Selwyn Township has received $3.9 million for updated water and wastewater infrastructure.
On Monday Sept. 14, MP Emma Harrison was in Lakefield, joined by Selwyn Mayor Sherry Senis, Deputy Mayor Ron Black, Coun. Mary Coulas and Coun. John Boyko for the announcement.
The funding for this project comes from the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund to upgrade two sections of sewer infrastructure and install a twin force main beneath the Otonabee River in the Lakefield South Development Area. These improvements will support sustainable growth by maintaining reliable wastewater services, reducing the risk of overflows, enhancing fire protection, and meeting increasing capacity demands as the population grows.
The government of Canada is investing $51 billion in a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation.
Harrison said, “It’s an honour to be here today as we continue to work to build a strong Canada, one that reflects our values, our ambitions, and our shared commitment to communities of every size in every region. At a time when communities across Canada are facing rising costs to improve, expand essential infrastructure, keep pays for the growing population, these upgrades are essential to maintaining the services that Canadians rely on every day and [help to] create additional housings supply... These investments will help ensure reliable Wastewater services for residents to reduce the risk of sewer overflows and enhance fire protection and provide the capacity needed to support the community as it continues to grow. By investing in essential infrastructure today, we are helping build a stronger, more sustainable future for Lakefield and the surrounding region.”
The infrastructure project is expected to start this fall, carrying into next year with completion expected around 2030.
Mayor Senis said that this announcement of $3.9 million was a great way to be ending her term on Council.
She said, “This funding, as you’ve heard, will support critical water and wastewater upgrades, including improvements to two sections of sewer infrastructure and the installation of a twin force main beneath the Otonabee river. It’s not sexy stuff, but I’ll tell you it’s something that we need here in our small rural community and without the federal and provincial governments, we wouldn’t be able to get this stuff done. While this infrastructure may not always be visible, it’s essential to the future of Lakefield.”
