Multi-use trails in the city will be widened and touched-up with new gravel, better drainage, and signs to make it safer.
This is a portion of a $15-million investment into Northern municipalities in Ontario.
Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro was excited by the investment, and breaks down exactly where the funding will be going in the city.
“There are three or four existing trails that will be rehabilitated and advanced. Some of these trails will be widened, so in fact it’s easier for people to accommodate physical and social distancing, so a really neat piece there,” said Mauro.
“I think the highlight for us is that there will be three sections of our waterfront trail that will be started with the help of this particular funding today.”
Mauro goes on to thank other levels of government, and stresses the benefits the investment will bring without any cost to local taxpayers.
“This represents zero impact to the municipal tax base, there is no municipal cost share with the funding that is being announced,” stated Mauro. “It’s 80 per cent federal I believe, and 20 per cent provincial. Zero per cent required from the municipal tax base to allow these projects to move forward.”
Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, also stressed the jobs this move will create, crucial now more than ever during the pandemic.
“Building and enhancing our community infrastructure creates jobs and keeps communities safe and healthy,” remarked Hajdu. “This investment of $12 million will help our communities continue to move forward as we recover from the pandemic.”
The funding comes through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
It will see the country invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in projects including public transit, green infrastructure, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
