The federal and provincial governments are investing more than $1.8 million in Bay of Quinte communities to respond to the impacts of COVID-19.
The joint funding, announced Monday by Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis and MPP Todd Smith, will go towards five municipal infrastructure projects in Belleville, Quinte West, Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
The federal government is providing $1,495,337 while the province will contribute $373,834.
The funding is supporting the following projects:
City of Belleville – Community Trail, Park, and Playground Enhancements, $920,000
This project will upgrade five parks and create a new dog park within the city. The work will involve upgrading play structures in Cascade, Haig, and Stanley Parks, extending the trail and adding furnishings in Bird Park, while upgrading spectator facilities at Mary-Ann Sills Park. That work includes moving light poles, pouring concrete pads for bleachers, and adding fencing. In addition, a new dog park will be created north of Hwy 401 by fencing in an area and adding bleachers.
City of Belleville – River Road sidewalk reconstruction, $202,996
This project will reconstruct the River Road sidewalk.
City of Quinte West – Centennial Park Waterfront Trail expansion, $447,002
This project will expand active transportation infrastructure in Quinte West. The work will involve constructing a new pathway, planting trees and adding sod, planting beds, accessible picnic tables, bike racks, benches, and solar lighting units.
County of Hastings – Hastings Manor Long-Term Care flooring project, $100,000
This project will replace the tile floor in the common areas and corridors on the second floor at the Hastings Manor in Belleville.
County of Prince Edward – Prince Edward County council chambers expansion, $199,174
The municipal building, Shire Hall, will be renovated by expanding the council chambers and public gallery and improving livestream technology and accessibility.
Quotes
“I am proud to share the federal government’s investment in our community infrastructure to develop and renovate municipal buildings, community centres and cultural facilities, providing safe and inclusive spaces for all residents of the Bay of Quinte. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities. I am very pleased to see the positive changes in the Bay of Quinte as we continue to move forward with our provincial, municipal, and community partners.”
Neil Ellis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte, on behalf of the Honourable Catherin McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Commumities
“These grants through the ICIP partnership improve quality of life for people across Bay of Quinte by enhancing public spaces in our communities. The approved projects will extend safety and accessibility and create good jobs within our region. Our Province is pleased to work with the federal government to support local municipalities through this pandemic.”
The Honourable Todd Smith, Ontario’s Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Member of Provincial Parliament for Bay of Quinte, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure
“During the past year the importance of our outdoor recreational facilities has escalated as residents seek ways to safely enjoy the outdoors. This infrastructure funding from the federal and provincial governments enables us to improve current park spaces and create exciting new options for our community. We appreciate this support and will pursue planned outdoor initiatives with these resources.”
Mitch Panciuk, Mayor, City of Belleville
“We are incredibly grateful to receive this funding. With it, we will improve and expand the outdoor recreation amenities available in Centennial Park. Residents are spending more time outdoors, and we look forward to further developing one of our most popular outdoor attractions.”
Jim Harrison, Mayor, City of Quinte West
“The County of Hastings is pleased to receive $100,000 through the ICIP COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream. As our long-term care homes age, we undertake necessary yearly upgrades to ensure the safety of our resident but also just as important is ensuring that the home is maintained to the highest standards. Hastings Manor is home to 253 residents who deserve to live in an environment that is safe and welcoming and feels like home. This replacement of the 2nd Floor flooring is the final phase of the flooring upgrades required in the resident home areas and we are excited to have this project completed,”
Rick Phillips, Warden, County of Hastings
The Shire Hall Council Chambers has provided the forum for public municipal meetings in some form for almost 150 years. This historically important space plays an important role in our local government. However, COVID-19 and the associated restrictions have served to reinforce the limitations of this space for our modern world. Thanks to this funding from the federal and provincial government, the County of Prince Edward will have the option to consider addressing the accessibility and technological challenges of the Council Chambers and reduce the barriers to participating in the democratic process at the local level.
Steve Ferguson, Mayor, County of Prince Edward
