City administration has been given the go ahead to apply for the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream.
The funding, which falls under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, would be eligible to use for advanced construction of the Waterfront Trail and renew other multi-use trails in Thunder Bay.
In a memo to council, Thunder Bay has been provided an allocation in the amount of $1,606,329 for the new funding stream. The federal government will cover 80% of the total eligible costs associated with any approved project, and the province looking after the remaining 20%.
At Large councillor Aldo Ruberto wants to see how others can help finish the Waterfront Trail.
“When this came out, I received phone calls from the public asking me ‘Where do I sign up? How can I help out? Can I buy a portion of the trail system and dedicate it to my late wife?’ I don’t want to see one project derail another project,” Ruberto says. “We want to figure out a way to make sure we get money from all over to target specific projects so we’re not prioritizing some ventures over others.”
Administration reports the trail work fits within Category 3, which looks after Active Transportation Infrastructure: including parks, trails, foot bridges, bike lanes and multi-use paths.
The cost would be $800,000 to design and complete the three sections of the Waterfront Trail in 2021.
Eligible projects must begin by September 30, 2021 and be completed by December 31, 2021.
The application deadline is December 21, 2020.
