Infrastructure

Bridge is shown in centre of image with rock edge leading up to it along the water. Another rock edge is seen at the other side with grass nearing the sides of the road that approach the bridge. Partly cloudy blue sky fills background.

Township requests redistribution of taxes for sustainable infrastructure funding

November 14, 2024 by Ted Evans

Loyalist Township is calling on the provincial and federal government to redistribute land transfer tax (LTT) and GST to municipalities for sustainable infrastructure funding.

A report by staff mentioned current sources of municipal revenue, including property taxes and user fees, are not enough to meet increasing demands for infrastructure investment.

Currently, Ontario collects LTT on property transactions in municipalities all across the province. The revenue generated is not directly shared with municipalities. This also goes for GST, which is collected by the federal government on property transactions.

The request notes that this funding would allow municipalities to better plan for, and invest in long-term infrastructure initiatives that support local economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents. It mentions the distribution should be structured to provide predictable and sustainable funding.

Process required to borrow millions to upgrade Public Works Yard still not resolved

November 7, 2024 by Lauryn Mackenzie

Residents in Nanaimo are one step closer to closer to finding out if the City of Nanaimo will be able to borrow $90 million for the Public Works Yard.

This is the third attempt at an Alternative Approval Process or AAP by the City to get the consent of voters for the borrowing. After two failed attempts due to administrative errors, in the fall of 2023 and winter of 2024, the deadline to submit the response form opposing the borrowing closed last week on October 31, at 4:30 p.m.

The deadline has passed for people to submit forms opposed to the borrowing. CHLY reached out to the City of Nanaimo to find out when the results from the AAP would be available.

Karen Robertson, Deputy Corporate Officer for the Legislative Services Department for the City told CHLY that currently there is no timeline for when the results will be made.

A picture of the front of Kitchener City hall. Several people are out in the yellow and orange muskoka chairs that are in the public space in front of the gray main entrance to city hall. The text: "Kitchener City Hall" is on the front of the overhang above the main entrances which are highlighted by 6 large columns that extend trough to the second level before thinning and extending to hold a roof.

New sanitary master plan aims to keep the sewage flowing through Kitchener

October 28, 2024 by Dan Kellar

The city of Kitchener’s new integrated sanitary master plan has been officially implemented and with over 800km of sewers, 23 pumping stations, 1300 maintenance holes, and a growing population, the city is reminding residents to watch what they put down the drains.

In a recent press release, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said “the integrated sanitary master plan ensures that we can reliably meet the needs of Kitchener residents today and in the future. I encourage everyone to help us keep maintenance costs as low as possible and disruptions infrequent by only flushing or pouring suitable material down our pipes.”

This show features an interview with Nick Gollan, the Manager of Planning and Programs for Sanitary and Stormwater Utilities in the city of Kitchener. Gollan discusses the new sanitary master plan, the “3 p’s” for flushing, and the maintenance required to keep the system, which includes some infrastructure nearing 100 years old, flowing.

A wooden covered bridge blocked off by orange and black highway signs, and a no entry sign.

DTI minister cancels Wheaton Bridge meeting with Mitton and Black

September 16, 2024 by Erica Butler

MLA Megan Mitton says she was beyond disappointed at the last minute cancellation of a meeting with Department of Transportation and Infrastructure minister Richard Ames, originally slated for Monday, to talk about the future of the now-closed Wheaton Covered Bridge.

“This is very important to a lot of different people,” said Mitton, “whether it be farmers who are struggling to do their work with this closure, whether it be just regular folks who are trying to travel around the community, and because of the significance that it has to people in our community.”

Mitton said she was communicating with DTI staff who have been tasked with coming up with solutions for the structural issues with the 108-year old bridge.

Tantramar mayor Andrew Black was also scheduled to join the meeting, and expressed his disappointment at the cancellation at Monday’s council meeting.

City of Revelstoke starts repairs on Fourth Street Bridge after truck hits cross beams

August 12, 2024 by Melissa Jameson

The city of Revelstoke has begun repairs to the Fourth Street Bridge, made necessary after a city-owned vacuum truck hit the cross-beams on the bridge.

The incident, which took place August 1, saw the bridge closed to both traffic and pedestrians for nearly two hours. The bridge is the only access to and from Queen Victoria Hospital. During the closure, city staff coordinated with BC Ambulance, RCMP, the Revelstoke Fire Department and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and had emergency services vehicles on either side of the bridge.

In a statement released to media, the city said there were no serious injuries and no members of the public or their vehicles were damaged by the incident.

The incident highlights the need for a second crossing to the south side of the Illecillewaet River, where Queen Victoria Hospital as well as Revelstoke Mountain Resort, other facilities and numerous residences are located.

A closeup of a stream of water coming out of a blue watering can, watering a patch of gooseberries.

Revelstoke to promote responsible water consumption with updated outdoor water use regs

June 19, 2024 by Melissa Jameson

The City of Revelstoke has introduced new watering regulations in an effort to ensure water security and promote responsible water consumption in the community.

The new four-stage water usage restriction plan for outdoor water received unanimous approval during the June 11 city council meeting. The regulations are now in effect and apply to all properties using city water.

