Council Approves Funding Request For Key Projects

Dryden Council has voted in favour of moving forward with a federal funding request to upgrade the lobby and concession area at the Arena, create a pavilion and add parking at Government Dock as well as create a public washroom and make dock improvements at Skene Landing.
The decision was made last night during lengthy and at times heated debate.
The City will apply for funds under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.
At issue is whether the City asks the Feds to fund 50% of the project or 33%.
Councilors traded verbal spars as the City continues to wrestle with a substancial deficit.
A final decision was made to let Economic Development Manager James Harvey make the call.
Harvey says he’s leaning towards a request of 33% as he believes it will give the City better odds of having the projects approved.
Mayor Craig Nuttall is in support of the request, noting the feds may look on the three projects more favourably.
The total cost of upgrades is estimated at $300,000, meaning City taxpayers would be on the hook for nearly $200,000.
Nuttall says the City has to start moving forward and showing people that they are doing something positive with taxpayer dollars.
Finance Chair Martin MacKinnon agreed, noting it’s time to upgrade some of our key assets.
Councilor Sid Wintle voted in favour of the projects despite stating that he doesn’t see any economic benefit from the projects.
Dryden will find out in November if the funding applications are approved and at that time will determine a plan to finance the work.
The Feds are freeing up $49.6-million for Ontario municipalities under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.
James Harvey says they decided to stay away from big ticket items, given the state of the City’s finances.
For example, Thunder Bay is submitting a $1-million application.