City council has voted unanimously to apply for federal funding to build up Victoria Avenue after the demolition of Victoriaville Mall.
The city will be seeking $250,000, the maximum amount that can be received from the federal program.
The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative helps communities enhance public spaces such as Victoria Avenue.
The government allocated $31 million for this program in a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
McKellar Ward Councilor Brian Hamilton stressed his support of the program, but wanted to ensure this is the best possible program for the city.
“I want whatever we apply for to be successful. Is this project aligned best with the parameters lined out in that program, or potentially is there other projects that might better align and give us a more successful application.”
General Manager of Development, Karen Lewis, stated she is confident in the program, and the application will be formatted to ensure the best chance of federal approval.
“The subject of the submission has been discussed,” Lewis told council. “It was the only project identified that aligned with the city’s strategic plan. It also meets the criteria. We’re taking the project as we know it needs to proceed, and matching it up with the criteria from the grant so that will determine the application.”
Manager of Realty Services, Joel Depeuter said this would be a great program for the city, but they are continuing to seek financial assistance for the Victoria Avenue rebuild.
“The limit of the funding under this program is $250,000, and we are continuing to look for more funding.”
Council will be required to submit the application by June 25th if they want to secure the funds.
Demolition of Victoriaville Mall is set to begin in 2022.