The updated regulations provide a more equal approach for residential watering, with the introduction of a three days per week approach for odd and even numbered houses. Under Stage 1, odd numbered houses are able to water between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday while even numbered houses are able to water during the same times on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Stage 1 restrictions are in effect year-round, and apply to the use of water for sprinkling, irrigation, washing driveways, sidewalks and roadways.

A screencap of a video from the senate floor, with a man standing at a podium. Text identified him as Jim Quinn, a senator from New Brunswick.

After final debate, Senate gives thumbs up to Chignecto Isthmus bill

June 13, 2024 by Erica Butler

A bill put forward by a New Brunswick senator related to the Chignecto Isthmus has cleared the upper chamber and will now head to the House of Commons for consideration.

The Isthmus is an area connecting New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is the only transportation corridor by rail and road and is vulnerable to climate change due to sea level rise and severe storms.

Senator Jim Quinn’s bill S-273 proposes to declare the Chignecto Isthmus Dykelands System for “the general advantage of Canada.” The bill doesn’t commit federal resources to the project, but does bring it under federal jurisdiction, which many believe will force additional budgetary commitments from the government. To date, the federal government has committed to covering about $300 million, or 50% of the cost to fortify the dyke system and protect it from storms and rising sea level in the Bay of Fundy.

CHMA listened in to the debate on the senate floor this week.

A street with cars parked along one side, and blue chalk marks on the pavement.

Iconic Aberdeen Street set for reconstruction this summer

June 7, 2024 by Christena Lawrie

The City announced in a release yesterday that significant reconstruction work on the iconic Aberdeen Street will commence next month.

The project aims to support housing growth by upgrading underground infrastructure while also making the street a more pedestrian-friendly environment. This will include implementing green street concepts such as increased tree planting and traffic control, which will enhance the safety and enjoyment of the many pedestrians and residents in the bustling university district.

The construction period will begin in July and last until November. During this time, Aberdeen Street will be fully closed to vehicles. No on-street parking will be available, but pedestrians will still have full access to buildings.

More details on the reconstruction are available on Get Involved Kingston.

A photo of a white building with a flat roof at a downtown intersection. The lettering on the front of the building says City Hall, there is a Canadian flag flying at half mast on the roof, and there is an old fashioned wood framed store with large windows next to City Hall.

No word on whether province will help with Revelstoke wastewater treatment upgrade project

June 3, 2024 by Melissa Jameson

The City of Revelstoke still has no answers on whether the province will provide assistance with a significant cost increase to upgrade the city’s wastewater management system after Mayor Gary Sulz and director of infrastructure and planning Steve Black travelled to Victoria to meet with Deputy Minister of Environment Kevin Jardine.

In an update to council during the regular meeting on May 28, Sulz said the meeting was “an important step forward in solving the issues facing the city’s proposed plan to upgrade and expand the existing wastewater treatment.”

Revelstoke’s current wastewater treatment plant is operating under a permit issued in 1973 and is struggling to keep up with an increasing population.

A water tower stands under a dark cloudy sky. Trees can be seen in the background.

Political advocacy for Six Nations’ ongoing issues integral says councillor

May 7, 2024 by Andrew Dow

Six Nations Coun. Hazel Johnson says addressing community issues at a political level is something that she believes needs to happen for the benefit of Six Nations.

During the May 1 Six Nations of the Grand River Radio Show, Johnson stressed how important it will be for Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) to have its voice heard at a political level to have issues like taxes, infrastructure needs, funding for local organizations, and the current water situation addressed.

“I think the best way is to meet with the ministers and to speak face to face and not come out with a well thought out plan of how to get to the word ‘no’ at the end of 20 or 30 minute speech.”

Johnson says she has confidence in SNEC that work and progress will be done by them to support the community.

Image overlooking Prince Rupert harbour. There are small boats in the foreground and an ocean freighter anchored offshore. There are mountains in the background and a blue building in the foreground.

Prince Rupert embarking on largest infrastructure investment in 100 years — but a bumpy road lays ahead

April 30, 2024 by Dan Mesec

After securing more than $200 million dollars in Federal and Provincial funding, Prince Rupert is set to embark on the largest single infrastructure investment since its inception more than 100 years ago.

$200 million may sound like a lot, but it will only cover about a third of the infrastructure gap the city will need to fill over the next decade. Over $450 million is still needed to complete a major overhaul of critical infrastructure in the small port city of 12,000 people.

“It will be very disruptive work over the next three years,” said Mayor Herb Pond. “But it’s setting us up for the decades to come.”

Rupert has been steadily growing over the past decade, both in population and economic growth. With the most recent port expansion a few years back, the Port of Prince Rupert is now the fastest growing port in the country and the third largest in terms of shipping volume, next to Vancouver and Montreal.

An empty swimming pool with cracked cement sides and bottom sites behind a chain link fence in front of a blue pool house.

Milton Centennial Pool won’t reopen this year

April 30, 2024 by Rick Conrad

Queens County’s Milton Centennial Pool will remain closed this summer.

“It is very, very unfortunate, but the Milton pool will not be opening this year,” Region of Queens Mayor Darlene Norman said Monday.

The pool had to close last July after suffering significant damage in the torrential rains and floods in Nova Scotia. Councillors heard Monday that it would cost from $100,000 to $150,000 to fix the pool and take about 12 weeks to do the work in the “best-case scenario”.

Mayor Darlene Norman said the North Queens Aquatic Centre in Caledonia will be open.