on Colborne Rd. Tuesday morning.
President and CEO Shirley De Silva wants the federal government to implement a formula-based funding system, similar to the gas tax.
"It would allow for municipalities to sort of plan ahead, they don't have to wait and see," says De Silva. "They'll be able to build their upgrades right into their local asset management plans and not have it tied into the federal priorities. It's also formula-based, so it isn't political. That means everyone would get their fair share in the end."
De Silva says they brought up the proposal at the recent Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting, in partnership with the Oakville chamber.
She says their resolution was accepted, and is now a priority item for the Canadian Chamber whenever they work with the federal government.
A report two years ago found it would cost $43.7-million to replace watermains most in danger of immediate failure in Sarnia.