Provincial cash gives boost to local roadwork

A funding announcement Friday by the Ontario government means both Acton and Georgetown residents will finally see long-awaited improvements to two roads. The Town of Halton Hills is the recipient of $765,000 from the Ontario government's Connecting Link program, which contributes to improvements to local roads that also serve as provincial highways. The money will be used to finish the Guelph St. and Mountainview Rd. intersection, said Director of Engineering and Public Works Rick Henry on Monday. The Ontario government will fund 90 per cent of the improvements, and the town, 10 per cent. "I'm as pleased as punch that that intersection is going to be finished. I've had many comments on it. People are wondering why it's taken so long, " said Ward 4 Councillor Bob Inglis, who had brought the issue to council several times in the past year. In 2004 the Town was able to complete the underground electrical requirements for intersection with funding from the Connecting Link program, but did not receive any money in 2005 to complete the job. The 2006 allocation means that, subject to council approval, the Town can retain a consultant for contract administration and go out to tender for construction to begin in late summer, said Henry. "I do believe informally that it is one of the busiest intersections in town and I think that it is important that it be brought up to snuff as soon as possible," added Inglis. Funding for this intersection now means that the Engineering Department can move forward its timeline on improvements to Main St. South in Acton, from the southerly urban limit to Knox Street.

That road was not on the reconstruction schedule until 2009. Funding of $730,000 will come from another provincial program, called Move Ontario. Henry said he plans to meet Halton Region representatives this week to discuss retaining a consulting engineering firm for pre-engineering, surveying and design. Construction would then follow in 2007. Halton Region would install watermain and wastewater main at the same time. Plus, Vimy Street, the access road to Superior Glove, would be resurfaced as it is showing signs of deterioration. Wards 1 and 2 Regional Councillor Clark Somerville said he is looking forward to approving the engineering department's request for a consulting firm at the next council meeting, because the work on Main St. S. is long overdue. It's the gateway into Acton, Somerville said, but it's in horrible condition, calling it nothing more than a `goat path' in previous council meetings. "I glad we got the dollars from Connecting Link to do the Guelph St. and Mountainview Rd. intersection, and now we can move forward on the Main St. S. project," he said. The Town's total Move Ontario allocation was $1.02 million. The first priority for the money goes to the Main St. reconstruction in Georgetown, from Church St. to Guelph St., which is scheduled for 2007. Total cost of that project is $1.2 million, with $400,000 coming from Move Ontario fund.